Cryolipolysis: Info, Prices, Photos, Reviews, Q&A

As with a number of procedures a very important part of the procedure is determing who will and who will not benefit. This should absolutely be performed by a qualified and expereienced physician.

In fact Zeltiq, the manufacturer of the device has certified some practices that have gone through extra training and achieved special listing as a CoolSculpting Certified practice (this information can be obtained from the company’s website).

Once it has been determined that one is a good candidate I feel that although ancillary staff can assist in preparing the patient for the procedure, the physician should be intimately involved in choosing the proper placement of the applicator in order to maximize the patient’s outcome. (Ted Brezel, MD, Long Island Dermatologic Surgeon)

Coolscultpting and Certification of Training

Coolsculpting certified practices receive special training with hours of supervision from the company. I personally believe that the physician should evaluate all new coolsculpting patients.

There is a learning curve to this procedure and nurses can perform this procedure in a doctor’s office if they are properly trained and supervised by a physician.

Please be certain to consult a board certified dermatologist with expertise in coolsculpting for the best cosmetic results. (Michele S. Green, MD, New York Dermatologist)

CoolSculpting should be done with physician supervision.

The results on CoolSculpting can depend on the expertise of the personnel doing the treatment. Our office has done over 800 treatments. Every patient is evaluated by a physician (myself). Treatment can be a team effort with PA’s or RN’s assisting in marking and applying the CoolSculpting handpiece as well as removing the handpiece at the end of treatment.

I would recommend that a physician be involved at the evaluation stage at a minimum to ensure the ideal treatment is being performed effectively and safely. (Susan Van Dyke, MD, Paradise Valley Dermatologic Surgeon)

Finding a Qualified CoolSculpting Practicioner

CoolSculpting is not reserved for doctors; those who complete the training offered by Zeltiq can perform the treatment. To find a certified practitioner in your area, visit the CoolSculpting website. (Daniel Shapiro, MD, Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon)

Qualification to Operate the Coolsculpting Machine

Coolsculpting is a class 2 device which requires that any one working with the machine to be under physician supervision.

Unfortunately, physician supervision varies from state to state, and applied differently in each area. I believe that it is my responsibility to be hands on in charge of each phase of the process from examination, consultation, marking, treatment, and post operative care.

I will utilize trained people but they need to meet my quality standards. It is important to constantly review your standards to determine if there ways to increase the efficacy, safety, and comfort of the procedure for patients. (Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS, West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon)

CoolSculpting Can Be Operated By Healthcare Providers – Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, or Physician Assistants

Coolsculpting is usually performed by a healthcare provider who is under the supervision of a physician. This includes nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants who manage the coolsculpting machinery and apply applicator heads. Decisions regarding patient selection and formulation of a treatment plan are made by the supervising physician.

This physician would perform a comprehensive evaluation on the patient before proceeding with intervention. This approach ensures appropriate patient selection and optimizes results. It’s important to understand that coolsculpting may not necessarily be the best choice for some patients.

It’s therefore important, to see a physician who is familiar with the complete range of therapeutic options. (Richard J. Bruneteau, MD, Omaha Plastic Surgeon)

Coolsculpting Center of Excellence

We suggest you find a Coolsculpting Center of Excellence. This means that the physician has undergone rigorous training, testing, and treated numerous patients. This is probably the best way to find a Coolsculpting center. (Steven Hacker, MD, West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon)

Training for performing Coolsculpting Procedure

Zeltiq will only sell this machine to medical doctors but they will come in and train the staff to perform the procedure. The doctor and staff will go through training (written as well as practical/ hands on) prior to being able to perform the procedure.

I examine all potential patients in my practice to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure and then either myself or my staff will administer the procedure once the patient decides to return for treatment. (Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)

Doctors and selective properly trained staff can operate a Coolsculpting Machine.

When patients are evaluated as potential candidates for Coolsculpting treatment, they should be seen by a licensed medical provider such as an MD, DO, or PA-C. However, at the time of treatment, the applicator may be applied by a non-medical provider as long as the medical provider has cleared the patient for treatment and identified the area to be treated.

A properly trained nurse, esthetician, or cosmetologist may safely apply the treatment tip to the treatment area as designated by the medical provider. (Amy Forman Taub, MD, Chicago Dermatologic Surgeon)