Sometimes, working out and following a healthy diet are simply not enough when it comes to getting rid of stubborn fat, which is typically located in the abdomen, waist and hips, and which we often refer to as ‘fat rolls’, ‘love handles’ and ‘saddlebags’.

Zeltiq CoolSculpting is a new technology which has recently arrived in Spain and which makes it possible to eliminate stubborn fat. It is an FDA-approved, non-surgical treatment which involves the freezing and elimination of fat cells.

Only five machines in Spain
There are only five Zeltiq CoolSculpting machines in Spain (in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Marbella); two are located in Marbella at the Cirumed Clinic, founded by Dr. Alexander Aslani, who is also Head of the Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery of the Quiron Hospital, Malaga and Marbella.

Zeltiq CoolSculpting at the Cirumed Clinic
Dr. Aslani has carried out numerous operations in a career spanning 20 years, performing cutting edge operations and specialising in the Brazilian butt lift, body contouring and other autologous fat transfer procedures. At Cirumed, he is joined by Jeannine Aslani, a surgical nurse, wound specialist and aesthetics expert who has honed her craft in operating theatres for 15 years and who now specialises in non-surgical procedures such as facial fillers, the Cube laser treatment (to eliminate scarring) and CoolSculpting, which she speaks to us about today…

What is the Zeltiq CoolSculpting procedure?
– Zeltiq CoolSculpting is the only FDA-approved, non-surgical fat reduction treatment that freezes and eliminates stubborn fat which resists all efforts through diet and exercise. The procedure is extremely safe and the effects are noticeable and long-lasting.

How was the Zeltiq CoolSculpting technique developed?
–  It was developed by Harvard scientists, who noticed that children who frequently ate popsicles, developed dimples. Controlled cooling (or cryolipolysis) was originally aimed at targeting cancer cells in laboratory rats, yet scientists noted that the rats actually lost fat cells instead. The Zeltiq CoolSculpting technique works on this principle, using patented technology to freeze and eliminate unwanted fat cells without harming the skin.

What is so special about the Zeltiq CoolSculpting machine?
– The ‘Freeze Detect’ system, which is patented by Zeltiq. ‘Freeze Detect’ enables us to impart powerful freezing energies to subcutaneous fat deposits without damaging skin. Be very careful of counterfeit devices purporting to be FDA-approved. If it is not Zeltiq, it is not FDA-approved; without the ‘Freeze Detect’ system, it is neither as efficient, nor as safe. Zeltiq CoolSculpting is unique in that instead of applying cold to the fat cells, it absorbs the heat from the fat cells themselves, which guarantees a safe and highly effective result.

What can I do to ensure I am receiving the authentic treatment?
–Zeltiq maintains a web list of all its registered centres in Europe, which you can consult on www.zeltiq.com. If a centre is not on the list, it is not a Zeltiq original.

Who is the ideal candidate for Zeltiq CoolSculpting?
– The ideal candidate for the treatment is someone who has a few kilos of stubborn fat to lose; this is not a weight loss solution for those who are obese. At Cirumed, typical clients are sporty people who, despite their greatest efforts, have an area or two of fat they simply cannot get rid of, or clients who simply do not wish to have surgery. Zeltiq CoolSculpting takes between one and three hours per session, and because it is completely non-invasive, people can return to work straight after, or do a bit of sightseeing if they are tourists, as there is absolutely no down-time involved.

What areas does Zeltiq CoolSculpting target?
– The Zeltiq Machine has a number of different applicators which vary in size and target different areas. At the moment, the only areas we cannot address (simply because the relevant applicators have not been developed yet) are the double chin and the knees. Zeltiq is constantly creating new applicators, though and we estimate that by 2015, we will be able to treat these areas.

What results can I expect?
– You can expect noticeable, long-lasting results. Unlike dieting, the treatment actually eliminates fat cells for good. As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and don’t start consuming an unhealthy diet, the results should last for a lifetime. If you happen to gain weight down the road, you will gain it evenly throughout the body, not just in the treated areas.

How much does the procedure cost?
– This depends on how many applicators you need. The Zeltiq CoolSculpting machine contains applicators for different areas so it would depend on the number and size of the areas you are targeting.

How many sessions will I need?
– One or two, depending on the amount of fat being targeted. If a second session is needed, it is performed one month after the first.

What happens during the treatment?
– Once we have photographed you and marked the areas to be targeted, we apply a gel pad to your skin then commence the treatment. The applicators draw the bulge up between two panels and the sensation is similar to a firm pull. Many clients take the opportunity to read, use the computer, or make a phone call while they are having the treatment; others opt for one of Cirumed’s special beauty packages, and have other treatments done (such as endolifting, Fraxel laser or facial filers) while they are having the treatment. After one to three hours, the treatment is over.

Is there any pain involved?
– The treatment isn’t painful; the sensation is similar to when your hand or foot falls asleep; it can feel a little numb for a few minutes. Typical side effects may include a little redness, swelling or bruising, though the extent of these depends on how sensitive a person’s skin is.

How soon will I notice the changes?
– After about three weeks, you may begin to notice a few changes though by about two months after the procedure, you will really notice the difference. Bear in mind that the body will continue to flush out the fat cells for up to six months after the treatment.

How can I see the results?
– Just take a look at our website for ‘before and after’ images and you will be amazed by the big changes you can achieve.

Do I need to take special supplements or follow a particular diet or exercise regime after the treatment?
– No supplements are needed, nor do we ask patients to follow a particular diet or exercise programme. However, we notice that the treatment is incredibly inspiring for patients and the more they see the results, the more motivated they become to work out and eat healthily.

What would you say to someone who was considering trying Zeltiq CoolSculpting for the first time?
– That we only have one body and one life and if something has been bothering them for a long time and they have tried everything they can to get rid of unwanted fat to no avail, that Zeltiq CoolSculpting is a gentle, safe and highly efficient way to obtain the results they have always dreamed of, with no downtime, no pain and no need for any medication afterwards. This revolutionary technique is making life better for countless people around the world; why shouldn’t you be one of them?

See gallery examples of Zeltiq Coolsculpting on www.cirumed.es

For more information on Zeltiq Coolsculpting, contact Cirumed Clinic Marbella on +34 607307515 or email on contact@cirumed.es.