CoolSculpting is a fat-freezing method that may sound like science fiction, but it has been available for about a decade. The device was certified by the FDA in 2010 and soon after in Canada in 2012, as a nonsurgical fat-reduction treatment for love handles, but it is now also approved to treat belly and bra fat, pockets on the thighs, buttocks, and arms, and even flab under your chin. Basically, CoolSculpting may be used to give fat the cold treatment: It is the only FDA-approved, noninvasive fat-freezing technology on the market, and according to studies millions of treatments have been conducted globally. Here is what you need to know about CoolSculpting.

What is CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a noninvasive fat-reduction treatment that does not need anesthesia, needles, or incisions. It works on the idea of chilling subcutaneous fat to the point where the fat cells are destroyed and absorbed by the body. The layer of fat just under the skin is known as subcutaneous fat. CoolSculpting has been approved by the FDA and Health Canada to treat 9 distinct locations of the body, including the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.

How does CoolSculpting work

CoolSculpting is a technology that freezes fat cells in precise regions to decrease stubborn pudge through a biologic process known as “cryolipolysis,” which literally means cold (cryo) fat (lipo) destruction (lysis). Since fat freezes at a greater temperature than normal tissue, the intense cold can target the fatty tissue layer without injuring the surrounding skin. When the frozen fat cells begin to thaw ,over the following day or two, the fat liquefies and is removed through the lymphatic system, you eventually urinate it out. CoolSculpting is noninvasive, but it is not as simple as having a facial, so it is always preferable to have it done by a medical professional.

The procedure

The process will be carried out by a doctor or a skilled healthcare practitioner utilizing a portable device. The applicators on the gadget resemble the nozzles of a vacuum cleaner. The healthcare professional will apply a gel pad and applicator to the targeted region during the therapy. The applicator cools the targeted fat in a regulated manner. The device will then be moved over your skin, using suction and cooling technologies to the target region. Some clinics have numerous machines, allowing them to treat multiple target regions in a single visit.

It is usual to feel some pulling and pinching during the operation, but the procedure is generally painless. Typically, the practitioner will massage the affected regions immediately following treatment to break up any frozen deep tissue. This will assist your body in starting to absorb the damaged fat cells. Depending on the area, treatment can be done in as little as 35 minutes. In the case that you do choose to have multiple areas treated in a session, expect to spend more time. While you may see up to 20-25% fat reduction in the treated area after a single treatment, the number of treatments needed to reach your desired goals will be dependent on the individual. Your provider will work with you to determine if additional treatments are necessary to reach your desired goal.

How to know if CoolSculpting is right for you

If you are doing your research on CoolSculpting you may be wondering, what makes a good CoolSculpting candidate? The name “Cool-Sculpting” is a simple way to recall the genuine goal of the operation. The verb sculpting implies to form or shape, thus CoolSculpting is designed to contour an already toned physique by eliminating fatty tissue, or fat immediately under the skin. The technique is not meant to remove visceral fat, which is found deeper inside the body and surrounding the organs. CoolSculpting has produced fantastic results for numerous clients, but it is not for everyone. CoolSculpting is intended to address stubborn fat that does not seem to respond to diet and exercise alone. The fat that bulges at the waist that appears to “spill” over the waistband of trousers, stubborn belly fat, the additional fat that lingers after a pregnancy, “love handles”, over-the-bra fat, the “double-chin” look, and other regions are targets for this kind of fat.

Do you truly want to know if it is the best fit for you? The best way to find out is to schedule a no-obligation consultation with a doctor. However, there are a few indicators that you could be a suitable candidate for CoolSculpting:

  • You are near your target weight
  • You are tired of dealing with stubborn fat
  • You are generally healthy
  • You are not pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • You have a firm understanding of the treatment

Some conditions that should deter you from CoolSculpting are if you suffer from cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. It is always recommended to consult your doctor before any medical treatment.

Possible side effects

CoolSculpting has been cleared by both FDA and Health Canada to safely and effectively treat different areas of the body. There are however, some adverse effects to mention and include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, stiffness, tingling, stinging, soreness, cramping, aching, itching, or skin sensitivity following submental or submandibular region treatment, and a sense of fullness in the back of the throat. Rare side effects are possible. Paradoxical hyperplasia (visibly expanded tissue volume in the treated region) can occur 2 to 5 months following treatment and necessitates surgical intervention to correct. As with any medical procedure, consult with your doctor to see whether CoolSculpting is suited for you.

What to do before CoolSculpting procedure

To ensure the best results of your CoolSculpting session there are a number of tips for making the process easier and smoother. Before your treatment avoid taking any medications or supplements that thin your blood, such as aspirin and fish oils. However, talk with your family doctor to ensure you are okay to be off of this medication temporarily or suggest alternative medications during this time. You should also avoid damaging your skin in the target area. The treatment involves some massaging and suctioning of the area being treated. If the area is cut or excessively bruised you may need to postpone your treatment to prevent further damage.

It is also advisable to avoid tanning your skin in the target area because it can cause your skin to be more sensitive to the CoolSculpting treatment. To minimize any discomfort you may feel, protect your skin from sun exposure and postpone tanning. Lastly, for better results, you should consider stopping smoking for around a week before your session. Smoking can slow the healing process and delay results.

What to expect after CoolSculpting

A CoolSculpting treatment requires little to no recovery time. Most people are allowed to resume their daily activities right after. Mild redness or pain in the treated region may occur in rare situations, but all minor side effects usually resolve within a few weeks. Within 1-3 months following the operation, results in the treated regions may be seen. Typical effects are obtained in one to three months, and the fat-flushing process might last up to six months after the initial treatment. Certain people and bodily parts may require more than one therapy. According to a CoolSculpting industry study, a majority of those studied claimed that their clothes fit better following CoolSculpting. Since CoolSculpting targets particular parts of the body, another treatment is typically only required if you wish to target a different location. CoolSculpting does not address obesity and should not be used as a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining results requires continuing to consume a nutritious diet and exercise on a regular basis.