In both men and women, the build-up of fatty pockets in the chest is common. It can begin during adolescence and intensify with age. Once noticed, this tissue can be resistant to even the most intense diet and exercise regimens.
When a man’s breasts become enlarged and/or misshapen, the condition is known as gynecomastia. Although harmless, gynecomastia makes a man look less “sculpted” or fit, interfering with his sense of masculinity.
Until now, the only way to eliminate male breasts has been through gynecomastia surgery, which requires anesthesia and a recovery period. Today, men have found an easier, faster solution in CoolSculpting.
CoolSculpting’s innovative technology lets patients eliminate fat deposits painlessly. While initially used on the stomach, CoolSculpting’s success in male breast reduction has gotten the attention of both plastic surgeons and men across the United States. Continue reading to see if CoolSculpting could help you achieve the body you want to flaunt at the beach or the boardroom.
How Does CoolSculpting® For Gynecomastia Work?
CoolSculpting—the world’s #1 non-surgical fat reduction treatment—freezes and destroys fat cells through the procedure known as cryolipolysis.
Scientists first discovered fat cells’ sensitivity to cold while researching, of all things, popsicles. Studies showed after holding a popsicle in their mouths for an extended period, children gained dimples due to a reduction of fat on the inside of their cheeks.
At precisely controlled temperatures, cold has the ability to kill fat cells. What’s more, because skin, muscles, and other tissues have a higher cold tolerance, CoolSculpting leaves them unaffected.
Fat’s unique vulnerability means it can be targeted, frozen, and destroyed—permanently. If you are among the millions of people struggling with stubborn fat in the breast, or other areas, Coolsculpting can help.
What Happens During a CoolSculpting Procedure?
Once you arrive at the Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville for your Coolsculpting procedure, we will go over your treatment plan and answer any questions.
You will then be brought to a comfortable chair, and your expert technician will apply and position an applicator to the targeted treatment area. Then, suction is turned on. The cooling will begin, and most of our patients say the sensation reminds them of an ice pack applied to the skin.
Though there may be some initial sting, after a few minutes, the area will become completely numb. From there, you are free to relax, listen to music, read, nap, or even get some work done on your laptop. After about 30 minutes, the treatment is complete.
We will remove the applicator, and your technician will gently massage the affected area for a few minutes.
While the underlying tissue and skin return to their normal temperature, some patients feel a bit of numbness around the area. In some cases, there may be a mild tingling sensation. Generally, any sensations only last for under an hour.
A small number of patients may feel some tingling for a few weeks while your body naturally eliminates the fat cells. Some people also experience slight soreness in the area, akin to the feeling you get after an intense workout.
If you want to target several areas with CoolSculpting, we may repeat this process. Once your treatment is complete, you are welcome to return to your typical routine or head back to work.
After eliminating unwanted fat, over the next few weeks, your body expels the dead cells naturally. Research has shown that CoolSculpting can reduce from 20 to 25 percent of the fat present. To get the best results, patients typically undergo one procedure and then wait the several weeks it takes for the body to expel the destroyed fat cells. They may then choose to undergo additional treatments to improve upon the initial results.
Does CoolSculpting Work?
Absolutely. Over 6 million treatment cycles have been performed worldwide.
CoolSculpting is the number one proven non-invasive means of reducing fat. Our patients are not only thrilled with the results. They are living proof of this treatment’s effectiveness, and what’s more, research backs up this procedure’s safety and outcomes.
Allergan, CoolSculpting’s manufacturer, completed two in-depth studies and found the procedure to result in a 20 to 25 percent fat reduction in targeted areas.
In addition, in 2015, an analysis published in the medical journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery looked at 19 studies and found patients lost on average, 15 to 30 percent of total fat volume in treated areas.
Over 70 peer-reviewed clinical publications found Coolsculpting to be safe and free of medically concerning side effects. Any complications or minor side effects are brief and mild.
When combined with exercise and a balanced diet, CoolSculpting results are permanent.
Common Questions About CoolSculpting for Gynecomastia
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Generally, each targeted area takes about one hour, so you can expect two hours to treat the entire chest. During the procedure, you can relax, work on a laptop, watch TV, or even nap.
Who Is a Good Candidate For CoolSculpting®?
CoolSculpting for gynecomastia is best suited to patients who:
- have small to modest male breasts, primarily composed of fatty tissue
- have breasts not caused by obesity
- want to avoid surgery
- can devote the time to several treatments (CoolSculpting generally takes at least two treatments scheduled several weeks apart).
In some cases, CoolSculpting is not effective due to anatomical factors. During your consultation, we will discuss all the options available and determine the best means of achieving your desired results.
When Will I Be Able to Return To My Regular Activities?
CoolSculpting for gynecomastia requires absolutely zero downtime. You will be able to leave our office post-procedure, return to work and resume all regular activity.
When Will I See Results?
Although patients may see some minimal results as soon as 3-4 weeks after treatment, the process of fat cell wall destabilization takes time. As such, it generally requires up to 12 weeks before you see the full benefits of your CoolSculpting procedure.
Within the first four to six weeks, you will begin to notice a visible reduction in the chest area. You can expect clothing to fit better, as well.
By 12 weeks, most patients will see the final results and experience a boost in confidence about your body.
Another considerable benefit of CoolSculpting is that once the fat is gone, it is gone for good. As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable weight, the results can last for years or even a lifetime.
Some patients choose to repeat the treatment in some areas. Your second CoolSculpting procedure will offer even greater results, eliminating an additional 20 to 25 percent of fat volume in the targeted areas.
If it is clear your case requires a more dramatic reduction, we may recommend a second procedure during your consultation.
Are CoolSculpting Results Permanent?
Yes. CoolSculpting offers permanent results. Any CoolSculpting eliminated fat cells are gone for good. As long as you maintain healthy eating and regular exercise, the reduced areas will maintain a sleeker shape.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Most patients experience no side effects from CoolSculpting.
However, some people will feel a slight tingling sensation or some numbness around the treated area for up to an hour following your procedure. The skin may become slightly flushed for a brief while.
In a small number of people, tingling sensations last longer, and may continue for a week or two as the fat cells disappear after a procedure.
What can CoolSculpting Treat?
CoolSculpting effectively reduces subcutaneous fat (directly beneath your skin) for most areas of the body. A good rule of thumb is: if you can pinch it, we can treat it.
The procedure is most commonly used to eliminate any excess fat on the thighs or around the waistline, also on upper arms and “love handles.”
Is There Downtime After CoolSculpting?
One of the reasons CoolSculpting has become so popular is that immediately following your treatment, you can return to your normal routine. There is absolutely zero downtime.
Feel free to plan a lunch, trip, or meeting right after your procedure.
Is CoolSculpting Safe?
CoolSculpting has been proven by several peer-reviewed studies to be safe. There will be no damage done to your skin, organs, or other tissues.
Coolsculpting is one of a kind—the only treatment that destroys fat through freezing.
It is both FDA-approved and tested for over ten years, ensuring its efficacy and safety.
What Happens to Treated Fat Cells?
After CoolSculpting, your body will naturally process the destroyed fat cells through metabolization, digestion, and the lymphatic drainage system.
What Happens to My Skin During and After CoolSculpting?
Another benefit of CoolSculpting is that it tightens the skin, meaning loose skin is generally not an issue after treatments.
Indeed, CoolSculpting is so effective in tightening skin it is FDA-approved for tightening the chin area for patients with excess fat or “double chins.”
How Many CoolSculpting Treatments Will I Need?
Most of our patients see results with one or two treatments.
During your consultation with us, we will determine a treatment plan to get you the results you desire.
Can I Receive Treatment the Same Day I Schedule?
Yes, if we have availability, we often see patients the same day they call.
Is CoolSculpting Expensive?
Because CoolSculptiing is non-invasive and performed in the comfort of our office, rather than at a hospital or surgery center—costs tend to be much lower than other methods of treating stubborn fat.
We are happy to discuss financing options and to build a plan to fit any lifestyle and budget. During your consultation, we will discuss all the available means of ensuring affordable treatment.
Can CoolSculpting Help Treat a Lump or Abnormality From Liposuction?
CoolSculpting is an ideal treatment for smoothing out any irregularities from liposuction. It is equally effective in correcting any leftover abnormal fat pockets from other surgical procedures.
Whatever your case may be, CoolSculpting offers permanent, natural-looking results.
How does CoolSculpting compare to Liposuction?
Liposuction is so effective (and so popular) as a method of reducing fat because it physically removes fat cells from the body. Until now, most men have resorted to liposuction to treat gynecomastia.
However, liposuction is an invasive procedure, requiring anesthesia and small surgical incisions, which result in insignificant but visible scars. Plus, it comes with a necessary recovery period of several months.
CoolSculpting, on the other hand, has been proven to effectively and permanently eliminate body fat without adverse risks or any of liposuction’s drawbacks.
Schedule a Consultation
Gynecomastia is a source of anxiety for many men. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you look without your shirt on or feel inadequate in your clothing.
With CoolSculpting for gynecomastia, you can achieve a more masculine physique. If you think this may be the right procedure for you, give our board-certified cosmetic surgeons a call at 615-467-6777 or schedule a consultation at our Nashville, TN, office today.