The Pros, Cons, and Everything In Between - A Quick Guide to CoolSculpting

Want to lose stubborn fat, but don't want surgery or downtime? CoolSculpting may be the answer you're looking for. This innovative fat freezing treatment can help you achieve a slimmer, more sculpted physique without anesthesia or incisions.

As Michigan's premier provider of CoolSculpting, we at NJ Center for CoolSculpting want to give you the inside scoop on how this treatment works. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons, so you can decide if it's right for you.

Freeze Away Your Sctubborn Fat Like Never Before

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

CONTACT US

How CoolSculpting Works

CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis technology to gently cool unwanted fat cells, prompting them to die off and be eliminated by your body over time. It targets problem areas like the abdomen, thighs, flanks and more.

During your treatment, a technician will apply a cooling applicator to the area being treated. As the fat cells are chilled, they crystallize and begin to die. Over the next few weeks and months, your body naturally flushes out these dead cells. The end result? Up to 20-25% fat reduction in the treated area after just one session!

The Pros

• Non-Invasive - No needles, no knives! CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure, so there's no downtime, scarring or risks associated with surgery.
• Effective - Clinical studies show an average fat reduction of up to 20-25% in the treated area after one session. Even more dramatic results can be achieved with multiple treatments.
• Safe - This is an FDA-cleared treatment that has been used safely on over 8 million treatments worldwide. The cooling technology targets fat, leaving skin and other tissues unharmed.
• Convenient In-Office Procedure - Treatments take about 35-75 minutes depending on the area being treated. You can relax, work or even nap during your appointment.
• Natural-Looking Results - Fat is eliminated gradually over weeks and months, so you'll see natural-looking slimming over time. No major or sudden changes to your shape.

The Cons

• Multiple Treatments May Be Needed - While some see results after one session, it often takes 2-4 treatments spaced several weeks apart to achieve desired fat reduction.
• Temporary Side Effects - Some patients experience redness, bruising, numbness or discomfort after treatment. These side effects are mild and resolve within days.
• Not a Weight Loss Solution - CoolSculpting removes localized fat deposits, but is not a solution for significant weight loss or obesity. Maintaining a healthy diet is key.

While the procedure does have some downsides to consider, we find that most patients agree the pros outweigh the cons. The mild side effects and potential need for multiple treatments are small prices to pay for such dramatic, natural-looking fat reduction without surgery or downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know you probably have lots of questions about CoolSculpting and how it can help you achieve your body goals. Below we've compiled a list of the most common questions we get from clients considering this treatment. Read on for answers to all your most pressing queries!

Who is a Good Candidate for CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting can be a great treatment option if you have noticeable fat bulges or pockets that resist diet and exercise. It works well for people who are already near their ideal body weight but have stubborn localized fat that they want removed. 

Good candidates include people who have:

• Pinchable, noticeable fat bulges in areas like the abdomen, thighs, flanks, back, or arms.
• BMI of 30 or less. CoolSculpting works best for people who aren’t significantly overweight.
• Reasonable expectations. While results can be dramatic, the average patient loses about 20-25% fat in a treated area with each session.

CoolSculpting may not be advisable for people who:

• Have poor skin elasticity. The procedure can potentially worsen loose or sagging skin.
• Have vascular conditions like cryoglobulinemia or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, which can be triggered by cold temperatures.
• Are pregnant or nursing.
• Have certain implantable devices that can be compromised by cold temperatures.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of CoolSculpting?

Typical CoolSculpting side effects are minor and temporary, including redness, bruising, swelling, tenderness, numbness, tingling, throbbing, and muscle spasms at the treatment site, usually resolving within 1-2 weeks. 

How Long Do the Results Last? Can Fat Return After CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting results are considered permanent because freezing fat cells destroys them for good. But it’s important to note that it doesn't prevent future weight gain. If you put on weight after CoolSculpting, the remaining fat cells can still expand.

In rare cases, residual fat cells that survived treatment may expand later on. If this happens, an additional touch-up session can help sculpt the area again.

How Many CoolSculpting Treatments Are Needed?

Most patients need 1-3 CoolSculpting sessions per treatment area to get their desired result. Each session generally reduces fat by 20-25%, so more than one is often needed to eliminate problem bulges or pockets.

During your initial consultation, your provider will assess your individual case and design an appropriate treatment plan. Some factors that determine how many sessions you need include:

• The number and size of target areas being treated
• Your physique and amount of excess fat in each area
• Your personal goals for fat reduction
• Recommendations by your provider based on your unique case

Allow at least 45 days between treatments on the same area for optimal results. Your provider may also suggest concurrent treatments, performing different areas during one longer visit.

Is CoolSculpting Better than Liposuction?

CoolSculpting and liposuction are both proven body contouring treatments. Which is better depends on your cosmetic goals and medical profile. Some key differences are outlined in the table below:

Method	Pros	Cons
CoolSculpting	Totally non-invasive, minimal riskNo downtime, can resume activities immediatelyMore affordable, smaller per-session costCan treat small pockets of fatResults look smooth and natural	Removes less fat per treatment than liposuction Multiple sessions may be required for desired results May not improve skin laxity
Liposuction	Removes more fat per treatment than CoolSculptingNoticeable results after one sessionCan treat large areas of excess fat May produce longer-lasting resultsCan improve skin laxity by removing fat beneath the dermis	Invasive procedure with risks like infection, scarring, bleedingSignificant post-procedure downtime of 1-2 weeksMore expensive per treatment than CoolSculptingPoses rare but serious risks like embolism or puncturing organs

For mild to moderate fat bulges, CoolSculpting may be the safer, gentler option. Liposuction tends to work better for larger volumes of excess fat. 

In some cases, the two procedures can be combined for optimal physical contouring.

When Can You See Results From CoolSculpting?

It takes time for the body to naturally eliminate frozen fat cells after CoolSculpting. Most patients start to notice subtle results around 3 weeks post-treatment, but the full effects take 2-3 months to fully develop.

The timeline tends to follow this general pattern:

• Within 1-3 days - Temporary swelling, numbness, and redness at the treatment site
• 2 weeks after - Most side effects resolve, initial subtle changes visible
• 1 month after - Frozen fat cells enter apoptosis (cell death) phase
• 2 months after - Dead fat cells are eliminated from the body
• 2-3 months after - Optimal reduction of the fat layer achieved

Follow up with your provider around the 3 month mark to assess your results and determine if additional touch-up sessions are warranted to meet your goals. Be patient and allow your body time to process and remove the affected fat cells.

Freeze Away Your Stubborn Fat Like Never Before

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

CALL NOW