At the Center for Aesthetic and Laser Medicine (CALM) in Tyler, we offer a complete range of dermatology solutions that make use of the latest in state-of-the-art technology. These advanced technologies help to ensure our patients are satisfied with both their treatment processes and their beautiful results. CoolTone is one of the latest treatment options we’ve incorporated into our practice. In order to provide safe, comfortable, and effective treatments, our team of dermatologists receives advanced training and experience using these innovative technologies. At CALM in Tyler, Dr. Jennifer Holman has learned the ins and outs of CoolTone treatment and taken the time to answer some of the questions we hear most often from patients interested in that service. According to Dr. Holman, “We know patients have a lot of questions before scheduling a new treatment like CoolTone, and we’re always happy to answer them.” In this blog, Dr. Holman will go over some basics about CoolTone and answer some commonly asked questions.
What is CoolTone?
From Allergan, the makers of CoolSculpting, CoolTone is a new body sculpting technology. Unlike CoolSculpting, CoolTone does not use cold to freeze away fat cells. Instead, CoolTone uses magnetic pulses to strengthen muscles. According to Dr. Holman, “By deeply contracting the muscles, the CoolTone system increases muscle firmness and can improve the overall appearance of parts of the body that are sometimes difficult to firm up no matter how hard you work.”
Who is a Candidate for CoolTone Treatment?
CoolTone is a safe, comfortable, non-invasive treatment that is a good option for many individuals who need help toning muscles in areas that are often difficult to firm with exercise alone. CoolTone is ideally used to tone the muscles in the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Currently, the device is only FDA cleared to address these specific areas, but further research and approvals are in progress for additional treatment areas. It is not intended for weight loss or fat removal, so those who choose to move forward with CoolTone treatment should be close to their ideal body weight. As long as the patient is in relatively good health, CoolTone should be perfectly safe.
Women who are menstruating or close to their cycle may notice increased cramping or they may begin menstruating more quickly when the abdomen is treated. For this reason, women are encouraged to schedule their CoolTone treatments during the week immediately following the end of their menstrual cycles.
CoolTone treatment is not recommended for those with any of the following characteristics:
- Electronic devices (pacemakers, defibrillators, etc.)
- Metal implants, near the treatment area
- Diminished sensation, near the treatment area
- Some rare medical conditions (Grave’s Disease, bleeding disorders, seizure disorders)
- Pregnancy
What Happens Before CoolTone Treatment?
As Dr. Holman explained, “We always start the treatment process with a consultation visit. This gives patients an opportunity to ask questions, discuss their treatment goals, and review any health concerns that may impede the safety or efficacy of treatment.” If you determine that CoolTone is the right treatment option, we’ll schedule your appointment. We call CoolTone sessions “lunch break” appointments because they’re quick and you can go right back to your daily routine afterward. In most cases, patients are only in our office for one to two hours (from check-in to check-out).
What is the CoolTone Process Like?
At your CoolTone treatment session, we’ll take images and measurements to gauge your progress over time. The CoolTone process is completely comfortable, so there’s no need for anesthesia or topical numbing. We just directly apply the CoolTone applicator to the target area. At the very beginning of treatment, you may notice some discomfort that is similar to that of a vigorous workout. As treatment continues, this sensation will diminish.
According to Dr. Holman, “CoolTone uses a technology called magnetic muscle stimulation, or MMS for short. It sounds complicated, but the procedure is pretty simple. The small handheld applicator is placed on the target area. We use an attached computer to monitor and control the release of energy that causes the muscles to contract, and we can even see exactly which muscle groups are moving with each contraction. The computer ensures an even distribution of energy flow, which improves the overall comfort of treatment and prevents side effects like rash and skin irritation. Because the MMS pulses contract the muscles much more deeply than your muscles can on their own, even areas that have been very resistant to toning with exercise will show major improvement in firmness, tone, and definition with CoolTone treatment.”
What Happens After CoolTone Treatment?
After your treatment session, you may notice some muscle soreness or cramping, but most people say it is similar to the discomfort experienced after a workout. This should be mild and diminish quickly. Some patients may experience skin redness, swelling, and muscle spasms immediately after treatment that cease within 24 hours. If you’re ever concerned about side effects, call the office right away.
How Long Before I See Improvement?
After your CoolTone session, we’ll schedule a follow-up visit a few weeks out. We’ll take more pictures to compare to the original images and help up determine how much progress you’ve made since your treatment visit. Many people think that CoolTone didn’t work because it can take weeks for the results to be noticeable as the muscles continue to grow and strengthen. You’ll see the maximum results between two and four months after treatment.
How Many CoolTone Treatments do I Need?
Dr. Holman says, “The vast majority of our patients complete four sessions before they achieve their desired results, but some people are happy after one treatment. We can offer as many as eight sessions. Simply put, we completely customize the treatment plan to your individual needs and goals.”
Are the Results of CoolTone Permanent?
The added muscle definition and tone will typically diminish over time, but most people are able to extend their results with regular exercise and periodic retreatment. Depending on the individual, we may recommend CoolTone retreatment one to four times a year. According to Dr. Holman, “One great benefit of CoolTone is increased fat metabolism. The CoolTone process actually, permanently improves your body’s ability to keep off stubborn fat deposits, which will naturally improve the tone and shape of your muscles.”
How do I Get Started?
At CALM in Tyler, we make it easy to schedule your appointment. Using our simple online form, you can get all of the necessary information to our team, so we can streamline the scheduling process on our end. Once we get your online form, one of our friendly team members will be in touch to finalize your appointment details.
