Ultimate Guide on Weight Loss Injections or Coolsculpting: How to Choose the Best for Me
The only thing that might be more difficult than losing weight is shuffling through the hundreds of ways to get the job done. Fad diets, trending injections, non-surgical fat reduction – there is a lot to choose from!
This “Ultimate Guide on Weight Loss Injections or CoolSculpting: How to Choose the Best for Me” should help!
While fads are rarely if ever recommended, tried-and-true solutions such as weight loss injections and CoolSculpting have proven their worth. Both are considered safe, but these treatments aren’t suitable for everyone. Here’s what you need to know about choosing between the two!
What Are Weight Loss Injections?
Currently, the most popular treatments are Wegovy and Ozempic, which are made with semaglutide, and lipotropic injections (composed of nutrients and various B vitamins).
For these to be effective, they have to be taken on a strict schedule, and their effects are very short-lived after you stop them. In fact, a report from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who took Wegovy regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost when they stopped taking the medication. That’s a lot of weight to gain after a lot of expense and hard work!
Weight loss injections tend to have unpleasant side effects as well. The most common are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, and headaches. These often last for weeks. It hardly seems worth it to put your body through such trauma.
In some cases, you could end up doing the injections on your own at home. Unless you’re comfortable with that, it could be quite intimidating, scary, and painful.
Who Can Benefit Most From Weight Loss Injections?
If you have significant weight to lose and a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher, or if your BMI is 27 or higher and you have other obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, you will benefit more from weight loss injections than you will from CoolSculpting.
When Will I See Results Once I Start Weight Loss Injections?
Many people experience initial results within the first two to four weeks, achieving a weight loss of approximately 2% to 4% of their body weight. During clinical trials, patients demonstrated significant weight loss, with at least a 5% reduction after eight weeks of treatment.
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
An FDA-approved, non-invasive fat reduction method, this fat blasting treatment relies on freezing temperatures to break down fat cells. Unlike other cells, fat cells are more susceptible to cold, sparing damage to the skin or underlying tissue.
What Happens During CoolSculpting?
During the procedure, your provider uses an applicator to vacuum and cool the targeted fatty tissue, resulting in a numbing sensation and cooling effect. A single session can last 35 to 60 minutes, depending on the targeted area. Since there is no harm to the skin or tissue, there is no downtime required after the treatment.
Are There Side Effects Associated With CoolSculpting?
Unlike weight loss injections, the side effects of CoolSculpting are minor and last only a few days. It’s possible to experience redness, stinging, tingling, mild discoloration, swelling, and itchiness. None of the effects are serious, and they certainly won’t interrupt your life by having to run to the bathroom all day and night!
Does It Take Long to See CoolSculpting Results?
It’s impossible to lose weight overnight, no matter what method you choose. You can expect to see initial results in about two to three weeks. You can also look forward to continuous improvement gradually throughout the coming months as dead fat cells are expelled from your body. Final results can be seen several months after your last session.
How Many CoolSculpting Sessions Will I Need?
This might be the clincher when it comes to the “Ultimate Guide on Weight Loss Injections or Coolsculpting: How to Choose the Best for Me.”
With injections, you’ll need to see your provider weekly for the duration of your treatment plan, which could last a year or longer. That is, if you’re not doing them yourself.
CoolSculpting is different. Depending on the size of the area you wish to treat, you might only need one session. For example, if your goal is to get rid of a double chin, you may have a one-and-done visit. However, larger areas like the back or abdomen might require two to three sessions.
The point is, there is a light at the end of the tunnel with CoolSculpting. It’s a plan you can finish relatively quickly and not have to worry about weekly appointments and constant medical monitoring disrupting your schedule.
How Do I Keep the Weight Off?
Understand, there is no miracle when it comes to losing extra pounds. Choose your treatment, but remember it’s not magic. You’ll still need to put in the work!
No matter what method you choose, it’s a good idea to already have developed habits beneficial to your overall health. Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals. Stay hydrated. Engage in regular exercise. A healthy lifestyle is really the only way to enjoy your efforts to lose weight indefinitely.
What About the Cost of Weight Loss Injections vs CoolSculpting?
If you opt for weight loss injections that are not covered by insurance, you can pay $1,000 or more per treatment. Imagine doing that for 68 weeks!
If you choose CoolSculpting, you’re looking at about $600 to $2,000 per session. The amount you pay does depend on the size of the area(s) you are treating and other variables. Treatment is usually made affordable by discounts, specials, and financing so always ask your provider what’s available.
What Should I Expect During a CoolSculpting Consultation?
You will still need a medical evaluation to ensure CoolSculpting is safe for you, but a certified specialist is knowledgeable and equipped to do that.
Be ready to discuss your medical history including health conditions, current medications, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug usage.
It’s important to speak openly about your body goals and expectations as well so your provider can work with you to ensure you’re a good candidate and develop a treatment plan. Most healthy adults within 20 pounds of their goal weight and with a pinchable inch of fat in the targeted area are eligible.
Take advantage of this time to ask questions too. From how the procedure works to the results to expect and payment. Be sure to write them all down and take the list with you.
Here’s the Bottom Line on the Ultimate Guide on Weight Loss Injections or CoolSculpting: How to Choose the Best for Me
The truth is it comes down to personal choice, weighing the pros and cons of each one, and meeting with someone qualified to help you make the right choice for your specific needs.
If you’re interested in weight loss injections, you’ll need to make an appointment with your primary care doctor or another licensed healthcare professional to find out if you qualify. If you’re ready to try CoolSculpting, then all it takes is a consultation with a certified specialist who has experience and training with the technology.
Get Rid of Unwanted Fat and Achieve Your Ideal Contour Here at Cool Contours!
We are THE premier non-invasive fat-reduction center in Northern Virginia and beyond. Our staff of certified CoolSculpting specialists has the expertise to ensure you get the amazing results you desire.
Make today you contact us to book your consultation. Let’s talk about your goals and how we can customize a treatment plan just for you. Give us a call at 703-574-3007 now to get started!