CoolSculpting®

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate stubborn fat cells.

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About CoolSculpting®

Overview

CoolSculpting is best suited for individuals who have localized areas of excess fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Specifically, it’s geared to those with stable body weight but who still struggle with specific “problem areas” such as belly fat, love handles, thigh fat, or double chin.

CoolSculpting targets and eliminates fat cells in the treated area, resulting in a more sculpted appearance.

Pros

Non-invasive: This non-surgical procedure does not require any incisions or anesthesia, making it a safer alternative to traditional liposuction.
Minimal downtime: Unlike invasive fat reduction procedures, CoolSculpting has minimal downtime. Most people can return to their normal activities immediately after the treatment.
Targeted fat reduction: CoolSculpting specifically targets and eliminates fat cells in the treated area, resulting in a more sculpted appearance. It allows for precise contouring of stubborn fat pockets.
Long-lasting results: Once the fat cells are eliminated through the CoolSculpting process, they are gone for good. Still, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent new fat cells from forming.
Versatility: CoolSculpting offers flexibility in targeting different problem areas, including the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, chin, and back.

Cons

Limited fat reduction: While CoolSculpting can effectively reduce localized fat deposits, it may not be suitable for substantial weight loss or overall body contouring.
Temporary side effects: Common side effects of CoolSculpting include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, numbness, and discomfort in the treated area. These usually resolve on their own within a few days or weeks.
Multiple sessions: Depending on the individual and the desired outcome, multiple CoolSculpting sessions may be needed to achieve optimal results.
Results take time: The full results of CoolSculpting may take several weeks or even months to become noticeable. Patience is required as the body naturally eliminates the treated fat cells.
Not suitable for everyone: CoolSculpting may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. It’s important to consult with a qualified provider to determine if you are a good candidate.

What to Expect

What to expect with the procedure?

Any procedure is less daunting when you know what to expect. Learn more below.

Consultation: The first step is a consultation with a trained CoolSculpting provider. The provider will assess your body and discuss your goals to determine if CoolSculpting is the right treatment for you.
Treatment Planning: Once you decide to proceed, the provider will create a customized treatment plan. They will identify the areas to be treated and discuss how many sessions may be required. Most treatment sessions are spaced 30-60 days apart.
Treatment Session: You will be seated or lying down comfortably. The targeted area will be marked, and a gel pad will be applied to protect your skin. Then, the CoolSculpting applicator will be placed on the area, and controlled cooling will be applied.
Cold Sensation and Numbness: As the cooling begins, you may experience an intense cold sensation initially, which can be uncomfortable and even painful to some patients. However, this typically subsides within a few minutes as the area becomes numb. This numbing effect helps ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Treatment Duration: Each CoolSculpting session typically lasts around 35-60 minutes, depending on the size and number of areas being treated. You can read, work, or relax during the session, as the procedure is non-invasive and requires no downtime.

Recovery

What are the common side effects?

The side effects of CoolSculpting can vary depending on the area being treated. Here are some common side effects associated with different areas:

Abdomen: Temporary redness, bruising, numbness, tenderness, mild stomach cramping, or bloating may occur after CoolSculpting treatment on the abdomen.
Thighs: Redness, bruising, numbness, tenderness, a sensation of heaviness, or tingling in the legs may occur in the treated areas of the thighs.
Flanks (love handles): Temporary swelling, redness, bruising, numbness, or tenderness may occur after CoolSculpting on the flanks.
Chin: Temporary redness, bruising, swelling, numbness, or tenderness may occur after CoolSculpting treatment on the chin. Some people also feel a sensation of fullness or slight difficulty swallowing.
Upper Arms: Temporary redness, swelling, bruising, and numbness may occur in the treated area after CoolSculpting on the upper arms. Some may experience sensations of pulling, tugging or coldness, but these discomforts are generally well tolerated.
Bra Fat: Temporary side effects such as redness, swelling, bruising, and numbness may occur after CoolSculpting on the bra fat area. Results may vary, and multiple treatments might be needed to achieve desired outcomes, especially in areas with thicker fat deposits.
Buttock Rolls: Temporary swelling, redness, bruising, and numbness may occur in the treated area after CoolSculpting treatment on buttock rolls.

Side effects are generally mild and temporary, and most patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. However, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional who can give personalized information and guidance based on your specific situation.

CoolSculpting is not intended for significant weight loss but rather for reducing stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.

*Finally, one potential side effect of CoolSculpting treatment is PAH (paradoxical adipose hyperplasia), which is an increase in fatty tissue at the treatment site. In reported cases, PAH occurred 2 to 5 months post-procedure after an initial fat reduction. The manufacturer states that PAH has been estimated to occur in 1 out of every 3,000 treatment cycles (an incidence of 0.033%).

Results

The results are not immediate and typically take time to become noticeable. Most individuals start to see changes in their body shape within 3 to 4 weeks after the treatment. However, it’s important to note that the full results may take up to two to three months to become apparent.

During the first few weeks post-treatment, some patients experience a temporary increase in fat cell inflammation. This is known as “paradoxical adipose hyperplasia,” and can make the treated area appear larger. This, however, is a rare side effect. In general, patients can expect a gradual reduction in the treated area’s volume over time as the body naturally eliminates the targeted fat cells.

Individual results can vary based on factors such as the person’s metabolism, body composition, and adherence to a healthy lifestyle. Clinical trials show a reduction of 20%-25% in fat layer thickness after a single treatment. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help optimize and maintain the results achieved through CoolSculpting.

It is also not intended to tighten loose skin, but it is reported that some degree of tightening of skin is seen after each CoolSculpting treatment. This claim is supported by a study in the “Aesthetic Journal” in 2021, which found a notable increase in Type I collagen in the skin after cryolipolysis treatment.

Multiple sessions may be required to achieve desired results. Each session typically lasts about 35-60 minutes. CoolSculpting is not a weight loss procedure but rather a fat reduction treatment.

Safety Profile

Who is a good candidate for CoolSculpting?

People who are close to their ideal weight but wish to target “problem areas” such as:

abdomen
flanks (love handles)
thighs (inner and outer)
bra and back fat
upper arms
chin
buttock rolls

Prior to undergoing the treatment, a consultation with a qualified CoolSculpting provider is necessary to determine if you are a suitable candidate.

Cost

$1,000-$7,000 per session. Prices vary depending on the area and location or if they are sold in packages.

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