CoolSculpting expert Kelly Spiteri NP from Sandhurst Plastic Surgery answers all your fat-freezing questions about this groundbreaking treatment.

If you read our last post on CoolSculpting, you’ll know that we’re big fans of this impressive technology. And we’re not alone. CoolSculpting, a non-surgical treatment that uses freezing temperatures to destroy unwanted fat, is the world’s leader in fat reduction technology. More than 8 million treatments have been performed to date, its clinical efficacy has been published in over 60 medical journals and it owns a staggering 159 patents relating to fat-freezing, or cryolipolysis, technology. 

A series of quick and convenient in-clinic treatments results in fat layer reductions of up to 27% across multiple treatment areas, including the abdomen, love handles, bra rolls, inner and outer thighs, chin, knees and upper arms. All without any surgery, needles, downtime or hours at the gym.

But don’t just take our word for it. We chat with Kelly Spiteri from Sandhurst Plastic Surgery in Victoria, who is the first plastic surgery Nurse Practitioner in the country and one of the most experienced CoolSculpting providers in Australia with over 3,000 treatment cycles under her belt.

COOLSCULPTING Q&A WITH KELLY SPITERI, NP 

CB: CoolSculpting is continuing to see significant growth across the world. Why do you think it’s so popular?

KS: Definitely the results! They speak for themselves. CoolSculpting is accessible with no downtime – who wouldn’t want fat reduction results without the downtime of a surgical procedure?

CB: How long have you been using CoolSculpting? As a plastic surgery clinic, how does CoolSculpting fit into your practice? 

KS: We purchased our machine in April 2016. It’s a great fit in the practice. We are able to offer all surgical facets of plastic and reconstructive surgery as well as now the added bonus of CoolSculpting. Often patients find the results CoolScupting can achieve delays or even negates the need for surgery.

CB: What excites you most about the treatment?
KS: It’s quick, easy and it works! Simple!

CB: Are you seeing an uptake in men having the procedure?

KS: Absolutely! I think it’s a misconception that men don’t care about their appearance. We treat many men in our clinic. The most popular areas would be the chest and under the chin (submental region). They are so thrilled about the possibility of improving these areas without going under the knife or requiring time off work. Men are often self-conscious about removing their shirts at the beach or pool and often ridiculed for leaving their shirt on. CoolSculpting is a quick and effective way they can have the area improved. It can be a great confidence boost.

CB: What are the benefits of the CoolAdvantage applicators? 

KS: The CoolAdvantage applicators have meant we are able to treat patients faster and more comfortably. The original Legacy applicators were great, but one cycle took 60 minutes. The CoolAdvantage applicators reduce treatment time to 35 minutes, meaning we can even squeeze in a couple of cycles in a lunch break!

In my experience, just about any area of soft, pliable subcutaneous fat can be “CoolSculpted”. A correctly fitting and applied applicator to the area is a must though, which is where the expertise of your CoolSculpting clinician is key.

CB: Who is a good candidate? 

KS: Someone who is close to their ideal body weight has the greatest benefit. Generally, most people are suitable candidates if they have pockets of stubborn fat that don’t budge through diet and exercise. However, if there is a bulge that is bothering them and it’s deemed suitable, BMI really shouldn’t matter. Even a patient who is overweight may be a suitable candidate for a double chin or arm treatment, for example.

CB: When can you expect to see results?  

KS: Individual result times can vary slightly. Patients will normally see results as early as 6 weeks. Final results can take up to 12 weeks.

CB: What kinds of results are you seeing? 

KS: We are seeing amazing results in many areas. I would say that the most popular areas in our practice are the abdomen and chin. In fact, we have been published in the American Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2020) for our results in significant permanent reduction of submental fat. We have also recently been involved in a global study treating abdomen and flanks, with results indicating very satisfied patients.

CB: Is the treatment comfortable?

KS: Patients are pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the procedure is. Our patients usually read a book or browse social media during the session. In fact, most remark about what a pleasant experience it is having some quiet time!

COOLSCULPTING BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

Case Study 1

This patient had one session of CoolSculpting to her abdomen – 1 cycle of CoolAdvantage Plus to the lower abdomen and 2 CoolAdvantage Core cycles to the upper abdomen.

Case Study 2

This patient had 1 CoolSculpting treatment using the CoolAdvantage applicator fit to each thigh. These photos are 4 weeks post treatment.

Case Study 3

This patient had 1 CoolSculpting treatment using the CoolMini to the submental area.
The photos are before and 3 months following procedure.

Case Study 4

This patient wanted to feel more comfortable in shirts. She had 2 CoolSculpting treatments. These photos were taken prior, 3 months following the first cycle of the CoolFit applicator and 3 months following the second treatment of CoolFit.

About Sandhurst Plastic Surgery

Sandhurst Plastic Surgery is based in Bendigo and provides plastic and reconstructive surgery with a focus on bringing world-class care and treatments to central and regional Victoria. Dr Broughton Snell is the founding Specialist Plastic Surgeon who was raised in Bendigo and has returned after completing his education and training throughout Australia and the USA. Dr Alex Cameron, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, has recently joined the Sandhurst Plastic Surgery team after completing his FRACS along with his PhD in Adelaide. 

Sandhurst Plastic Surgery provides aesthetic services in a medically supervised environment and are proud to have this supported by Kelly Spiteri, who is the first Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner in the country and is one of the most experienced CoolScultping providers in Australia completing over 3,000 cycles.

For more information about the benefits of CoolSculpting or to find a clinic near you, visit www.coolsculpting.com.au.