**UPDATE: As of October 2024, Vujevich Dermatology Associates is no longer providing Coolsculpting services. Please visit our main Cosmetic Dermatology page to see a full list of the current cosmetic services we provide.
When patients ask, “Does CoolSculpting really work?,” we tell them more than 8 million CoolSculpting procedures have been performed worldwide. It’s one of the most used procedures for body sculpting, proving it’s an effective procedure used for fat reduction. Let’s go into more detail about what CoolSculpting is and why it works.
What Exactly is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive cosmetic dermatology procedure also referred to as cryolipolysis. It’s a procedure used to eliminate fat cells in your body, specifically in certain areas of the body. These areas include the upper arms, double chin, thighs, and trunk. Each CoolSculpting treatment, which consists of two separate sessions spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart, can result in a 25% reduction of fat. More than one treatment may be required to reach optimal results.
As for the CoolSculpting process, it’s relatively simple and relaxed. During your free consultation, you’ll discuss your goals with one of our highly-trained CoolSculpting certified physicians. They’ll evaluate your body and then discuss your goals and the specific areas where you want to reduce fat to create a customized treatment plan.
On the day of your first CoolSculpting procedure, ‘Before’ photos will be taken to track your results. To begin the procedure, a gel pad is placed on the area of the body being targeted. This gel pad protects your skin from the freezing temperature used to destroy the targeted fat cells.
Once the gel pad is in place, the applicator is attached to the gel pad. You may hear a sucking sound and feel a slight tugging while it’s attached. Once the applicator is attached, you may notice mild discomfort, such as intense cold, pulling, tugging, or pinching, which most people no longer notice after the first few minutes. During this stage of the CoolSculpting session, some people are so relaxed they are able to nap.
Once the applicator has been removed, the area is massaged to help break down the fat cells. If you’re having more than one area treated during this session, your dermatologist will then begin the process again on the next area.
There is little to no down time following a CoolSculpting session since it is a non-surgical procedure. You’re able to return to work or other responsibilities immediately following your appointment.
On average, each CoolSculpting session lasts 90 minutes to two hours, though the length of the session varies depending on the size of the area being treated. Your dermatologist can give you an approximation of the time your procedure will last during your free consultation.
Does CoolSculpting Work?
Yes, CoolSculpting really works, and it’s the only non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for fat reduction. However, most people need more than one treatment to obtain optimal results, and how quickly you see those results can vary.
A CoolSculpting treatment consists of two treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart. You may notice results as early as three weeks following the first treatment, but optimal results are seen three months following the second treatment. This is because of the time it takes the body to eliminate the destroyed fat cells, which can take a few months.
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
CoolSculpting works by using a freezing temperature to destroy fat cells in stubborn pockets of fat that diet and exercise can’t seem to eliminate. During the months following your procedure, your body breaks down the destroyed fat cells and disposes of them, leaving you with fewer fat cells for fat to accumulate in.
How Long Does It Last?
CoolSculpting provides long-lasting results because targeted fat cells are permanently eliminated. New fat cells do not replace the fat cells eliminated, but fat can accumulate in the remaining fat cells. It’s also important to note that CoolSculpting is a fat-reduction treatment, not a weight loss treatment. So while you may see a difference in your figure, you may not see a drastic difference on the scale.
Is CoolSculpting FDA-Approved?
Yes, CoolSculpting is FDA-approved. In fact, it’s the only FDA-approved, non-surgical fat reduction treatment available. CoolSculpting has been approved by the FDA since 2010, when it was approved for treating fat on the sides of the body. Since 2010, it has become FDA-approved for use on the abdomen, back, thighs, jawline, under the buttocks, and the upper arms.
Although CoolSculpting is FDA-approved, it is not recommended for treating areas with loose skin, for people who can’t handle cold temperatures well (whether because of a medical condition or other reason), or if you’re pregnant or nursing. CoolSculpting cannot treat areas with varicose veins, nerve problems, or rashes or lesions.
CoolSculpting at Vujevich Dermatology Associates
Not only is CoolSculpting safe in general, but our highly trained CoolSculpting-certified dermatologists here at Vujevich Dermatology only perform this procedure in our licensed and accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center to provide you with the highest standard of care. In addition, you’re assigned a specially trained CoolSculpting coordinator during your free consultation who is there to help throughout the process. Our goal is to provide you an efficient and safe CoolSculpting procedure from beginning to end.
Learn more about what makes CoolSculpting really work in our blog: Freezing Belly Fat 101: Everything You Should Know About CoolSculpting. You can reach our team at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to see all of our locations and request a consultation. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.