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How Long Does It Take for CoolSculpting Treatments to Work?

As they get older, many people may notice excess fat in certain areas of the body. This is a normal sign of aging, and even those who eat healthily or exercise regularly still experience fat accumulation. If you want to get rid of fat cells without surgery, there are many non-surgical treatments widely available in the United States. One of the most popular procedures is CoolSculpting, which works by freezing and destroying fat cells.

But how long does it take for CoolSculpting to work for fat reduction? Most experts estimate the peak of results to be visible within a few months. The exact time frame depends on the size and extent of the person’s treatment. 

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Waiting Time for Effects of CoolSculpting

Although it’s a minimally invasive procedure, the effects of body sculpting don’t instantly appear. Fat reduction usually becomes visible around 1 to 3 months after the first session. If you underwent CoolSculpting for a larger area of the body, it might take even longer for the effects to manifest. The amount of fat present in the area may also impact the waiting time. Some centers offer CoolSculpting Elite, a variant of the procedure that covers larger surface areas. 

The fat cells slowly disintegrate after treatment – in some cases, it can take as long as 6 months after the final session. Around 84% of CoolSculpting patients see visible results within the first 4 months after treatment. The effects are also expected to last for a long time, provided that proper aftercare and maintenance are practiced by the patient. 

There are a few patients that need just a single session before seeing CoolSculpting work for their bodies. Around 20% to 25% of fat in the treatment area may be removed after a treatment cycle. The process happens gradually, so it’s unlikely for anyone to notice that you underwent a fat reduction procedure. CoolSculpting is known for showing similar results to a change in lifestyle and eating habits. 

To maximize your CoolSculpting results, it’s important to hydrate properly. Drinking at least 2 liters of water each day can help your body metabolize the dead fat cells faster. Additionally, sticking to a healthy diet may also speed up the results. 

Long-Term Effects of CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is minimally invasive compared to cosmetic surgery, making it a popular aesthetic treatment. Since its approval in the United States in 2010, over 8 million treatment cycles have been administered in the United States. CoolSculpting works by using controlled cooling to remove fat cells below the skin, allowing the patient to attain a slimmer figure.

Expected Outcomes

A 2014 study indicates that cryolipolysis treatments like CoolSculpting are generally effective. Around 86% of patients experience weight loss after undergoing the procedure. But while CoolSculpting removes stubborn fat, it doesn’t work as an instant remedy. It takes away fat from the target area, sculpting the body to a more ideal shape. Areas that experience the most improvement include:

  • Hips (love handles)
  • Lower back
  • Stomach
  • Inner thighs
  • Upper arm

Some specialists also use it for the neck and chin areas, although in combination with other skin tightening procedures. You can ask your specialist for more information about combining procedures. It’s best to avoid any possible side effects or adverse reactions that could come from your treatment plan. 

Duration of Effects

Most people will see fat reduction by the 8th week, with nearly all fat cells removed from the treatment site. CoolSculpting results can last for up to 5 years, depending on the patient’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle. The size of the treatment site may also affect the duration of fat reduction, although it may take more cycles to achieve the desired effects.

What to Expect from Treatment Cycles

Coolsculpting process

A CoolSculpting session is a form of cryolipolysis — a procedure that uses cold temperatures to remove fat deposits in certain body parts. In CoolSculpting, the frozen fat cell will eventually die off before being metabolized in the liver. It’s usually effective for most people, but proper diet and exercise are necessary to maintain the reduced weight. 

Length of Sessions

A CoolSculpting treatment takes about 35 to 60 minutes to reach all of the target points. The session may last longer if the treatment sites are larger or have more fat deposits. If you need multiple treatments, these will happen over the course of a few weeks to achieve the desired outcomes. 

Intervals and Number of Total Sessions

The necessary number of CoolSculpting sessions depends on each individual’s case. On average, people will need 1 to 6 sessions for best results. Your doctor will need to consider various factors to determine how many treatments you need. These include:

  • Body fat percentage
  • Body fat distribution
  • Medical history

In cryolipolysis, it’s important for the specialist to be precise in determining the target areas. Not only will these dictate how many sessions you need, but the targets are also crucial in maximizing the efficacy of treatment. For instance, a treatment session of CoolSculpting can remove up to 80% of fat cells in smaller areas. But a larger area may need spaced out sessions, each one targeting a 25 to 30% removal rate. 

Sessions will be spaced out within a few weeks. Many specialists advise patients to wait for at least 4 weeks before returning for a follow-up treatment. Your medical spa or provider may ask you to look out for any side effects while waiting for your next session. 

Recovery and Possible Side Effects

The CoolSculpting recovery period is very minimal. Normal activity can resume after undergoing treatment. It’s important for them to follow any aftercare instructions, particularly in diet and exercise. Besides the diet and exercise for increased fat loss, you can also massage the treated area or apply a warm compress.

The CoolSculpting procedure is generally safe, with little to no side effects visible in most patients. Still, there are a few side effects that can arise after your treatment. These typically subside within a few days. Common side effects around the treatment area include:

  • Bruising
  • Dull aches
  • Skin discoloration
  • Skin irritation
  • Swelling

In very rare cases, some patients may develop paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. This condition happens when fat cells grow in size instead of shrinking. This is not a common side effect, but it’s been observed in male patients that undergo cryolipolysis. If you notice an increase in mass around the treatment site, contact your doctor right away. Liposuction or plastic surgery may be necessary to remove these fat cells. 

Effectiveness Compared to Other Fat Removal Treatments

CoolSculpting is effective in removing fat cells. The treated fat cells won’t return, but you need to eat healthy and stay active to ensure that new cells don’t appear. People who supplement their treatment with a consistent routine can enjoy years of reduced fat. Consuming large amounts of sodium and sugar may result in minimized fat reduction.

The same goes for other subcutaneous fat reduction options, like liposuction, Kybella, and SculpSure. However, CoolSculpting still has advantages over these treatments. For instance, liposuction is quite invasive—it involves incisions to allow the suction tube to break up the fatty tissue. 

There’s an increased risk of infection, blood clots, and trauma when compared to CoolSculpting. The results for CoolSculpting are more gradual, but the long-term outcomes are similar to liposuction. 

Kybella doesn’t involve incisions, but the procedure works by injecting an acid to destroy fat in specific areas of the body. It’s mostly used for double chin fat reduction. CoolSculpting and Kybella have very similar outcomes. But CoolSculpting can cover larger surface areas and treat skin laxity. 

As for SculpSure, it shares many similarities with CoolSculpting. Both have very short recovery periods and minimal side effects. The key difference here is the technique: SculpSure uses heat while CoolSculpting works by freezing fat. SculpSure technicians use hot laser panels to break down fat cells, killing them in the process. The cells become metabolized over time.

SculpSure and CoolSculpting have similar rates of efficacy, but the latter has been around longer. It’s also more supported in the scientific community. Additionally, SculpSure works best for thinner people. The flat panels may have a hard time penetrating areas with larger fat deposits. 

Get High-Quality Aesthetic Treatments at NJ Center for CoolSculpting

It’s important to have a trusted provider for your chosen fat reduction treatment. The NJ Center for CoolSculpting is one of the highest-rated wellness centers in the country, thanks to our capable team of professionals. We have board-certified doctors, nurses, and assistants all trained to administer CoolSculpting to patients. The team will be more than happy to assist you with any concerns about your treatments.

Our CoolSculpting center has helped thousands of Americans achieve their desired figures. All our body contouring sessions are safe and effective, helping you get rid of unwanted fat cells without invasive surgeries. If you want to learn more about CoolSculpting, feel free to give us a call at (908) 628-1070.

Freeze Away Your Stubborn Fat Like Never Before

Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!

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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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