What is CoolSculpting?
Pre-Treatment
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 unwanted fat in certain areas they’d like to get rid of.4 Many people want a non-surgical alternative to liposuction.
Your first step should be to speak to a CoolSculpting® healthcare practitioner to see if it is a suitable procedure for you.
Procedure
As the cooling begins during the first few minutes, you typically feel a strong cooling sensation.
This should soon dissipate. With some applicators, you’ll feel some pulling as suction is applied.
After the treatment, you may feel some tingling as the area is massaged for approximately 2 minutes. Patients are usually able to return to normal activities following their appointment. What to Expect has more information about what happens before, during and after your CoolSculpting® procedure.
Post-Treatment
The CoolSculpting® procedure is completely non-surgical, so typically you can return to normal activities almost immediately. Often, patients return to work directly after their CoolSculpting® treatment. This will vary between people and may be dependent on treatment area.
Always be sure to schedule a follow-up assessment with your CoolSculpting® healthcare practitioner to review your results.
Most patients see results between 2 and 6 months following treatment. You will still continue to flush out fat cells* for up to 4 to 6 months after treatment.
Take a Peek at Real Results
All pictures were obtained with patients’ consent for marketing purposes
Frequently Asked Questions
Who would not be a good candidate for the CoolSculpting® procedure?
The CoolSculpting® procedure is not for everyone. You should not have the CoolSculpting® procedure if you suffer from cryoglobulinaemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria. The CoolSculpting® procedure is not a treatment for obesity. As with any medical procedure, ask your healthcare practitioner if the CoolSculpting® procedure is right for you.
Can the CoolSculpting® procedure reduce fat anywhere on my body?
The CoolSculpting® procedure can treat visible fat in the submental area (under the chin), thigh, abdomen and flank (love handle), along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll) and upper arm. Your healthcare practitioner will create a customized treatment plan that’s tailored to your body and your individual goals.
Are there any side effects?
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 may subside as the area becomes numb.
Following the procedure, typical side effects include redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, skin sensitivity and numbness. Numbness can persist for up to several weeks. There may be a sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after submental treatment. These effects are temporary and generally resolve within days or weeks.
Though rare, some additional side effects such as paradoxical hyperplasia, late onset pain, freeze burn, vasovagal symptoms, subcutaneous induration, hyperpigmentation and hernia may also occur.
The CoolSculpting® procedure is not for everyone. You should not have the CoolSculpting® procedure if you suffer from cryoglobulinaemia, cold agglutinin disease or paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria. The CoolSculpting® procedure is not a treatment for obesity.
As with any medical procedure, ask your healthcare practitioner if the CoolSculpting® procedure is right for you.
I've had my CoolSculpting® procedure, now what?
Always be sure to schedule a follow-up assessment with your CoolSculpting® healthcare practitioner to review your results.
When will I see results?
Most patients see results between 2 and 6 months following treatment. You will still continue to flush out fat cells* for up to 4 to 6 months after treatment. The Before & After Gallery shows what results look like several weeks after CoolSculpting® treatment.
Is the CoolSculpting® procedure safe?
As a leading non-surgical fat-reduction treatment worldwide,† CoolSculpting® has a well-established safety and efficacy profile. CoolSculpting® systems are controlled cooling devices designed with built-in safety measures. If sensors detect that the skin is getting too cold, the system will shut down automatically.
I don't like my double chin. Can the CoolSculpting® procedure help me lose it?
Yes, the CoolSculpting® procedure can treat excess fat under the chin. Freezing away fat from a double chin is as tolerable as using the CoolSculpting® procedure in other parts of the body (e.g., abdomen, flank/side, thighs). With CoolSculpting® treatment for a double chin, patients may see results after just 2 visits.
What should I speak with my Healthcare Practitioner about if I'm considering the CoolSculpting® procedure?
During your initial consultation, your healthcare practitioner will ask about your medical history to establish if CoolSculpting® could be right for you. It’s important to tell them if you have cryoglobulinaemia, cold agglutinin disease or paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria, as you should not have CoolSculpting® if you suffer from any of these conditions.
How long is each treatment? How many will I need?
Your CoolSculpting® healthcare practitioner 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 within 60 minutes. If you have limited time but have several areas of unwanted fat, some practices may even have multiple CoolSculpting® systems. Your healthcare practitioner will explain the process and establish if this is a suitable option for you. You and your healthcare practitioner may also schedule additional treatments or office visits in order to meet your goals.
Where does the fat go? Are the results permanent?
Once the treated fat cells are crystallized (frozen), they are destroyed and are naturally processed and eliminated from the body. Once the treated fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good.* Check out the How it Works page to learn more.