CoolSculpting is a non-surgical fat reduction procedure that works using cryolipolysis. During CoolSculpting, fat cells are frozen, which damages them to the point that the body naturally flushes them away. However, other cells (such as skin cells) are not damaged through this process.

During the procedure you may experience sensations of pulling, tugging, mild pinching, intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching, and cramping at the treatment site. These sensations subside as the area becomes numb. Following the procedure, typical side effects include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, or skin sensitivity. Sensation of fullness in the back of the throat can occur after submental area treatment. These effects are temporary and generally resolve within days or weeks. Though rare, some additional side effects may occur. As with any medical procedure, ask your physician if the CoolSculpting® procedure is right for you.

As the cooling begins during the first few minutes, you typically feel intense cold. This soon dissipates. With some applicators, you’ll feel some pulling as suction is applied. The area generally goes numb within 5 to 10 minutes during treatment. Many people read, watch videos, work on their laptop, or even take a nap during their CoolSculpting® treatment. After the treatment, you may feel some tingling as the area is massaged for 2 or 3 minutes. Patients are usually able to return to normal activities following their appointment.

The CoolSculpting® fat-reduction procedure is specially designed for those who have unwanted fat in targeted areas. Unlike weight-loss surgery (e.g., gastric bypass), the CoolSculpting® procedure is not a weight-loss solution for people who are obese. Good candidates for the CoolSculpting® procedure have noticeable bulges in certain areas they’d like to get rid of. Many people want a non-surgical alternative to liposuction.

Your CoolSculpting® physician will help you create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. The length of your CoolSculpting® treatment will vary depending on the number of areas being treated during one visit. The latest technology of CoolSculpting® can treat a patient in 35-60 minutes, some patients have more than one treatment during the same office visit. Some practices even have multiple CoolSculpting® systems and applicators, so it’s possible for a patient to have multiple areas treated at once. You and your provider may also schedule additional treatments or office visits in order to meet your goals.

CoolSculpting® results are typically noticeable about three weeks after your appointment. However, these results tend to improve over about six months as the body continues to metabolize the destroyed fat cells. Some patients or treatment areas may require multiple treatment sessions, with some results visible after each session.

There is minimal downtime with a CoolSculpting® treatment; however, some patients may feel some discomfort like cramping or swelling in the treatment area.

CoolSculpting® is a great option for those people who do not want to undergo surgery. It is better for localized fat removal. Liposuction is an aggressive form of fat removal and can remove larger quantities of fat at a time.