How Effective is CoolSculpting?

Also called cryolipolysis, CoolSculpting uses a device to decrease the temperature of fat deposits to below freezing.

The procedure halts the life cycle of these cells, which die in the next few weeks, and are metabolized by your body.

After CoolSculpting the treated fat disappears forever. If you’re asking yourself “How effective is CoolSculpting?” then you’re going to want to keep reading.

An Effective Treatment

The FDA approved CoolSculpting in 2016 for body contouring, citing its non-invasive and non-surgical attributes as benefits.

Patients who undergo treatment for fat reduction can customarily expect a fat reduction of 20-25 percent in the treatment area.

Although CoolSculpting is a very safe procedure with little-to-no down time, there are some who should not be treated.

Common Side Effects of CoolSculpting

• Pulling or Tugging – the treatment paddles are situated around the fat which can create the sensation of tugging or pulling. While this sensation is not painful, it can be annoying because the treatment can take 1-2 hours.
• Aching and Pain – this body contouring treatment exposes tissues to significant cooling and freezing. Because of this, some patients experience some pain, aching, tingling, or stinging in the days following treatment. Typically, this pain resolves itself.
• Temporary changes to appearance of skin at treatment site – patients ordinarily experience some reddening, swelling, bruising, or sensitivity on the areas that were treated. These symptoms usually clear up within a week or two.

Rare Side Effects of CoolSculpting

Although this is extremely rare, some patients experience paradoxical adipose hyperplasia at treatment areas. In these patients, who are mostly men, the tissue grows larger rather than smaller.

This uncommon side effect does need to be treated to be reversed.

Who Shouldn’t Get CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting should be avoided in individuals who have weakened immune systems. Those who have medical complications that make them particularly sensitive to cold should also avoid CoolSculpting.

Some conditions include: cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, Reynaud’s disease, diabetic neuropathy, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

This is why it’s important for those interested in this effective body contouring procedure should have a consultation with a trained professional.

If you’re wondering how effective CoolSculpting can be in achieving your goals, reach out today for a comprehensive consultation with one of our providers.

Dr. Eliot Battle

CEO & Founder at Cultura Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

Dr. Eliot Battle, CEO of Cultura Dermatology, is a global leader in cosmetic dermatology and laser innovation. His Harvard research pioneered “color-blind” lasers, making treatments safe for all skin tones. A sought-after expert featured in TIME, Oprah, and The New York Times, he continues to advance inclusive, cutting-edge dermatological care.