Liposuction is no longer the go-to cosmetic procedure, thanks to a new technological advance called CoolSculpting. It’s non-invasive and growing in popularity. If you’re interested in CoolSculpting, find out how it works, what the potential side effects are, and how much it costs.
What is CoolSculpting?
Most people feel insecure about at least one area of their body, but they don’t want to undergo a painful and risky procedure to fix it. If you’re struggling with stubborn pockets of fat, you likely know that you can’t spot-reduce fat with diet and exercise. But CoolSculpting can do exactly that.
CoolSculpting was approved by the FDA in 2012, and it’s now the most popular noninvasive fat reduction treatment according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. CoolSculpting provides a new weight loss option for many people. Simply put, CoolSculpting is a nonsurgical procedure that uses cold temperatures to remove fat cells from the body. You can choose which areas of your body you want to target, and you can get rid of stubborn areas of fat. The treatment only takes about an hour, and it doesn’t require any downtime — you’ll be back to your everyday life in no time.
How CoolSculpting Works
CoolSculpting is a completely noninvasive procedure. During the CoolSculpting procedure, the clinician uses an applicator on the skin above the fatty tissue to cool the fat cells. The cold temperatures will kill off fat cells only, making the procedure safe. In the weeks and months that follow, the body will naturally eliminate the dead fat cells. After six months, the full results will be noticeable.
CoolSculpting has a high success rate and usually decreases fat in the targeted areas by 20 to 25 percent. The procedure only takes about an hour, and there’s no recovery time. You may feel intense cold temperatures around the treatment area for the first 10 minutes of the procedure, but the area will go numb quickly. Because CoolSculpting is non-invasive and doesn’t require anesthesia, you can go back to your daily activities as soon as you leave the doctor’s office.
Don’t Expect Radical Weight Loss
CoolSculpting is not a weight loss procedure. You won’t lose more than a couple pounds of fat after the treatment. CoolSculpting is intended for people who are at or near their goal weight but struggle to get rid of the last pockets of fat.
And it is possible to gain weight back after the procedure. To maintain your results, you have to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Is CoolSculpting Risky?
Although CoolSculpting is a safe and well-researched procedure, all cosmetic treatments have a risk of side effects. The most common side effects are:
- Bruising, swelling, or tenderness
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle cramping
- Pinching or tugging sensations
- Itchiness
Most patients only experience side effects for the first few days after their procedure. A 2015 research study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found there is no evidence of serious side effects like bleeding, scarring, or liver damage.
The risks and side effects of CoolSculpting are ultimately minor, particularly in comparison to liposuction. CoolSculpting doesn’t require incisions and isn’t performed under anesthesia, so most of the side effects are minor and temporary. You don’t have to worry about an adverse reaction to anesthesia or a long and uncomfortable recovery.
Treatment Costs
CoolSculpting is a cosmetic procedure, so it isn’t usually covered by health insurance. CoolSculpting treatments will vary in price, depending on the areas of the body being targeted and the number of sessions required. It costs more to treat larger or multiple areas than to treat one small area. If you need multiple sessions, the cost will be higher. CoolSculpting can be expensive, but it’s cheaper than liposuction or other invasive cosmetic treatments.
If you’re curious about CoolSculpting and its costs, you can schedule a consultation with a clinician. During your consultation, you’ll discuss your treatment goals and your expectations for the procedure, and your clinician will give you a price quote.
Learn More About CoolSculpting
As non-invasive treatments become more popular, CoolSculpting offers an appealing solution for those seeking fat reduction without surgery. Its convenience, minimal downtime, and proven results make it an attractive choice for many. While individual outcomes can vary, the growing interest in this treatment reflects its potential as a trusted option in body contouring.