CoolSculpting is the brand name for cryolipolysis, or fat freezing. CoolSculpting is a noninvasive and body-contouring treatment to shape your body. The process freezes your fat cells to reduce stubborn fat found in specific areas of the body. The FDA approved it as treatment in 2010.
The cryolipolysis device will cool your fat to a temperature that can destroy it. The process will not harm your skin or other tissues.
CoolSculpting is not a surgical procedure and does not use needles. The area that a doctor will focus on will be held between two rapidly cooling paddles. The paddles stay where the doctor places them between 35 minutes and 1 hour and 15 minutes. Roughly 10-25% of the fat cells will be destroyed in the targeted area.
As your immune system slowly clears out the dead fat cells, treatment outcomes may include:
Speak candidly with your healthcare provider beforehand to manage your expectations.
If you have a fat bulge that will not go away, CoolSculpting may be an option that your doctor recommends. If exercising or dieting is not effective, you can speak with your doctor about an alternative approach. Keep in mind that CoolSculpting is meant to handle small pockets of fat and will not help you lose weight.
A doctor may elect to use CoolSculpting for specific areas of your body, including:
It is generally advised that CoolSculpting is effective for people with a BMI between 18.5 and 25. People with a BMI between 25 and 30 may require two or three treatment sessions. Speak with your doctor to get specific insight into how you should proceed.
If you need to lose weight, then CoolSculpting is not the way to do it. Once you speak with your doctor, they may advise you to:
CoolSculpting is best avoided if you have loose skin or poor skin tone. Other reasons why you might need to avoid it is if you have:
Individuals who cannot handle cold temperatures well, are pregnant or nursing, or have obesity should also avoid CoolSculpting. Your doctor will not perform CoolSculpting on areas with:
Diet and exercise, or procedures like liposuction and abdominoplasty, can be terrific alternatives if CoolSculpting cannot safely provide you with what you need. Whether any doctor is in favor or against the treatment, do not hesitate to get more than one opinion.
There are multiple advantages for people who choose CoolSculpting as a cosmetic treatment. When you get CoolSculpting done, the treatment can:
CoolSculpting results may be visible after one to three months. Full results can take up to six months or longer.
There are fewer risks associated with CoolSculpting compared to invasive treatments, but you should still consider possible side effects associated with it. Some common CoolSculpting side effects include:
Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), or an increase in fat to treated areas, can occur after CoolSculpting. It is an extremely rare side effect and can be treated with liposuction. Alternate side effects that are rare, but can be severe, may include:
If you notice these or any unusual side effects, speak to your doctor or visit an emergency room for immediate care. Receiving prompt medical care will help you ensure a full recovery.
CoolSculpting can be highly effective and is considered safe. Along with generally mild and short side effects, there is no risk of liver damage. It can lessen the amount of fat in specific areas of the body by 10-25%.
During your six months of recovery and afterwards, you should make it a point to maintain your healthy habits. CoolSculpting will not prevent you from gaining weight. Even if it is distributed a lot more evenly throughout your body, speak with your doctor. A healthcare provider can offer a person insight into the best diet and exercise routine.
If CoolSculpting is not the best option for you, there are other potential treatment plans besides liposuction. Other procedures that can remove, shrink, or break down fat include:
Speak with your healthcare provider about your medical history and long-term goals before you elect to undergo any cosmetic procedure.