CoolSculpting is a non-surgical fat removal and reduction treatment that targets, freezes, and kills fat cells away for good using a process known as cryolipolysis (aka “fat freezing”). It is an ideal procedure for those looking to eliminate stubborn body fat deposits on your stomach, the abs, love handles, thighs, back, bra fat area, upper arms, and underneath the chin.

Let’s look at the science behind CoolSculpting and explain how it works. CoolSculpting is based on cryolipolysis, a method of breaking down fat deposits using cold temperatures. Cryolipolysis kills fat cells and induces an inflammatory response in the body. The body then removes the dead cells through natural processes. During the procedure a coolsculpting “applicator” or device is applied to the skin of your target treatment area. The FDA approved CoolSculpting in 2010 after a series of clinical trials confirmed its safety in controlled conditions. The studies also showed an average fat reduction of up to 20% after 1-3 treatments over several months.

1. Abdominal Contour: Excess, stubborn belly fat can be removed via CoolSculpting®.
2. Arm Shape & Size: Stubborn fat deposits on the back/bottom of the arms can be removed via CoolSculpting®.
3. Buttocks Shape & Size: The buttocks are a common area for CoolSculpting® due to the naturally high fat cells deposits.
4. Excess Body Fat: CoolSculpting® directly freezes fat cells for significant improvements to stubborn fat deposits.
5. Gender Confirmation: Body contouring can be achieved through strategic CoolSculpting® for a more authentic body aesthetic for both male to female (MTF) and female to male (FTM) patients.
6. Leg Shape & Size: Fat cells at the tops of the thighs can be reduced with a CoolSculpting® procedure.
7. Mommy Makeover: CoolSculpting® can help restore the pre-baby body by removing collections of fat resistant to diet and exercise.
8. Neck & Jawline Definition: Strategic CoolSculpting® can contour and define the jaw and neck area.

The Areas That are FDA-Cleared to Treat With CoolSculpting® Technology are:

• Flanks, also known as love-handles or muffin top
• Abdomen
• Thighs, including inner thighs and outer thighs
• Excess fat underneath the chin, also known as submental fullness or a double chin
• Bra fat
• Back fat
• Fat underneath the buttocks, coined “banana roll”
• Upper arms
• Submandibular area below the jawline

Some people make better candidates for the procedure than others. If you’re interested in Coolsculpting, here are a few signs that it might be the right option for you.

You’re Near Your Target Weight

Although Coolsculpting does get rid of fat, it’s not meant to be a treatment to help people lose a lot of weight. Usually, people lose up to 25 percent of the unwanted fat from the treated area. Scheduling multiple treatments can help you lose a bit more fat. But Coolsculpting alone won’t help you drop 20, 30 or even more pounds.

If you are thinking about Coolsculpting but still have a bit of weight to lose, it helps to discuss your weight loss goals with a doctor. He can help you put together a plan that will help you reach your target weight.

You’re Tired of Looking At Stubborn Fat

Fat can be a tricky thing. You might be at a healthy weight but still have pockets or deposits of fat on certain areas of the body.

No matter how much you work out or how many salads you eat, that fat isn’t going anywhere, fast. For many people with stubborn, unwanted fat, Coolsculpting is the ideal solution as it permanently removes that fat without the need for surgery.

You’re Generally Healthy

Although Coolsculpting isn’t surgery and typically has fewer risks and a much shorter recovery time than surgery, it is still a medical procedure and is typically recommended for people who are in good overall health. There is some risk for side effects after the procedure, such as nerve pain and bruising. The healthier you are, the less likely you will be to experience side effects. Let your Coolsculpting practitioner know about any chronic conditions you have or about any other health-related concerns.

You’re Not Pregnant or Thinking About Pregnancy

Coolsculpting probably isn’t the best idea when you’re pregnant. While studies haven’t been done to look at the effect Coolsculpting might have on a fetus or on a pregnancy, scheduling Coolsculpting during the nine months of pregnancy might not make sense. Pregnancy changes your body in many ways. You might end up with additional fat deposits on the abdomen after the pregnancy or you might gain weight during those nine months, meaning that the results you might have seen from Coolsculpting aren’t going to be visible.

If you’re not currently pregnant but considering it in the future, it can be worth postponing any Coolsculpting treatments until after you’ve had your kids. Since you can’t really predict how pregnancy will change your body, there is the possibility that you could develop additional or new fat deposits during or after it, which means it can make sense to wait until you’re finished have children to have any sort of body contouring treatment.

You’ve Got Enough Fat to Treat

Coolsculpting freezes fat. For it to work effectively, you need to have enough fat. One general rule of thumb is that you have enough fat if you’re able to grab and pinch an inch.

Some people do have trouble with the traditional suction applicators, even if they have an adequate amount of fat. If that’s the case with you, your Coolsculpting practitioner might recommend using the flat, smooth applicator to treat you.

You’re Not Interested in Liposuction

Coolsculpting can be a great alternative to liposuction for some people. If you’ve discussed liposuction with your plastic surgeon but ultimately ruled it out, Coolsculpting might be right for you. The recovery time is shorter so you won’t need to take a considerable amount of time off from work. There’s also no need for anesthesia during Coolsculpting and the treatment is completely non-invasive, which can make it a more appealing option for people who want to avoid surgery.

You Understand How the Treatment Works

It’s important to understand how the Coolsculpting process works, what you can expect in terms of results, what the recovery time is like, and what, if any, side effects you might experience. The person performing Coolsculpting will explain the process to you and make sure you really understand what’s involved.

CoolSculpting® is not recommended for patients with cold urticaria, Raynaud’s, or those with severe varicose veins, dermatitis, or other cutaneous lesions.

Side effects following a CoolSculpting procedure include mild discomfort lasting a few days. Bruising and swelling in the treated area may last up to one week. All normal activities can be resumed as tolerated following the cosmetic procedure.

The results of a CoolSculpting® procedure will require two to three initial treatments. Final results will develop within four to six months, but will begin to become noticeable in as little as three weeks. The results are subject to changes from natural aging and weight gain.

Little preparation is needed prior to treatment. It is advised, however, that you stop taking any blood thinning medications to prevent excessive bruising.

Results are seen in as little as 3 weeks. Final results are visible after 4-6 months. Results may be affected by weight gain and pregnancy.

Typically, a series of 2-3 treatments is recommended at a minimum. For more dramatic results — or if treating multiple areas — it’s best to start with a package of 6 treatments.