RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Natalie Proviano
Independent Research G/T
2015-16
Title: Coolsculpting: How Does Cell Crystallization Work
Introduction and Overview of Research:
Coolsculpting because Liposuction has been the basis of fat reduction for the past 30-40 years.
After uncovering the primary factors in the differences, it has been determined that while they
result in the same outcome, thats really where their similarities end. My plans for future
investigation consist of studying the breakdown of a fat cell and what occurs when the cold
temperatures are applied to the skin. I can use meta analysis and observational study to answer
this question. By the end of researching, the goal is to be able to justify why cryolipolysis is
effective and how its possible to apply low temperatures to skin and only damage fat cells,
rather than causing trauma to other aspects of the body.
Background and Rationale
Liposuction has been ranked third on the list of most frequently performed surgical procedures in
the plastics field in 2014 and 2015 (Venkataram). Whereas the Coolsculpting procedure, under
the category of minimally invasive treatments/procedures does not rank at all. This is due to a
multitude of different factors. The most pressing being the general publics lack of knowledge on
this rather new opportunity at fat reduction. Coolsculpting has been around since 2012 but for
many people, it's been determined that they have heard of this product through radio advertising,
but have not expanded their knowledge any farther. This is unfortunate due to the fact that
Coolsculpting does in fact have the same effects as Liposuction, meaning its main purpose of
removing fat, but does also offer different opportunities.
This topic has been chosen because it will enable many people to to become more educated on
the opportunities mentioned earlier. The end result is reduced fat, but the approach is different.
Coolsculpting is a non-invasive procedure in which excess fat in smaller portions are removed
through freezing the fat cells in the adipose layer. The excess fat will then diminish. It is noninvasive and will not require surgery. This approach to fat removal cannot be applied to obese
people. It is strictly used on stubborn fat that cannot be removed by dieting or exercise
(Krueger). Fat freezes at 40 degrees fahrenheit whereas water freezes at 32 degrees fahrenheit.
This is the key to this treatment, if you apply 40 degrees fahrenheit to fat cells, they crystalize
and kill themselves off. This procedure takes place in increments of 45-60 minutes in which the
area of interest is found and put into this clamp that can almost double as a vacuum. It pulls the
layer of skin away from the Adipose tissue in order to get more direct contact (American Society
of Plastic Surgeons).

Research Methodology:
Research Question:
At the beginning of this course, the original question proposed was, after accepting liposuction as
the primary form of fat removal for the past 40 years, what does coolsculpting offer? And what
are the primary differences between the two?
After progressing farther and answering that question, the new focus is solely on the product of
Coolsculpting. This new focal point will be not only the treatment and collecting more
knowledge, but to also identify how this procedure works on a cellular level.
Research Thesis
If more people were educated on the different methods to fat removal, such as the newest
revolution in cosmetic plastic surgery, Coolsculpting, rates in procedures could increase. This
being due to the fact that Coolsculpting provides the opportunity to remove fat, but not requiring
the patient to undergo surgery, use of anesthetic, or any downtime. That being said, candidates
are permitted based on the structure of their fat.
Research Design Model: Meta Analysis
Descriptive research is the chosen design model and has been proceeded with qualitative
research. The main focus of research was originally comparing two procedures, but now that this
question can be easily answered, the new focus will be on the make up of a fat cell and what
allows cold temperatures to destroy them. The variables in this situation consist of the type of fat
that each participant has and the amount that they desire to remove. This is the most important
aspect of research because it determines whether or not the applicants are eligible for the
procedure.
Data Collection
The best way to demonstrate the meaning behind research on Coolsculpting and candidates in
which can be chosen to undergo it, comes down to their bodys fat type. Meaning whether they
have hard vs. soft fat or large vs. small amounts of fat. The best way to begin observing fat cells
would be observation on a microscopic level. After observing different fat cells, it will be much
easier to describe the freezing/crystallization of a fat cell that can lead to its detonation and
eventually cause it to diminish.
Product Objectives:
The product of my research will be in form of a pamphlet that will consist of the information that
I will have gathered from my studies. I have decided this outlet because it will allow me to target
a specific audience. For example, at mostly any form of doctors office, you will find
informational magazines or pamphlets in which other medical procedures are advertised as well
as some that consist of that specific doctors expertise. I know that I have access to professionals
within my community that would be open to my product being placed in their waiting room or

office. The specific, targeted audience of my product would be anyone interested in fat
removal/reduction. This factor doesn't really have an age limit. I hope to communicate my
findings to anyone that is not educated on this fairly new procedure by providing background
information, images of procedure results, diagrams of the phases on the cellular level, and
regurgitated statistics from professionals in the field of plastics.
Logistical Considerations:
A timeline will be added that outlines the data collection, product development, and audience
distribution.
Approval:

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Works Cited:
Krueger, Nils. "Cryolipolysis for Noninvasive Body Contouring." Clinical,
Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology: 1-47. Print. This article by
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "The American Society of Plastic Surgeons."
American Society of Plastic Surgeons: The Resource for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
N.p., 2009. Web. 10 Mar. 2016.
Venkataram, Jayashree. "Tumescent Liposuction: A Review." Journal of Cutaneous
and Aesthetic Surgery: 1-85. Print.