Does CoolSculpting Work?

Getting rid of stubborn fat can be frustrating. Sometimes, even the most stringent diet and exercise doesn’t help. Those who are looking for another solution often consider CoolSculpting®. This method of freezing and reducing body fat is quick, non-invasive, and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The appeal is undeniable, but many aren’t familiar with the process. Common questions about CoolSculpting® include:

• Does CoolSculpting® work?
• Is CoolSculpting® safe?
• How effective is CoolSculpting®?
• Does CoolSculpting® work on belly fat?
• How long does it take to see CoolSculpting® results?

This helpful guide includes the answers to all these questions and more. Learn more about CoolSculpting® before deciding if this treatment is right for you.

How CoolSculpting® Treatment Works to Remove Fat

CoolSculpting® is the name for a procedure that is also known as cryolipolysis which freezes and breaks down fat.

Depending on the targeted area, a treatment can take 35 to 90 minutes. During a CoolSculpting® treatment, fat is suctioned gently into an applicator and exposed to freezing temperatures. The freezing process causes fat cells to break down while the skin and other tissues remain unharmed.

After the fat cells are cooled to the correct temperature, the provider massages the area to encourage further fat cell breakdown. Once the fat cells die, they are filtered out of the body by the lymphatic system.

It usually takes from four to six months for the fat cells to leave the body completely. By that time, patients typically see roughly a 20% reduction of fat in the treated area. The best part about CoolSculpting® is that these fat cells are gone for good.

Is CoolSculpting® Treatment Safe?

For those who are wondering if CoolSculpting® is safe, the answer is yes for most people. Research shows that cryolipolysis performed with appropriately fitted equipment is generally safe and effective for removing fat from certain areas of the body.

In addition, because the procedure is non-invasive, it doesn’t require any recovery time.

During a CoolSculpting® session, patients might experience one or more sensations in the treatment area.

These sensations could include:

• Cramping
• Intense cold
• Mild pinching, pulling, or tugging
• Pain or stinging

As the treatment area becomes numb, these sensations ease. After a CoolSculpting® session, patients might experience the following side effects in the treated area(s):

• Blanching (skin appears white)
• Redness
• Reduced sensitivity
• Increased sensitivity
• Bruising
• Itching
• Pain
• Swelling
• Tingling

These side effects typically subside within hours, but redness may last for a few days or up to two weeks, at most.

It should be noted that rare side effects occur in less than 0.1% of people who have this treatment. One example is an increase of fat in the treatment area instead of a reduction. This rare side effect develops within two to five months of treatment and may require surgical removal of the fat.

Some people aren’t good candidates for CoolSculpting®. If you have skin issues or a condition that is exacerbated by cold temperatures, such as Raynaud’s disease, a CoolSculpting® treatment is not advisable.

Areas that CoolSculpting® Treats

Certain areas of the body store excess fat that won’t budge, no matter how much someone exercises or diets. To help deal with unwanted fat that responds to treatment, the FDA has approved CoolSculpting® treatment for these areas:

• Abdomen
• Back
• Flanks (also known as muffin top or love handles – see video)
• Inner thighs
• Outer thighs
• Sides along the bra line
• Under the chin (double chin- see video)
• Under the buttocks (banana roll)
• Upper arms (bat wings)

Expected CoolSculpting® Results

CoolSculpting® should not be used as a treatment for weight loss. People within 35 pounds of a healthy body weight for their height have the most success with CoolSculpting®.

Fat should be pinchable but not overly excessive. That’s why many providers refer to this cosmetic procedure as body contouring instead of fat reduction.

Patients can expect to begin seeing results within one to three months after receiving a CoolSculpting® treatment, but it can take four to six months to see the full results. Post-treatment benefits that may be noticed at this time include:

• Results that look natural
• Clothing that fits better
• Boost in confidence

Our Patients’ CoolSculpting® Before & After Gallery

If you’re considering CoolSculpting®, it can help to see how people looked before and after treatment. Check out how patients at The Rejuva Center in Albany, New York, looked before and after CoolSculpting® treatments.

Schedule Your Consultation for Coolsculpting® Treatment

If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to eliminate stubborn fat in your problem areas, schedule a consultation for CoolSculpting® treatment at The Rejuva Center.

You can trust in excellent care provided by specialists who undergo detailed training and certification at Allergan Training Center’s CoolSculpting® University.

Call 518-308-4110 to set up your consultation today.