Fact vs. Fiction: 5 Common Myths About CoolSculpting Debunked

CoolSculpting myths and facts

Many claims in the health and wellness world sound too good to be true, like cellulite creams, at-home laser hair removal systems, and detox foot pads. But luckily, that’s not the case for everything. CoolSculpting, a non-invasive, fat-freezing treatment, is actually highly safe and effective at eliminating stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise. It does exactly what it says. That being said, there are a lot of misconceptions about this treatment, like for instance, that it’s an alternative to weight loss. Here are five of the most common myths about CoolSculpting, debunked.

1. MYTH: CoolSculpting results in weight loss

One of the most common myths surrounding CoolSculpting is that it is a weight loss treatment. While CoolSculpting is a non-surgical fat reduction procedure, it will not necessarily result in a numerical change on the scale — don’t expect to lose weight after CoolSculpting. Instead, CoolSculpting is designed to help sculpt and reshape your body, which doesn’t necessarily happen when you lose weight.

2. MYTH: CoolSculpting is a substitute for diet and exercise

CoolSculpting is designed to target areas of stubborn fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. It should be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle — CoolSculpting isn’t a substitute for diet and exercise. To help maintain your results, be sure to follow a diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, legumes and beans, and nuts, as well as exercise and strength training a few times a week.

3. MYTH: CoolSculpting is invasive

CoolSculpting actually doesn’t involve surgery. It’s a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment that works by using 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 unharmed. Your body naturally eliminates the fat cells for several weeks after a CoolSculpting treatment. Because the body is unable to restore dead fat cells, the results are permanent.

4. MYTH: CoolSculpting can only be used on the stomach

While the first CoolSculpting device cleared in 2010 by the FDA was designed to treat the stomach area, it is now approved to treat various areas of the body, including the chin, arms, flanks, stomach, outer thighs, inner thighs, knees, upper back, lower back, and underneath the buttocks.

5. MYTH: CoolSculpting gives you instant results

You won’t notice results immediately after a CoolSculpting session. Why? Because it takes time for your body to eliminate the treated fat cells. This process can take a few months. Each CoolSculpting treatment results in up to a 25% reduction in fat cells, and you may need a series of treatments to achieve your goals.

Ready to try CoolSculpting?

To learn more about CoolSculpting and other non-surgical aesthetic treatments, visit LaserAway, the nation’s leading aesthetic dermatology provider, where all treatments are performed by experienced and skilled registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician associates, so you know you’re in good hands!

References

1. “Assessing the Benefits and Drawbacks of Cryolipolysis as a Noninvasive Body Sculpting Technique: Risks, Side Effects, and Future Research,” International Journal of Surgery Global Health, September 2023.

2. “Assessment of the Efficacy of Cryolipolysis on Abdominal Fat Deposits: A Prospective Study,” Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, May 3, 2023.

3. “Cryolipolysis: A Promising Nonsurgical Technique for Localized Fat Reduction,” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, November 21, 2023.

4. “Significant Improvement in Body Contour with Multiple Cycles of CoolSculpting: Results of a Prospective Study,” Dermatologic Therapy, February 21, 2021.