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If the thought of freezing fat cells off your body intrigues you, you may have considered CoolSculpting. This is a nonsurgical fat reduction procedure that kills fat cells with cold temperatures.
The medical term for fat freezing is “cryolipolysis.” People often use the brand name CoolSculpting to talk about cryolipolysis, but other brands like Cryoskin and Clatuu also exist. Here are the details you need before deciding if cryolipolysis is worth a try.
CoolSculpting isn’t meant to treat obesity. Instead, it targets stubborn fat bulges in specific areas of the body.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared CoolSculpting to target fat in the following areas:
Cryolipolysis is done in an outpatient setting. It takes about an hour. You’ll be awake the whole time. You can even read a book or watch TV while it’s happening.
First, the clinician marks the treatment area. Then, the skin is protected with a gel pad. A handheld applicator with a hollow opening is placed over the fatty deposit. The fat and skin are suctioned into the device and cooled to a temperature range of 30.2 to 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit. You may feel some tugging and discomfort at first, but the area should feel numb within 10 minutes of cooling.
Once the applicator is turned off and removed, the clinician will massage the area. This is thought to help improve the final results.
Fat cells are more vulnerable to damage from cold temperatures than other tissues, like the skin and nerves. CoolSculpting works by applying a temperature that’s cold enough to kill fat cells without harming the rest of the body.
During the treatment, fat cells are injured by cold exposure. Then, the immune system kicks in with a healing response, helping the body discard the damaged cells. These fat cells are permanently gone after your body naturally eliminates them.
One of the main reasons some people choose cryolipolysis over other body contouring procedures (like liposuction) is that it’s noninvasive. That means it comes with minimal downtime. You can drive yourself home after the appointment, and you don’t have to worry about changing bandages or cleaning incisions, as you would with other types of plastic surgery.
The CoolSculpting session is relatively quick, but the results take time to develop. Many people need multiple sessions to achieve their desired effect. Follow-up sessions need to be scheduled six to eight weeks apart to give the body time to recover and show results.
In terms of recovery time, some people notice a change within three weeks of their CoolSculpting procedure. However, two months is a more realistic timeline for expecting results. Within four months, fat in the treated area may be reduced by an average of 15 percent to 28 percent. Some newer studies found more dramatic results, with a 40 percent reduction, especially for people who complete multiple cycles.
Some people report that cryolipolysis makes them feel more confident about their bodies. The majority of people in a small study who got CoolSculpting were happy they did.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that not everyone is happy with the effects of CoolSculpting. In addition, cryolipolysis isn’t an obesity treatment. It doesn’t lower your body weight or provide the same health benefits as weight loss. For example, it does not lower your risk of diabetes or heart disease.
Although CoolSculpting is considered noninvasive and generally safe, there are some risks to consider. First, results aren’t guaranteed. Most people respond to cryolipolysis. However, one study found that 1 in 28 people were nonresponders, meaning their bodies didn’t change after several cycles.
It’s normal to have some aches and pains in the first week or so after treatment. Your skin may sting or feel numb. The area may become swollen or bruised. Over-the-counter pain medication can help ease this temporary discomfort.
As with any procedure, it’s crucial to find a qualified provider. Make sure the facility is well rated. A licensed healthcare provider (ideally, a plastic or cosmetic surgeon) should perform the treatment.
CoolSculpting isn’t meant for areas that are already injured or irritated. It also shouldn’t be done in places with varicose veins or loose skin. If you have skin conditions, nerve problems, or sensitivity to hot or cold, you shouldn’t do cryolipolysis.
Unwanted side effects are possible. The treated area can end up looking bumpy instead of smooth. It can also be asymmetrical. A rare side effect that causes bigger fat cells in the treated area can also happen. This side effect, called paradoxical fat hyperplasia, affects less than 1 percent of those who get CoolSculpting. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it’s more common in men and people of Hispanic ethnicity. These risks should be discussed before you agree to have cryolipolysis.
If you have any doubts or questions, ask your doctor for their opinion about your plan to get cryolipolysis. They can help you decide if it’s safe for you.
CoolSculpting is a noninvasive procedure, but health insurance companies generally put it in the same category as cosmetic surgery. That means health insurance isn’t going to help pay for it. You’ll need to cover the full cryolipolysis cost yourself, by either paying up front or arranging a payment plan.
Average CoolSculpting treatment plans vary by target body part and medical providers. According to some estimates, the average cost of a single treatment is around $1,700. Total costs may be closer to $5,000 if you do several sessions or have multiple targeted areas to treat. Costs also vary depending on where you live and the provider you choose.
Although CoolSculpting may seem more affordable than other cosmetic procedures, it’s not an effective treatment for everyone. Do your research to find out if you’re truly a good candidate and if your expectations are realistic. Only you and your provider can decide whether cryolipolysis is right for you.
On MyObesityTeam, people share their experiences with obesity, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Have you ever considered body sculpting or fat reduction treatments? Let others know in the comments below.
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