What is CoolSculpting®?

With more options available than ever, more patients are turning to non-surgical fat reduction instead of invasive procedures like lifts or liposuction. CoolSculpting is a highly-popular, FDA-cleared non-surgical fat reduction treatment that uses a technique called cryolipolysis to destroy fat cells through controlled cooling. This cooling effect is applied through a specialized handpiece that uses gentle suction to precisely target the treatment area and make sure the cooling effect reaches the deep layers of the skin and fat. This technique causes the fat cells to crystallize so that they are nonfunctional, meaning the body naturally expels them as waste over time. This usually occurs over the course of a few months after the first treatment, and many patients opt for a plan of several treatment sessions, with at least 2 sessions to any given area highly recommended. One treatment session can take as little as one hour, depending on the number of areas being treated.

CoolSculpting is popular because it’s effective and versatile. It can treat many areas, including the thighs, stomach, hips, arms, and chin, which are areas where stubborn fat commonly remains despite regular diet and exercise. Some patients prefer CoolSculpting over invasive techniques like liposuction because it’s easy, low-risk, and doesn’t require any downtime. CoolSculpting is relatively painless and many patients experience a numbing sensation at the treatment area because of the cooling effect.

How Does Coolsculpting Work?

The CoolSculpting procedure works using a process called cryolipolysis. This freezes fat cells so that they are ultimately destroyed. Once fat cells have been destroyed through freezing, the body naturally flushes them away.

Who Is A Candidate For CoolSculpting?

One of the many benefits of CoolSculpting is that virtually anyone can experience what this treatment has to offer, and many patients who are unable or unwilling to undergo surgery choose CoolSculpting as an alternative. Ideal CoolSculpting candidates find the best results with CoolSculpting are those that are working towards a weight loss goal or already live a healthy lifestyle. Patients should be at or near their ideal weight, but a consultation with Dr. Sweat is the best way to determine whether CoolSculpting is your best option, as well as what your ideal CoolSculpting treatment schedule will look like.

How Is Coolsculpting Different From Surgical Procedures?

CoolSculpting differs from surgical procedures in several ways. First, CoolSculpting does not require anesthesia, which makes it a simpler procedure overall with reduced side effects and risks for patients. It also has little to no downtime required, with no incisions or other healing for patients to wait for.

Some patients may be better suited to a surgical procedure, such as liposuction or a body lift, rather than CoolSculpting. This is primarily a concern for patients who have larger amounts of excess fat, loose skin, or poor skin elasticity. Dr. Sweat will advise which procedure is best for you.

CoolSculpting Results

Patients usually see their best results at around two months after their first treatment, with the treatment area improving for up to six months after. These results can be augmented with repeated treatments and a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, which can also maintain help to long-term results. CoolSculpting cannot replace a diet and exercise regimen, and you should speak with Dr. Sweat during your consultation about your goals for this treatment to determine whether they are in line with what CoolSculpting can achieve.

How Long Does Coolsculpting Results Last?

Because fat cells do not regenerate, CoolSculpting results are long-lasting if not permanent. The body’s contour is permanently changed after CoolSculpting, however, it is still possible for you to gain weight in the future if you do not keep up with a healthy, balanced diet and exercise. Typically, weight that you gain will be stored in areas other than the treatment areas where you had your CoolSculpting treatment.

Coolsculpting Before & Afters

What Does Coolsculpting Recovery Look Like?

There is no downtime required after CoolSculpting. Typically, patients will see some redness in the treatment area and may feel somewhat sore, but these side effects resolve quickly. You can return to all of your normal activities immediately after your CoolSculpting procedure.

Results from CoolSculpting can typically be seen about three weeks after the procedure, but continue to improve over about two to three months as the body flushes away the damaged fat cells.

What Treatment Areas are available for Coolsculpting?

CoolSculpting can be used in many treatment areas. The most common areas where patients receive CoolSculpting include the abdomen, hips, flanks, back, thighs, upper arms, and below the chin.

Schedule A Consultation

To begin your journey towards your ideal body with non-surgical fat reduction and CoolSculpting in Sacramento, contact our office to schedule your consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Sweat.

Learn More About Coolscultpting

How Coolsculpting Works (With Illustrations)

Coolsculpting Treatment Areas