Does Coolsculpting Work? Fat Freezing & Safety

Are you like many who stand in the mirror, wishing you could spot-reduce stubborn fat pockets? You know the ones. No matter how good your diet and how much effort you put into exercising, the fat doesn’t seem to budge.

Many people, despite their best efforts, wish there was a way to get rid of unwanted fat. While there is no magic bullet that can make weight loss happen, there is a way to reduce fat in certain areas.

CoolSculpting is a fat-reduction procedure that is noninvasive and requires little to no downtime. It can be done right in a doctor’s office or a medspa and has some promising results for many. 

This procedure was not available during the Golden Era of bodybuilding. Given bodybuilders diet choices and exercise regimens, they likely wouldn’t have needed it. However, that doesn’t mean that today’s lifters and bodybuilders might not need some fat spot reduction.

If you are curious about CoolSculpting, you’ll want to keep reading. Let’s take a look at what exactly CoolSculpting is, as well as:

• How to tell if you’re a candidate
• How it works
• The science behind it
• Reviews of people who have had this procedure done
• Side effects and complications to consider
• How long it lasts
• If it hurts
• What to expect during the procedure and after
• The cost

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is another name for cryolipolysis, which is the scientific term for fat freezing. Using a CoolSculpting device, a doctor can target certain fat zones to freeze the cells. 

After some time, the fat cells end up dying and leaving the body. The dead cells become waste and are filtered through the lymphatic system, eventually leaving the body permanently. 

This procedure has gained in popularity over the years because it’s non-invasive and is not a surgical procedure. It can be done right in the doctor’s office and requires no downtime after the session is complete.

Sound too good to be true? Well, it really doesn’t seem to be. In 2010, the CoolSculpting device was FDA approved to be used by dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and medspas on qualifying patients.

Originally approved for just the abdomen, thigh, and flank (love handles), more areas were added in 2016. The areas of the body that are currently approved for fat freezing are:

• Under the jawline
• Under the chin (submental area)
• Upper arm
• Distal thigh (above the knee)
• Bra/back fat
• The inner and outer thigh area
• Abdomen
• Love handles or muffin top
• Banana roll (the area under the buttocks)

While mainly used to reduce fat pockets, the CoolSculpting device can also be used for thermal therapy. This type of therapy can be used post-surgery or post-trauma to reduce pain. It can be hot or cold, depending on the needs of the patient. 

Minor aches, pains, and muscle spasms may also be treatable using the device. CoolSculpting may also reduce the appearance of cellulite, mainly on the arms, buttocks, and thighs.

Am I a Candidate for CoolSculpting?

Not everyone qualifies for this type of procedure. Both men and women can have the CoolSculpting procedure done. It only works on certain areas as identified above, so you can only target specific fat bulges with this device.

The biggest qualifying criteria for anyone interested in having the fat freezing procedure is their current weight.

You have to be within 30 pounds of your ideal weight to be eligible. You also must be at a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or less to be considered.

If you are still working on your weight goals, then you’ll need to hold off on this procedure. Thinking about getting CoolSculpting once your goals are met? Make sure all the criteria to meet fits within your goals so you can reward yourself with a session.

People with certain conditions are automatically disqualified from the CoolSculpting procedure. This is due to the risk of potentially serious complications from having this procedure done. These conditions include:

• Cryoglobulinemia
• Cold agglutinin disease
• Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria

Someone who has excessive loose skin will also not be a candidate for cryolipolysis in that specific area. Since the CoolSculpting device pulls in the skin to get closer to fat cells, loose skin would get in the way. The device wouldn’t be able to get close enough to the fat cells to freeze them.

If you’re still wondering if you are a candidate for CoolSculpting, you can answer five simple questions to find out.

Does CoolSculpting Work?

We know you’re wondering: does CoolSculpting work on stubborn areas like arms, thighs, and back fat? Can it really get rid of your love handles or that lower belly fat you hate to see in the mirror?

While cryolipolysis doesn’t work for everyone, it does have some promising results. Here, we consider the studies that have been done on fat freezing. Then, we’ll take a look at some reviews of people who have experienced CoolSculpting.

The Science of CoolSculpting

This noninvasive procedure is attractive in part because it does not affect or damage the surrounding skin, nerves or tissues. Fat cells are the only thing targeted and affected by cryolipolysis.

In one study, 10 patients who received the procedure saw a 20.4% reduction in fat after two months. That number increased slightly to 25.5% in the six-month follow-up post-treatment.

Researchers also noted that some participants experienced reduced sensation in the treated area.

This resolved for all affected within roughly three weeks after the procedure was done. Biopsies taken showed no changes in the nerve fiber structure as well, and the skin showed no ill effects.

This larger study used body calipers and ultrasound imaging after six months to determine fat reduction. A total of 85 patients were measured using calipers and showed an average of 21.5% reduction in fat.

Of the participants, six were shown to have an average of 19.6% reduction via ultrasound imaging.

Researchers advised that the greatest amount of fat reduction was found in the following areas:

• Hips
• Abdomen
• Back fat (also called bra rolls/fat in women)

In this study, researchers set out to determine if massage post-procedure led to better fat reduction results. Participants were treated on both sides of their abdomen for 60 minutes. After the session, one side was massaged for two minutes while the other side was not.

The mean fat layer was checked by ultrasound at the 2-month and then 4-month mark. The side that was massaged showed a greater fat reduction of 68% and 44%, respectively. This study indicates that post-procedure massage leads to increased overall fat reduction, even after one session.

Reviews to Consider

It’s always a good idea to check out reviews and get others’ experiences before having a procedure done. Learning about others’ experiences can help you determine if fat freezing does actually work and if it’s right for you.

Since cryolipolysis has been on the market for a few years, you can easily find reviews online. When considering if CoolSculpting actually does work, this Reddit thread has some positive and negative reviews.

Another Reddit user in this thread offers some before and after pics when asked if CoolSculpting works. This person also had a positive experience with getting the procedure done on stubborn fat pockets.

As always, results can vary widely from user to user.

There are alternatives to cryolipolysis, including liposuction or even a tummy tuck (for the abdomen). Other lipolysis options include:

• Injection, also called Kybella
• Laser, also called SculpSure
• Radiofrequency also called Vanquish

In these procedures, the injection, hot laser or radio waves target and kill the fat cells, similar to CoolSculpting.

Potential Side Effects and Complications

Generally speaking, there are typically no side effects with CoolSculpting. Some people will have minimal side effects either immediately after or up to a few weeks later.

This is one of the reasons it is considered an attractive fat-destroying option for some.

The most common side effects users have experienced are:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tingling
• Skin redness
• Itching 
• A feeling of fullness around the throat (jaw and chin areas frozen)
• Pain in the treated area
• Cramping 
• Skin sensitivity
• Numbness
• Late-onset pain

As with most procedures, there can be a small chance of more serious side effects. According to one study, less than one percent of men may end up with Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. It presents as a tissue mass in the area that was targeted with CoolSculpting.

Does CoolSculpting Last Forever?

Fat cells can’t multiply in the body, but they can shrink and expand over time. When we gain weight, they expand and then when weight is lost, they shrink again.

The nice thing about freezing fat cells is once they die and leave the body, they can’t ever return. 

Now, that’s not to say that you won’t ever regain fat in that area again. The biggest factor to positive results with CoolSculpting is maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

If you don’t eat healthy foods and stay active, you run the risk of putting the fat right back on.

Since CoolSculpting is a relatively new procedure, long-term effects are still relatively unknown. Most of the studies completely have only been for the short-term, six months or less.

However, maintaining a healthy BMI through nutritious food and exercise should keep the fat off for good.

Does CoolSculpting Hurt?

Not everyone has the same threshold for pain, but generally, CoolSculpting is not painful. As mentioned in the side effects, some may have tenderness or aching, and others had late on-set pain.

However, there have been a few people who have noted a problem with CoolSculpting: significant late-onset pain. Unfortunately, there is no way to know how your body will react to fat freezing until you’ve had it done.

As far as fat-reducing procedures go, cryolipolysis seems to be one of the least painful ones. It is one of the least invasive, requiring no cuts to the skin or surgical procedures.

There is also no downtime and you can even drive yourself home after you’ve had your session.

Depending on the location and amount of fat, more than one session may be needed to see desirable results.

What to Expect During Your CoolSculpting Experience

Are you interested in CoolSculpting but unsure about what to expect? After you’ve been approved as a candidate, you’ll set up a schedule with your provider.

The number of sessions will be determined by the area(s) frozen and the amount of fat per zone.

1. Once you’ve arrived for your first session, you’ll be prepped in a private room.
2. A topical gel is applied to the area being treated, then the appropriately sized applicator is placed and the device is attached. Some providers use gel pads with the device, avoiding the need for separate gel application.
3. You’ll be advised to sit still during the procedure (usually 30 – 60 minutes) to prevent movement of the device.
4. You’ll feel cold in the treatment area relatively quickly. Within a few minutes, the area should be numbed.
5. Once the predetermined time is up, the device and applicators will be removed.
6. Some providers will massage the area to help blood flow return to the area. This is usually done a couple of minutes after the device is removed.
7. Depending on your treatment plan, you may have another area treated that same day. The process will repeat from step 1.

Considerations

Some things to note for during and after the procedure:

1. The device is designed to “suck” the skin to get as close to the fat cells underneath as possible. This could cause sensations of:
   • Pulling
   • Tingling
   • Stinging
   • Cramping
   • Mild pinching
2. During the massaging after the procedure, you may feel the sensation of pins and needles as the blood flow comes back to the area. This isn’t exactly painful, but it can be uncomfortable for some.
3. Not all providers massage the area afterward, as advised in step 6. One study indicates that massage caused subdermal temperatures to increase faster than those without massage. Also, as referenced earlier, the fat reduction was significantly greater in people who were massaged after the procedure.

Results are not immediate and can take several weeks to start showing. Most will start seeing results after about three weeks, but for some, it can take longer.

You may see a further reduction of visible fat pockets as long as six months after the procedure.

Is CoolSculpting Expensive?

Costs of this procedure vary depending on the area of treatment and the number of sessions needed. The type of provider used can also impact the cost of the procedure.

You can be seen by a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, and even some medspas offer the service.

Expect to pay as little as a few hundred dollars or up to $4,000 or more. Rates can also vary by location and the type of provider you use.

You’ll also likely have to pay for the consultation fee as well. As this procedure is considered cosmetic and voluntary, your health insurance probably won’t cover it.

If you are interested in getting CoolSculpting done, you might want to call around to get some quotes before committing. Some providers may offer payment plans to make it easier.

You can go directly to the CoolSculpting website to find a provider near you.

The Bottom Line

CoolSculpting can be a great option for some to spot reduce fat pockets after weight loss. It cannot fix loose skin and is not considered a way to lose weight. You’ll have to meet certain criteria to be considered a candidate for this noninvasive fat-freezing procedure.

A healthy lifestyle with quality food and exercise is recommended to maintain results. While the fat cells targeted are gone forever after the procedure, an unhealthy lifestyle can cause weight gain.

For many people who have experience CoolSculpting, they have seen positive results. There are some who have adverse effects and exhibit more pain after the procedure than others. So far, there are no known long-term effects from having this procedure done.

Fat freezing has not been shown to damage the surrounding nerves or skin, making it a viable fat reduction option.

Have you had CoolSculpting done before? How was your experience – good or bad? Would you recommend the procedure to others? Let us know all about it in the comments.