If you’re wondering ‘how does CoolSculpting work’ then you’re not alone.
As a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment which freezes fat cells, you might be curious as to how this actually works and whether or not it’s safe.
CoolSculpting, also known as fat freezing, is an FDA-approved treatment that uses cryolipolysis technology to reduce fat in various areas of the body, including the stomach, thighs, and under the chin
It’s said to achieve 20-30% fat reduction in one treatment with minimal downtime, making this a popular non-surgical treatment for those wanting to change the silhouette of their body.
However, like any procedure, there are things to be aware of first, and it’s not always the best option if looking for a weight loss option.
That’s why we’ve put together this blog post to help you understand how CoolSculpting works, the benefits, and any safety considerations, so you can make the right decision for you.
At LASE Cosmetic, we have 40 years of experience in the aesthetic industry, helping patients look and feel their best by identifying what treatment is right for their needs. Every patient is unique, but our priority remains the same – helping you feel your most confident self.
What Is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is the original fat freezing machine to break through the technology of cryolipolysis and remains the world leading brand today.
CoolSculpting is the only fat freezing device in the world to have FDA approval since 2010. This means it is the only fat freezing machine on the market that has been approved to be safe and effective.
People often choose this treatment when traditional lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet fail to work on stubborn pockets of fat. CoolSculpting can either be done in isolation or as part of a wider treatment plan to help individuals achieve their desired shape.
The treatment works on different areas of the body depending on where you want to achieve results:
- Abdomen
- Bra fat
- Double chin
- Arms
- Hips / Love handles
- Waist
- Buttocks
- Thighs
As the body removes the crystallised fat cells, they do not regenerate, resulting in long-lasting or even permanent results. Of course, the permanence of the results depends on several factors including your homes, lifestyle, and genetics.
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure that reduces fat by using controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate stubborn fat cells.
Although we use the term fat freezing, the treatment does not reduce the tissues down the freezing point. Thanks to mother nature, fat freezes at 4 degrees rather than zero degrees. At this temperature, the fat cells will crystallise and break down, while other structures such as muscle, skin and nerves are cold but not damaged.
In time, these fat cells naturally break down through a process called apoptosis. Apoptosis is a term used to describe cell death and the process that occurs when cells die, break down and get excreted from the body in normal excretory processes.
Below, we’re sharing our process for how we would approach this treatment if we established this was the right option for you.
Consultation
Before starting the CoolSculpting journey at LASE Cosmetic, patients first have a consultation with Lisa, our Aesthetic Lead and CoolSculpting expert.
During this session, Lisa carefully assesses the areas of concern and discusses the desired results, ensuring realistic expectations are set.
Treatment planning
Following the consultation, a personalised treatment plan is developed to target specific areas of the body. CoolSculpting is designed for contouring and reducing stubborn pockets of fat, rather than achieving overall weight loss. The goal is to enhance body shape in problem areas resistant to diet and exercise.
Procedure
During the procedure, a suction cup is applied to the treatment area. When the device is on, the suction cup reduces in temperature and there is a sensation of slight tugging. This is not uncomfortable, it just feels like a slight pulling.
Once the treated area is at the optimum cool temperature of 4 degrees, the tissues underneath are cold and there is no sensation in that area for the duration of the treatment. Depending on the suction cup used, it will be in place for 35 minutes to 45 minutes.
Once the cycle is complete, the suction cup is removed. This is followed by two minutes of massaging. This is firm massaging and can feel a little uncomfortable as the tissues warm up; however, this is an important part of the treatment and may give you a 60% or more improvement in the treatment results.
Fat cell elimination
Over the following weeks and months, the treated areas gradually become slimmer as the fat cells are permanently removed, revealing a more sculpted appearance.
The tissues will feel slightly hypersensitive for approximately four weeks after treatment, while the nerves recover. There is no long-term damage to your nerves, but they take a little while to recover from being cold.
Results
Gradually, patients may notice a reduction in the treated areas’ fat bulges, resulting in a more sculpted and toned appearance.
However it’s important to note that results can vary, and multiple sessions may be needed to achieve the desired effect.
What Are the Benefits of CoolSculpting?
When you want to get into shape or make a change to your body, it’s important to do your research to understand the benefits of the treatment. Making an informed choice means you can not only achieve the results you’re looking for, but also feel confident throughout the process.
One of the biggest advantages of CoolSculpting is its non-invasive nature. Unlike surgical procedures, CoolSculpting requires no incisions, no anesthesia, and no recovery in a hospital. This means you can achieve results without the downtime associated with surgery.
This is another key benefit – minimal downtime. After a CoolSculpting session, most people can return to their normal daily activities, whether it’s going back to work or hitting the gym, so there’s no need to put your life on pause.
Safety and proven results are also major reasons why people choose CoolSculpting as it’s the world’s leading non-invasive fat-reduction treatment. Studies and results show that it effectively reduces stubborn fat, helping patients achieve a more sculpted appearance over time.
One of the most appealing aspects of CoolSculpting is that it’s completely scar-free as it doesn’t involve any surgical cuts. This means you don’t need to worry about permanent marks or scarring. Overall, it’s a trusted way of getting the results that you want, and you can go straight home after the process!
Is CoolSculpting Safe and Effective?
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical fat reduction treatment to smooth out small pockets of fat. It is considered a safe and effective way to reduce fat with minimal discomfort and long-lasting results.
Furthermore as a non-invasive treatment the risk of complications is low, and patients can go home the same day. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a slimmer figure without resorting to a procedure such as liposuction.
The only noticeable side effects concentrate around the area that has been treated, and these tend to subside within a few weeks. Mild side effects include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Numbness
- Tingling sensation
- Skin sensitivity
- General discomfort
Whilst CoolSculpting is considered safe, it’s important to choose an experienced professional who understands potential risks and side effects.
This gives you peace of mind that you’re in safe hands, and you can ask any questions you want before deciding on this specific treatment.
Need Help Deciding Which Treatment Is Right For You?
Book your consultation with our experts here.
Is CoolSculpting FDA Approved?
As mentioned earlier in the blog, CoolSculpting is FDA-approved. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is a regulatory body in the United States, and they are responsible for ensuring that medical treatments and devices meet strict safety and effectiveness standards.
This approval specifically covers the treatment of visible fat pocked in areas including the stomach, flanks, thighs, and under the chin. To receive FDA approval, CoolSculpting underwent thorough clinical testing and evaluation to confirm that it delivers results without compromising the safety of the patient.
What this means for you is peace of mind. When performed by trained professionals, CoolSculpting is a safe and effective non-invasive treatment, supported by scientific research.
Who Is CoolSculpting For?
CoolSculpting is suitable for both men and women who are looking to contour specific areas such as their abdomen, thighs, arms, or chin.
There are certain people where this treatment is not recommended, although this will be discussed with you during your consultation.
This includes individuals with certain medical conditions such as cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, which make them sensitive to colder temperatures.
Furthermore, people who are significantly overweight would most likely benefit from a different type of treatment such as liposuction as this would provide more substantial fat reduction.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid CoolSculpting as a precaution, since there is no research confirming the procedure’s safety during this time.
Who Should Avoid CoolSculpting / Fat Freezing?
Cryolipolysis isn’t a weight loss solution. If you have a lot of weight to lose you might find liposuction or weight loss surgery more beneficial. However all of these options will be discussed during your consultation.
You should avoid CoolSculpting if you have:
- Loose skin
- Poor skin tone
- Cryoglobulinemia (abnormal blood proteins that thicken in cold)
- Cold urticaria (hives caused by cold exposure)
- Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (cold-induced red blood cell destruction)
- Raynaud’s, pernio, or chilblains (reduced blood flow in response to cold)
- An infection
- A hernia
- Pregnant
Furthermore, fat freezing should not be done on areas with varicose veins, nerve problems, rashes or lesions, or a lot of scarring.
CoolSculpting FAQs
You’ll probably have lots of questions around CoolSculpting so we will address some frequently asked questions below! Hopefully these will clear up any underlying concerns.
You’ll probably have lots of questions around CoolSculpting so we’re gonna address some frequently asked questions below! Hopefully these will clear up any underlying concerns.
Is CoolSculpting permanent?
CoolSculpting results can be permanent, if the results are properly maintained. Once the fat cells are frozen and eliminated through the body’s natural processes, they do not return. However, it’s crucial that patients maintain a stable weight, as remaining fat cells can expand with weight gain. Therefore, CoolSculpting helps contour and shape the body, but a healthy lifestyle is important to sustaining long-term, permanent results.
How much does CoolSculpting cost?
The cost of CoolSculpting will vary depending on the number of areas being treated and the number of sessions required. There’s no one-size-fits-all cost, as it comes down to what the individual needs to achieve the desired outcome. At LASE, we advise a consultation first allowing us to get a deeper understanding of your specific needs before we give a price.
Does CoolSculpting work?
CoolSculpting is an effective way to reduce stubborn fat in targeted areas of the body. Research shows that patients experience noticeable fat reduction after treatment with long-lasting results. It works particularly well for body contouring and shaping, whilst not being a solution to long-term weight loss.
How can CoolSculpting improve your appearance?
CoolSculpting is a safe method of body contouring that has proved reliable for patients seeking to feel more confident in their body. Unlike surgical fat removal procedures like liposuction, CoolSculpting can help to create a smoother shape without the need for invasive techniques.
Who should you trust to perform this type of fat freezing treatment?
Fat-freezing body contouring treatments like CoolSculpting are available at LASE Cosmetic in Newcastle and we have a team of experts ready to help you realise your aesthetic goals. If you decide to go ahead with fat reduction treatments your non-surgical expert will offer you honest advice before you undergo any procedure at the clinic.
How much does fat freezing cost?
At LASE, CoolSculpting starts from £500, and we always begin with a one-to-one consultation to determine the most effective treatment plan suited to your goals.
CoolSculpting Alternatives
There are alternatives to CoolSculpting depending what’s right for your body shape and desired outcome.
While fat freezing (CoolSculpting) is a popular non-surgical option for shaping certain areas, it’s not designed for significant weight loss. It works best for people who are already close to their ideal weight but want to target small, stubborn pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise.
If you’re looking for a more significant transformation, liposuction might be a more suitable option. As a surgical procedure, liposuction allows for the removal of larger volumes of fat, and can be more effective for people who are seeking a noticeable change in body shape or volume.
At LASE, we understand that every body and every goal is different. That’s why all clients begin with a one-to-one consultation with a surgeon. Whether you’re considering fat freezing or liposuction, this consultation is essential for assessing your body, understanding your goals, and recommending the right treatment path.
With over 40 years of combined experience in both surgical and non-surgical aesthetic treatments, our team is committed to honest advice and bespoke plans
How Does CoolSculpting Work and Is It Safe
Hopefully you know more about how CoolSculpting works along with why this is such a popular treatment for both men and women.
If you’re unhappy with your shape but you don’t feel comfortable going under the knife, this can be a great solution to tackling some of your excess weight without resorting to surgery.
With minimal downtime and often mild side effects, individuals can resume their normal activities without having to spend weeks or months recovering. CoolSculpting is particularly popular during the autumn/ winter season as you can start to prepare the festivities, making sure you look and feel your best!
At LASE Cosmetic, this is our core aim as we work with patients to help them find the best treatment to improve their self-confidence and self-esteem. Whether that’s through CoolSculpting or a different treatment which could help you achieve the best results, we’ll identify the right procedure for your needs. Get in touch with our expert team for a consultation.
Need Help Deciding Which Treatment Is Right For You?
Book your consultation with our experts here.
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