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CoolSculpting 101: In-Depth Look at Treatment Areas for CoolSculpting 

Target Stubborn Fat: Understanding FDA-Approved CoolSculpting Zones

Have you been working hard to lose weight and get in shape but still have problem areas of fat that just won't budge? 

Many people have stubborn fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. CoolSculpting offers a non-surgical solution to reduce these annoying bulges. But how does it work and what areas can be treated? 

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting, also known as cryolipolysis, utilizes controlled cooling to eliminate fat cells without harming the overlying skin. A device is used to precisely apply cold temperatures to the treatment area, targeting and freezing fat cells. The body naturally eliminates these dead fat cells over time, resulting in up to a 27% reduction of fat in the treated area.

While not a weight loss treatment, CoolSculpting is an appealing option for slimming down stubborn fat bulges. It's non-invasive, uses no anesthesia, and requires virtually no downtime. Patients can resume their daily activities right after a session.

Now that we've covered the basics of how CoolSculpting works, let's explore all the areas it can treat.

FDA-Approved Treatment Zones

Coolsculpting on Stomach

One major benefit of CoolSculpting is that it's cleared by the FDA for use on numerous body zones. The device can safely and effectively target fat on the:

  • Abdomen
  • Flanks ("love handles")
  • Thighs
  • Double chin
  • Upper arms
  • Back fat
  • Under the buttocks
  • Bra fat

Next, we'll do a deep dive into each area.

Abdomen

The abdomen is perhaps the most common area treated with CoolSculpting. Both men and women accumulate stubborn belly fat that resists crunches and other core-targeting exercises.

CoolSculpting works by freezing and eliminating fat cells under the skin. It's critical to understand it is not a weight loss treatment. But it excels at reducing small, pinchable fat deposits on the stomach.

With the abdomen, it's possible to target the upper and lower regions separately. The upper abdomen is just below the ribs, while the lower abdomen is the "pooch" many people get right above the hips and pubic area.

Most patients require two or more CoolSculpting sessions on their abdomen spaced a month or more apart. Treatments take one to several hours depending on the number of applicators used concurrently.

Did You Know? Up to 27% of fat cells treated are eliminated with each CoolSculpting session on the abdomen.

Flanks ("Love Handles")

Flanks, also called love handles or muffin tops, are areas of fat on the sides of the waist. Improving this area can greatly enhance an hourglass figure.

CoolSculpting is highly effective for reducing stubborn fat on the flanks. Patients appreciate the non-surgical nature of cryolipolysis versus a traditional procedure like liposuction.

Each flank is treated with a special CoolSculpting applicator that pulls the tissue in before cooling it. Most patients only need one or two 35-45 minute sessions per side.

Did You Know? Flanks are often treated at the same time as the abdomen for a complete transformation of the midsection.

Thighs

The thighs are another major area of concern when it comes to stubborn fat. CoolSculpting works on both the inner and outer thighs.

For inner thighs, the fat tends to accumulate right near the groin crease. This gives a rub-together appearance that can cause chafing. CoolSculpting helps reduce fat cells in this annoying region.

When it comes to outer thighs, the treatment excels at removing fat right under the buttocks to give a more sculpted, lifted look.

As with the abdomen, most patients require two or more treatments per thigh. The inner thighs may take 35 minutes per session, while the outer area can take 45 minutes to an hour.

Did You Know? Up to 25% of fat cells treated on the inner or outer thighs are eliminated with CoolSculpting.

Double Chin

CoolSculpting has made it possible to non-surgically reduce double chins and enhance jawline definition. The treatment applicator used on the submental area (under the chin) was specially designed to treat small bulges.

It works by gently suctioning the area before cooling. Only one 60 minute session is required in most cases. Patients can read, work on a laptop, or even nap during the procedure.

While quite effective on its own, some patients opt to combine chin CoolSculpting with an injectable like Kybella for even more dramatic contouring.

Did You Know? Up to 27% of submental fat cells are typically eliminated with just one CoolSculpting session under the chin.

Upper Arms

The upper arms, particularly the triceps area, are very common treatment sites for cryolipolysis. When diet and exercise fails to slim down the upper arms, CoolSculpting can come to the rescue.

During a session, a vacuum applicator gently pulls the skin between the cooling panels before administering the precise freezing temperature.

Patients require just one 45 to 60 minute session per arm to achieve noticeable results. As with other treatment areas, the final results are seen 2-4 months later as the body finishes processing the damaged fat cells.

Did You Know? Patients are able to multitask during arm CoolSculpting treatments since the applicator does not impair mobility.

Back Fat

Back fat, sometimes called "bra bulge", refers to fat that accumulates on the upper or mid back. For those who want to wear backless dresses or swimsuits, this excess fat can put a damper on clothing choices.

The applicator works well for targeting fat on the upper back. One 60-minute session treats the entire upper back area.

Since the back is a larger surface, some patients opt for two treatments spaced several weeks apart for more dramatic fat reduction.

Did You Know? Some applicators are specially designed to treat smaller areas like back rolls.

Under the Buttocks

An area that's gained buzz lately for CoolSculpting is under the buttocks, known as the "banana roll". This is a zone of stubborn fat right beneath the gluteal muscles.

Reducing the banana roll can create a more lifted, toned appearance to the buttocks. Just one hour-long session per side is needed to treat this area.

The applicator used on the banana roll is curved to properly suction and freeze this region. Patient comfort is also improved compared to the previous generation CoolSculpting machines.

Did You Know? With just one treatment per side, CoolSculpting can reduce up to 25% of fat cells in the banana roll area.

Bra Fat

Some patients develop bothersome fat under and along the bra line. This bulge of tissue can cause bras and swimsuits to fit improperly.

Bra fat responds quite well to cryolipolysis. The applicator is optimized for treating this area in just 35 minutes per side.

Only one session is required, making this is an easy addition for those already getting CoolSculpting on other body zones.

Did You Know?  CoolSculpting is flexible for optimal contact with the unique contours along the chest and bra line.

Finding an Experienced Provider Matters

Coolsculpting on Stomach

While the list of FDA-cleared treatment areas for CoolSculpting is extensive, it's essential to choose an experienced provider for your consult and procedures. An expert CoolSculpting technician will:

  • Evaluate your trouble spots and candidacy during a free consultation
  • Explain the treatment process and expectations
  • Select the optimal applicator for each area
  • Operate the CoolSculpting system properly to ensure patient safety and comfort
  • Achieve predictable and beautiful results

The provider should also have expert injectors on staff in case touch-up treatments are desired to further enhance results. For example, some patients get fillers in their chin or arms after fat elimination.

In Closing

CoolSculpting has revolutionized the non-surgical body contouring industry since its FDA clearance. The ability to safely eliminate stubborn fat from numerous areas makes it a sought-after treatment. Candidates include both women and men who maintain a stable weight but want to "spot treat" diet- and exercise-resistant fat deposits.

While not a weight loss solution, CoolSculpting excels at providing up to 27% fat reduction in treated areas. Some patients only need one session per area, while others require two or more for their desired outcome.

Of course, regular exercise and a healthy diet help maintain results. But for targeted fat reduction, CoolSculpting is an effective, non-invasive technique cleared for use on many zones. The ideal provider has extensive experience and offers a customized treatment plan.

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What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "The treatment itself was not uncomfortable. Afterwords, I felt great. I didn't really notice anything for about 30 days. After day 30 until about a month later, I started noticing that my favorite jeans were not as tight anymore. I wasn't having to suck in to get them buttoned. And by that two month period after my CoolSculpting

    Lesley Hamilton

    Age 41

  • "It's subtle at first, and then a month later you look and go, "Wow - It really did something!" It really moved the bar for me, and I'm feeling better about myself already. It feels so good to put on anything and know I look as good as I've ever looked. And I didn't say that or feel that when I was in my 20's, 30's, and 40's."

    Anne McMarthy

    Age 56

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