CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared treatment that removes visible fat bulges without the use of anesthesia, needles, or incisions. The procedure exposes fat to very cold temperatures, which destroys fat cells. The body then naturally eliminates the fat cells to reveal a slimmer, more contoured physique.
CoolSculpting is not a weight loss plan and it does not replace diet and exercise for weight loss, but the non-invasive procedure reduces the thickness of the fat layer in the inner and outer thigh, abdomen, sides, upper arms, and chin.
To perform the CoolSculpting procedure, the provider uses a handheld device, which contains two applicators that look similar to the nozzles of a vacuum cleaner. The device contains cooling and suction technology that exposes fat cells to very cold temperatures.
The provider applies a gel pad to the treatment area before applying the device. The CoolSculpting professional then moves the device over the patient’s skin while applying the cooling and suction technology to the target area.
During treatment, the patient will experience a slight sucking sensation as the applicator adheres to the body, and then feel a cooling effect. Some patients may experience tugging, mild pinching, pulling, intense cold, tingling, aching, stinging, and cramping at the treatment site. These temporary sensations subside as the treatment area becomes numb.
CoolSculpting works by exposing fat cells to very cold temperatures, which destroys the fat cells. The body then absorbs the treated fat cells.
This non-invasive, non-surgical treatment removes fat from nearly every part of the body. Many people benefit from CoolSculpting double chin treatments, for example, while CoolSculpting neck treatments help contour the neck area. CoolSculpting chin treatments remove excess fat from the jawline and chin area. CoolSculpting arms provide a contoured appearance in the upper body. CoolSculpting stomach fat can slim the waistline for a trimmer profile while CoolSculpting thighs and CoolSculpting legs can make someone look better in shorts or skirts.
Side effects may include temporary redness or swelling. Other CoolSculpting side effects may include blanching, bruising, firmness of the skin, stinging or tingling, tenderness, aching or cramping, skin sensitivity, or itching. Patients who undergo CoolSculpting of the chin or neck may experience a sensation of fullness in the back of their throat.
CoolSculpting results vary from person to person, but the technique provides great results for almost everyone that undergoes the procedure. 79 percent of people who undergo the procedure said they saw an improvement in the way their clothes fit, according to a CoolSculpting survey.
The length of a session depends on the size of the treatment area. CoolSculpting treatment takes between one and three hours. Many patients listen to music, read, or work on a computer tablet, or smartphone during the treatment.
Patients who undergo CoolSculpting face little to no recovery time. Most people can resume their everyday activities one day after the procedure.
Most people start to see changes in the treatment area as soon as 1 to 3 months after CoolSculpting. It may take 6 months or more to see the final results.
The number of treatments a patient may need depends largely on the treatment area and the individual’s goals and physiology. Most patients can expect to see up to 20 to 25 percent fat reduction in the treated area after just one treatment. CoolSculpting providers work with each patient to determine if additional treatments are necessary to reach a desired goal.
Clinical trials demonstrate the safety of CoolSculpting, and the FDA has cleared CoolSculpting to treat nine different areas of the body. More than 8 million people around the world have undergone CoolSculpting, making it a very popular choice for reducing the appearance of fat in targeted areas.
The procedure is not for everyone, though – people who have certain medical conditions, such as cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, should not undergo CoolSculpting. A CoolSculpting provider can help patients determine if the procedure is right for them.
It is possible for some patients to feel the pain associated with the cooling sensations from the freezing applicator during the procedure. The cooling action of CoolSculpting also numbs the area, which reduces discomfort.
Because the procedure destroys fat cells in the treatment area, the effects of CoolSculpting last forever – the treated fat cells never come back. However, patients who gain weight may see fatty tissue redevelop, as fat cells near the treatment area may increase in size and edge into the area treated.
A consultation with a CoolSculpting provider is the first step toward resolving troublesome areas of fat. The provider will review the patient’s medical history and perform a thorough assessment to determine if the patient is a good candidate for CoolSculpting treatment. The provider may also help the patient determine if any other areas of the body could benefit from CoolSculpting.
For more information about CoolSculpting, contact the Center for Dermatology & Laser Surgery. Our dedicated staff can help you determine if CoolSculpting is right for you.