The popularity of CoolSculpting® has skyrocketed in recent years, so it’s only natural that you might have some interesting questions about how this procedure works. To help demystify the mechanisms behind how this nonsurgical body contouring tool works and to help you decide if it could be right for you, here are the answers to your burning CoolSculpting questions.
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Can’t Ice Packs Have the Same Effect?
If CoolSculpting freezes away fat, can’t you just apply some ice packs to your skin and achieve the same effect? No! CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling technology that allows the underlying fat cells to be cooled to the desired temperature without harming your skin or other surrounding tissue. When you apply ice to the surface of your skin, there is no way to target the underlying fat cells, so you could end up doing some serious damage to your skin.
When searching for a CoolSculpting provider, make sure they are trained and certified to ensure your safety and smooth, seamless results. Even though it’s a fairly quick nonsurgical procedure, CoolSculpting still needs to be performed by a professional.
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What Does CoolSculpting Feel Like?
If you’re thinking about freezing your fat away, leave it to a trained professional.
Many people report feeling a cooling sensation when the CoolSculpting device is applied to their skin. You may also feel a slight tugging and pulling sensation as suction is applied to the targeted area. Within a few minutes, the treated area will likely feel cool and numb, and you should feel comfortable enough to read a magazine, check your email or watch TV for the duration of your treatment.
There is no real downtime after CoolSculpting, so you can get back to your normal routine directly after your appointment. However, you may experience some bruising and swelling in the next few days. Any discomfort you experience afterward can typically be treated with over-the-counter medication like Tylenol.
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How Long Does CoolSculpting Take?
The average CoolSculpting session can last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. However, if your provider has access to two machines, you could be in and out the door in around 35 minutes, essentially cutting the treatment time in half.
The length of your procedure will also depend on the size and number of areas being treated. Your provider might also recommend scheduling multiple treatments, depending on your specific needs. However, many people see excellent results after a single CoolSculpting session. These are details that you can discuss with your provider during your consultation to help you get a better idea of what your CoolSculpting timeline might look like.
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Where Does the Fat Go?
Targeted fat cells are destroyed when they reach a certain temperature during your CoolSculpting treatment. They’ll then move through your body’s natural elimination process, where they’ll be flushed out and gone for good.
Most people see their final CoolSculpting results around the three-month mark, once swelling has diminished and the targeted fat cells have been eliminated.
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Are CoolSculpting Results Permanent?
Once the fat cells are treated with CoolSculpting and eliminated from your body, those cells are gone for good. However, it is still possible to gain new fat in existing cells, so maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine after CoolSculpting is the key to keeping your same great results. With healthy lifestyle choices, your CoolSculpting results can last for years to come!
Dr. Martin E. Everhard, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S., enjoyed a distinguished career in general surgery at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, Westchester County, New York. After settling in Savannah, Georgia, he retired from general surgery to work with weight loss patients. This new focus on health and body contouring led to him opening CoolBodyContouring in October of 2014, home to Savannah’s premier CoolSculpting® specialists.
