How Does CoolSculpting Work? Learn All About The Chilling Way to Shed Fat
CoolSculpting is a popular body contouring treatment that freezes stubborn fat and shapes attractive curves. Millions of men and women choose CoolSculpting to contour their physiques effectively. So, what exactly is CoolSculpting? How does CoolSculpting work? Read on to learn about this revolutionary treatment and discover if CoolSculpting is right for you.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is being hailed as America's #1 non-invasive fat reduction treatment. Using innovative technology combined with the science of cryolipolysis, CoolSculpting freezes away stubborn fat. Applicators safely target fat cells and expose them to freezing temperatures. Once frozen, fat cells die and are processed out of the body naturally through the lymphatic system. Once gone, fat cells are gone for good. They can’t return or regrow. This is evidence that CoolSculpting provides long-term fat reduction.
The Science Behind CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting machines work thanks to a scientifically proven process known as cryolipolysis. Two Harvard researchers who observed that fat cells were more sensitive to cold temperatures than the surrounding tissues created this non-invasive fat-freezing technology. Unlike muscles, nerves, or skin, which are more resilient to temperature changes, fat cells “freeze” or their membrane crystallize and break down when exposed to CoolSculpting’s controlled cooling.
During treatments, the device applicator applies precise cooling to the treatment area, exposing the fat cells to a temperature that triggers their natural death—apoptosis. Once the cells are frozen, the body’s lymphatic system gradually processes and eliminates them over several weeks following the cooling session.
The Fat Freezing Experience: What to expect during Coolsculpting
The Consultation
Before undergoing CoolSculpting, patients first have a consultation with a certified provider. During this assessment, the specialist evaluates the patient’s body composition, discusses their goals, and determines if they are a good candidate for the treatment. Ideal candidates are individuals close to their target weight but struggle with localized fat pockets that resist diet and exercise. The provider will also discuss expectations, potential results, and how many sessions may be needed to achieve optimal fat reduction.
Preperation
On the day of the treatment, the provider marks the designated treatment areas to ensure precise application. A cooling gel pad is then applied to protect the skin from the intense cold temperatures. This step is crucial for patient comfort and safety, as it prevents any damage to the outer layers of the skin while allowing the cooling technology to target fat cells underneath effectively.
The Treatment Session
Once you are comfortable and everything is set into place, your technician will safely apply the CoolSculpting applicators and activate the machine. At first, you may feel an intense cold sensation at the treatment area, but this will eventually subside, and you will be able to relax and enjoy the duration of the treatment. Most people bring books to read, listen to music or podcasts, and some even take naps while the treatment occurs.
The surrounding skin and tissues of treatment areas are not harmed during CoolSculpting treatments—the lymphatic system processes out the fat cells over several weeks. Although individual results will vary, most patients see optimal fat cell reduction within 8-12 weeks. Studies show that a single cooling session can reduce up to 25% of fat cells in the treatment area. However, most providers recommend a series of cooling sessions for optimal fat reduction and body-shaping results.
Learn more about the CoolSculpting timeline week-by-week.
Duration
CoolSculpting treatments are painless and take as little as 35 minutes. The exact time for your treatment depends on the number of treatment areas you’re addressing. For example, if you’re in for just a CoolSculpting stomach session, you will be out quicker than if you were there to treat the stomach, love handles, and thighs.
Aftercare & Recovery
Minimal side effects of this treatment include redness, tenderness, and numbness. These symptoms are typically very mild and resolve on their own within a few days.
One of the biggest advantages of CoolSculpting is that it requires little to no downtime. Unlike surgical fat reduction procedures that require weeks of rest and recovery, CoolSculpting allows patients to return to normal activities immediately after the session. Many people even schedule treatments during their lunch breaks and go back to work the same day. While some mild discomfort or tenderness may persist, it does not interfere with daily life, exercise, or work.
Do you want to learn more about aftercare? Read our article on CoolSculpting aftercare and recovery.
CoolSculpting Treatment Areas
If you are wondering, “How does CoolSculpting work?” You are likely also questioning what areas of the body CoolSculpting can treat. Thanks to advanced technology, a wide range of CoolSculpting applicators are available to treat almost any area of the body from head to toe. Popular treatment areas for CoolSculpting include:
Love Handles (Flanks)
Belly Fat (Abdomen)
Back Fat
Banana Roll (Underneath the Buttocks)
Armpit Fat (Bra Bulge)
Double Chin (Submental Region)
Neck Fat
Inner and Outer Thigh Fat
Fat Above the Knees
Upper Arm Fat
Man Boobs (Moobs or Chest Fat)
Learn all about the different CoolSculpting treatment areas.
Try CoolSculpting Near you in Staten Island, NY
Now that you know the answers to ‘what is CoolSculpting?’ and ‘how does CoolSculpting work?’, it’s time to start your fat-freezing journey. Emerson Medical proudly offers safe, effective, non-invasive fat reduction with CoolSculpting. As the elite provider of CoolSculpting in Staten Island, NY, patients choose Emerson Medical to shape the body of their dreams. Schedule a consultation with us today by calling 718-448-3800 or by filling out the online form.
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