“CoolSculpting is a non-invasive treatment that aims to reduce unwanted fat through a process known as cryolipolysis,” says Sam Pang,FNP-C, an aesthetic nurse practitioner at SkinSpirit at Laskyin Los Angeles. “CoolSculpting uses the precise application of cold temperature to elicit fat cell death, which triggers an inflammatory response that leads to the clearance of dead fat cells.” According to Pang, CoolSculpting is an ideal treatment for treating stubborn, pinchable fat that won’t go away with diet and exercise. Before getting a CoolSculpting treatment, your medical provider will also evaluate your muscle tone and skin quality to determine what kind of treatment plan you need to reach your desired goal—and it may end up including other treatments like using electromagnetic energy to tighten the muscle and radiofrequency or ultrasound energy to tighten the skin. According toDr. Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City and author ofThe Pro-Aging Playbook, a CoolSculpting session takes 35 minutes in his office.
What does a CoolSculpting treatment feel like?
Don’t worry—CoolSculpting does not hurt. “It is a very tolerable treatment,” says Pang. “You can expect to feel a gentle suction upon placement of the applicator, and a gradual cooling sensation once activated. Some describe the initial cooling sensation as placing an ice cube on the skin that eventually goes numb after five minutes.” Once the treatment is complete, the area is massaged for a couple minutes. “The massage can feel achy but dissipates quickly,” adds Pang. And according to Dr. Frank, you may also experience redness and bruising
How much does CoolSculpting cost?
While the cost per treatment depends on where you go and how many applications are recommended by your medical provider, it can range from anywhere between $2,000 to $4,000, according to CoolSculpting’s official site. “The number of sessions depends on the amount of tissue we are treating, therefore the number of sessions can be as little as one to three or more sessions,” says Pang.
What are CoolSculpting results like?
You should start experiencing results in as little as four weeks, with the final result taking 2 months to show. “During follow-ups, we typically see a reduction in the amount of pinchable fat, reduction in circumference of the treated area, and visible improvements in before/after photos,” says Pang. “Most patients often notice a more comfortable fit in their clothing like pants buttoning up easier, t-shirt sleeves feeling less tight, and less fat bulging around the waistline and bra area.” According to Dr. Frank, you should see a 10-25% reduction in the treated areas’s fat layer. Your CoolSculpting results can last indefinitely by maintaining a healthy lifestyle (i.e. not yo-yo dieting with fluctuating weight changes, healthy diet, exercise and sleep). “Results are permanent,” says Dr. Frank. “Minor complications can occur, which includes ridging or some areas of fat growing instead of shrinking.” But as Dr. Frank notes, these can be avoided by making sure you are the right candidate for the CoolSculpting procedure and consulting with your doctor or dermatologist. Next up, read about how CoolSculpting actually works.
Sources
Sam Pang,FNP-C, aesthetic nurse practitioner atSkinSpirit at Laskyin Los AngelesDr. Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, cosmetic dermatologist in New York City and author ofThe Pro-Aging Playbook
