New procedure freezes away fat

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Turkey and stuffing aren't the only leftovers after the holiday. Many people struggle with leftover weight gain. And if you're still trying to work off the pounds from last Thanksgiving, there's a new twist on a technique that freezes the fat.

Rowing burns plenty of calories, but for Leighann Spivey, the exercise hasn't been enough to tone a stubborn area of her body.

"My legs have always been a point contention for me. No matter how much I exercise or diet, they never shape the way I want them to shape. Specifically, what I call the saddle bags," said Spivey.

To smooth out her leg and hip area, Spivey turned to Dr. Kamakshi Zeidler and a method called Cool Sculpting, designed to freeze fat and melt inches away.

"Cool Sculpting is really new and innovative, and has a track record of good results," said Zeidler.

The original version of Cool Sculpting was introduced two years ago and was designed mainly for the "love handles" area around the waist. The doctor says it works by killing fat cells with cold, then letting the body's endocrine system wash them away. But the manufacturer, Zeltiq, recently made an improvement, adding a redesigned applicator that can target the hip and thigh areas.

"It's different. It doesn't require a strong suction pressure to draw the tissue between two plates," said Zeidler. "Instead, it's one flat plate curved to fit the contour of the thigh. The treatment is slightly longer, two hours instead of one hour."

To make the best use of that time, applicators are placed on both thighs at once. The system slowly decreases the temperature without burning the skin.

Spivey says the best part is that no one knows she's had the procedure.

"So for me it has to do with down time. I'm a business owner, don't have time to take off," she said.

"That's the great thing about Cool Sculpting, no down time, they can walk out of here, they can work out no down time," said Zeidler.

Spivey is hoping to see about a 25-percent reduction over the first two months, and plans to have a second treatment after that. Her goal is to be able to wear pencil skirts.

Zeidler says Cool Sculpting is for patients who want some shaping in certain areas. While it's much less invasive than liposuction, the results are not as dramatic.