A Beginner's Guide to CoolSculpting

What to know before getting CoolSculpting

With so many body contouring procedures to choose from, it can be challenging to find one that’s actually safe and reputable. But that’s where CoolSculpting comes in. A non-surgical medical treatment that targets “pinchable fat”—small, stubborn pockets of fat that aren’t easily reduced with diet and exercise — CoolSculpting is a less invasive alternative to liposuction (without all the yucky risks involved).

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about CoolSculpting.

First things first: How does CoolSculpting work?

CoolSculpting uses cutting-edge technology by way of cryolipolysis, which is just a fancy term that means “fat freezing.” Essentially, CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling to freeze unwanted fat cells, which then crystallize and die off. Since fat is more sensitive to temperature changes than the skin, the surrounding tissue remains unaffected.

What happens to all those dead fat cells? Your body naturally and permanently eliminates them over several weeks to months after a CoolSculpting treatment.

What does a CoolSculpting treatment feel like?

CoolSculpting uses a variety of applicators to suction the skin and fat into a cooling cup, similar to a vacuum. When the applicator is first applied, it is common to feel a pulling or tugging sensation. Once the cooling begins, the area being treated will feel cold, similar to an ice pack! The area then goes numb, making the treatment completely tolerable. When the freezing process is complete, the area may feel a little stingy (but it’s only temporary) as the skin returns to its normal temperature. After a CoolSculpting treatment, the area might feel slightly tender for a few days, but most people find it pretty tolerable.

Which areas of the body does CoolSculpting work best on?

CoolSculpting is ideally performed over small, stubborn problem areas that you are having a difficult time reducing, despite following a diet and exercise regimen. The most popular treatment areas are the stomach, arms, love handles, and inner/outer thighs.

What kind of results are expected?

Each CoolSculpting procedure results in up to a 25 percent reduction in fat cells in the treatment area. Many people undergo multiple treatments to achieve their desired outcomes. Since your body eliminates fat cells in the weeks following a treatment, you might start to see changes as quickly as four weeks afterward. Most people experience noticeable results anywhere from one to four months post-treatment.

One thing to remember is that, even though the fat cells in the treatment area are permanently gone, untreated areas remain the same. This is why it is still important to continue with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

Are there any side effects?

All cosmetic treatments have potential side effects (even non-invasive ones). Possible mild side effects of CoolSculpting include bruising, tingling, numbness and soreness, which typically go away within a few days to a few weeks after treatment. This is why it’s so important to go to a reputable clinic. Administering CoolSculpting is an art form, and if poorly done, can lead to asymmetrical results.

Interested to learn more?

To learn more about CoolSculpting and other non-invasive body contouring treatments, visit LaserAway, the nation’s leading aesthetic dermatology provider, here.

References

“CoolSculpting: A Beginner’s Guide to the Fat Freezing Treatment,” Elle, January 27, 2020.
“Everything You Need to Know About CoolSculpting,” InStyle, May 14, 2017.