What Is CoolSculpting?

Not too long ago, people who wanted to get rid of even small amounts of excess body fat that didn’t respond to diet and exercise had to undergo cosmetic surgeries like liposuction. In 2010, the FDA cleared CoolSculpting for use on nine different areas of the body where fat is most likely to accumulate and hardest to take off, changing all of that. Now, people can get rid of even stubborn fat during short, non-invasive procedures that allow them to return to their daily lives immediately without the need for downtime.

If all of that sounds too good to be true, that’s an understandable response. While CoolSculpting isn’t a miracle treatment and is meant for fat loss, not weight loss, it’s clear from before and after pictures that the procedure is effective. Before heading in for a consultation, read on to find out what it is and how it works.

The History of CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a form of cryolipolysis, a recently developed method for reducing body fat. The method was developed in the early 2000s after researchers noted that children who stuck popsicles to the sides of their mouths on hot days lost fat in their cheeks without any damage to the skin or surrounding tissues. Those researchers then set up experiments to prove the concept and begin developing technologies that could be used to apply it more widely to intentional fat loss.

Why It Works

Even researchers aren’t quite sure why, but fat cells die at lower temperatures than other types of tissue. CoolSculpting takes advantage of that scientific fact by applying cold to targeted areas of the body through the skin. The dermal and subdermal layers remain unaffected while the fat underneath undergoes a process called cell necrosis. In other words, the fat cells die, and the body can then eliminate them naturally.

The CoolSculpting Process

The first step in the CoolSculpting process is attending a consultation with a professional who can determine whether the procedure will be effective. The best candidates for CoolSculpting are within 30 pounds of their target weights and are already following healthy diets and exercise plans. CoolSculpting is not meant as a weight loss solution. Instead, it helps with removing stubborn fat in areas that don’t respond to conventional methods.

Once a patient is determined to be a good candidate for CoolSculpting, they can begin undergoing treatments. Each treatment lasts a little over half an hour, but many patients like to have multiple areas of the body treated at each visit. During the treatment, the technician will use a specialized applicator to cool certain areas of the body, initiating the fat-removal process. The patient’s own body will do the rest.

Is CoolSculpting Safe?

Most people realize quickly that CoolSculpting is effective for the right candidates. That leaves another question, though. Is it safe? Research shows that it is. Complication rates are less than one percent, and even these complications tend to be minor. They include issues like temporary swelling, redness, bruises, and itching or discomfort.

How to Get the Process Started

The first step toward achieving body contouring goals is to schedule a consultation with a technician at a local med spa. Patients who are deemed to be good candidates for CoolSculpting will be able to discuss details such as what areas they want to treat, how many treatments will be required, and what the procedures will cost.