Coolsculpting FAQ’s

Am I a good candidate for the Coolsculpting procedure?

The CoolSculpting fat-reduction procedure is specially designed for those who have unwanted fat in targeted areas. Unlike weight-loss surgery (e.g., gastric bypass), the CoolSculpting procedure is not a weight-loss solution for people who are obese. Good candidates for the CoolSculpting procedure have noticeable bulges in certain areas they’d like to get rid of. Many people want a non-surgical alternative to liposuction.

How much does the CoolSculpting procedure cost?

The price for CoolSculpting procedures varies depending on your areas of concern, the number of treatments needed, and your ultimate goals. That said, the cost of a procedure usually starts at $600 per treatment, with the average patient typically opting for multiple treatments. Create a customized treatment plan, in person, with your physician that’s tailored to your body, your goals, and your budget. Many CoolSculpting practices even offer flexible spending plans to help patients achieve their goals.

How long is each treatment? How many treatments will I need?

Your CoolSculpting physician will help you create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. The length of your CoolSculpting treatment will vary depending on the number of areas being treated during one visit. While each CoolSculpting treatment generally lasts about 1 hour, some patients have more than one treatment during the same office visit. Some practices even have multiple CoolSculpting systems and applicators, so it’s possible for a patient to have multiple areas treated at once. You and your provider may also schedule additional treatments or office visits in order to meet your goals. Many people read, check email, or even take a nap during their treatments.

Can the CoolSculpting procedure reduce fat anywhere on my body?

The CoolSculpting procedure is FDA-cleared to target stubborn fat bulges in specific areas: abdomen, flank/side (“muffin top” or “love handle”), inner thigh, outer thigh, double chin.

I don’t like my double chin. Can the CoolSculpting procedure help me lose it?

Yes! The CoolSculpting procedure can treat visible fat bulges under the chin and contour the neck. Freezing away fat from a double chin is as easy and tolerable as using the CoolSculpting procedure in other parts of the body (e.g., abdomen, flank/side, thighs). With CoolSculpting treatment for a double chin, patients see results after just 1 to 2 visits. And with no surgery, no needles, and no downtime.

How is the CoolSculpting procedure different from Kybella chin fat treatments?

Kybella is an injectable prescription treatment. Kybella chin fat treatments involve 30 injections per treatment area per session (and patients typically need 2 to 4 sessions). If a patient needs numbing injections to reduce the pain of Kybella injections, that adds more needles and more injections. Some patients may experience throat swelling after Kybella treatments.

The CoolSculpting procedure is a non-invasive procedure, which means there are no needles or injections—ever!

Kybella is a trademark of Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.

Where does the fat go? Are the results permanent?

Once the treated fat cells are crystallized (frozen), they die and are naturally processed and eliminated from the body. Once the treated fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good.

What does it feel like?

As the cooling begins during the first few minutes, you may typically feel intense cold. This soon dissipates. With some applicators, you’ll feel some pulling as suction is applied. The area generally goes numb within 5 to 10 minutes during treatment. Many people read, watch videos, work on their laptop, or even take a nap during their CoolSculpting treatment.

After the treatment, you may feel some tingling as the area is massaged for 2 or 3 minutes. Patients are usually able to return to normal activities following their appointment. What to Expect has more information about what happens before, during, and after your CoolSculpting procedure.

Is the CoolSculpting procedure safe?

The CoolSculpting procedure is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental area, thigh, abdomen, and flank. As the #1 non-invasive fat reduction procedure and with millions of CoolSculpting procedures performed worldwide, it is proven to be a safe and effective treatment.

Who should not have the CoolSculpting procedure?

The CoolSculpting procedure is not for everyone. You should not have the CoolSculpting procedure if you suffer from cryoglobulinemia or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. The CoolSculpting procedure is not a treatment for obesity. As with any medical procedure, ask your physician if the CoolSculpting procedure is right for you.

Are there any side effects?

During the procedure you may experience sensations of pulling, tugging, and mild pinching. You may also feel intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching, and cramping—sensations that subside as the treatment area becomes numb.

Immediately after treatment, there may be redness and firmness; transient blanching and/or mild bruising around the edges of the treatment area; tingling and stinging. Typically, these side effects are temporary and resolve completely. Many patients do experience redness in the treated areas for up to a few hours after the applicator is removed. In rare cases, this redness may persist up to 2 weeks, but it will completely resolve itself.

At 1 to 2 weeks after treatment, there may be redness, bruising, and swelling; tenderness, cramping, and aching; itching, skin sensitivity, tingling, and numbness. In some cases, numbness may persist for several weeks after a treatment. Talk to your doctor if these side effects persist past 2 weeks or worsen over time.

Rare side effects include:

• Paradoxical hyperplasia: Visibly enlarged tissue volume within the treatment area, which may develop 2 to 5 months after treatment. Surgical intervention may be required.
• Late-onset pain with a typical onset several days after a treatment and resolution within several weeks.
• Freeze burn: First- and second-degree freeze burn may occur during treatment. It typically resolves without sequelae with proper care.
• Vasovagal symptoms: Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, flushing, sweating, or fainting during or immediately after the treatment.
• Subcutaneous induration: Generalized hardness and/or discrete nodules within the treatment area, which may develop after the treatment and may present with pain and/or discomfort.
• Hyperpigmentation: Hyperpigmentation may occur after treatment. Typically, it resolves spontaneously.
• Hernia: Treatment may cause new hernia formation or exacerbate pre existing hernia, which may require surgical repair.

Can I return to normal activities after my treatment?

Yes, you can. The CoolSculpting procedure is completely non-surgical, so typically you can return to normal activities immediately. Patients often return to work on the same day after a CoolSculpting treatment is completed.

I’ve had my CoolSculpting procedure. Now what?

Always be sure to schedule a follow-up assessment with your CoolSculpting provider to review your results and discuss the option of additional treatments. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A healthy body is a happy one. And we want you to be happy with your results!

When will I see results?

You may start to see changes as quickly as 3 weeks after your treatment, and will experience the most dramatic results after 2 months. Your body will still continue to flush out fat cells for up to 4 to 6 months after treatment. The Before & After gallery shows what results look like several weeks after CoolSculpting treatment.

Do I need to take special supplements or follow a strict diet and exercise program?

No supplements are required after your CoolSculpting treatment. It’s not a diet and exercise program, so you won’t need to change any of your lifestyle habits. Many patients do feel more motivated to take care of themselves after a CoolSculpting treatment. It’s as if they got a second lease on their body! They want to take even better care of themselves.

What happens if I gain after my CoolSculpting procedure?

Many people, after seeing the results from their CoolSculpting procedure, feel even more motivated to stay close to their ideal weight. However, if you do gain weight, you may gain it evenly all over your body, not just in the treated areas.