CoolSculpting
What Is CoolSculpting?
- CoolSculpting is a fat-freezing method (cryolipolysis) that eliminates stubborn fat in targeted areas.
- Approved by the FDA in 2010, it works by freezing fat at a temperature that destroys fat cells without harming skin or tissues.
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
Non-invasive procedure:
- No surgery or needles involved.
- A device targets fat using two paddles that cool the area for 35–75 minutes.
- The process destroys 20–25% of fat cells in the targeted area.
Results timeline:
- Changes begin in 6 weeks, with full results in 3–6 months.
- Dead fat cells are gradually cleared by your immune system.
Who Is It For?
Ideal for small fat bulges resistant to exercise and diet.
Target areas
- Under the chin and jawline
- Thighs, belly, back, and sides
- Under the buttocks, along the bra line, and upper arms
Limitations
- Not a weight-loss method.
- Best for people with a BMI in the normal range (18.5–25).
- Those with a BMI of 25–30 may need multiple sessions.
Not effective for
- Visceral fat (deep fat around organs).
Who Should Avoid CoolSculpting?
Health-related exclusions:
- Loose skin or poor skin tone
- Cryoglobulinemia (a condition where abnormal proteins in your blood thicken in cold temperatures)
- Cold urticaria (a skin condition that causes hives when you get cold)
- Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (a type of anemia that destroys your red blood cells when you're in cold temperatures)
- Raynaud’s phenomenon, pernio, or chilblains (conditions that affect blood flow in cold temperatures)
- An infection or A hernia
Other exclusions:
- Pregnancy or nursing
- Obesity or difficulty tolerating cold temperatures
- Varicose veins, rashes, or lesions in the target area
What to Expect After CoolSculpting?
Recovery
- Resume regular activities immediately.
- Side effects: redness, swelling, bruising, and numbness (lasting 1–2 weeks, sometimes longer).
Results
- Visible results in 6 weeks, full results in 3–6 months.
- Results last with healthy diet and exercise; weight gain will be evenly distributed.
Does CoolSculpting Work for Everyone?
- Reduces subcutaneous fat by 10–25% in treated areas.
- Does not affect visceral fat or cause weight loss.
How to Speed Up CoolSculpting Results
No conclusive research exists, but emerging strategies include:
- Massaging the treated area after the procedure.
- Exploring combined therapies like deoxycholic acid, heat, or electromagnetic radiation.