Introduction
When diet and exercise aren’t enough to get rid of stubborn fat, it’s easy to feel frustrated. That’s where CoolSculpting comes in. It is a non-surgical treatment designed to reduce stubborn fat in specific areas, without needles or surgery.
CoolSculpting is a branded treatment discussed here for general information. 4D Skin Care Clinic is in North Vancouver and does not offer CoolSculpting. If you are exploring non-surgical body treatments, ask us which options are currently available at our clinic. Here is a general overview of how it works, who it is designed for and what people are usually told to expect.
What Is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting uses a process called cryolipolysis, a fat-freezing technology that targets fat cells under the skin. The treatment cools these fat cells to a specific temperature where they break down, while the treatment is designed to limit effects on the surrounding skin.
Once frozen, the treated fat cells are slowly cleared by the body’s natural processes over the next few weeks. The aim is a gradual reduction of fat in the treated area.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
CoolSculpting is designed for pinchable fat that has not responded to diet and exercise. Areas it has been cleared to treat in the United States include:
- Abdomen (belly fat)
- Flanks (love handles)
- Thighs (inner and outer)
- Upper arms
- Back fat
- Double chin
- Bra bulge
- Under the buttocks (“banana roll”)
Some people treat more than one area over time.
What to Expect During a Session
Providers who offer CoolSculpting usually start with a consultation to discuss goals and assess the treatment areas. A typical session, as generally described, goes like this:
- The CoolSculpting applicator is placed on the targeted area.
- Suction draws the tissue into the applicator.
- Controlled cooling begins, the area goes numb in a few minutes.
- The applicator usually stays in place for about 35 to 60 minutes, depending on the area.
- After the applicator is removed, the provider may massage the area.
Anesthesia is not usually used, and people often read or relax during treatment.
Is There Any Downtime?
Many people return to their usual routine soon after a session. Temporary side effects reported include redness, swelling, bruising, tingling, numbness, tenderness and skin sensitivity in the treated area. Ask your provider what to expect for your own treatment area.
How Soon Will You See Results?
Results aren’t instant, the body takes time to process and clear out the treated fat cells. Changes are often reported from about 3 weeks after treatment, with more noticeable changes usually over the following 1 to 3 months.
Some people opt for multiple sessions in the same area to achieve their desired outcome. A provider can explain realistic expectations at a consultation.
Does It Hurt?
CoolSculpting is generally well-tolerated. You may feel a strong pulling sensation as the applicator draws in the skin, followed by intense cold for the first few minutes. After that, the area usually goes numb.
Post-treatment massage may feel slightly uncomfortable, but it is brief.
How Long Do Results Last?
Treated fat cells are gradually cleared by the body. Results depend on keeping a stable weight through a balanced lifestyle.
It is not a substitute for weight loss and is generally aimed at people who are already near their goal weight and want to refine specific areas.
Is CoolSculpting Right for You?
CoolSculpting isn’t for everyone. It’s best for people who:
- Are close to their goal weight
- Have specific pockets of fat that haven’t responded to diet and exercise
- Prefer non-surgical treatments
It is not a treatment for obesity or loose skin. According to the manufacturer, people with cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria should not have CoolSculpting. A qualified provider should assess whether it is appropriate for you.
If you are considering CoolSculpting, ask the provider how many sessions they suggest for your area, which applicator they plan to use, what side effects to watch for and what results they consider realistic for you.
CoolSculpting: General Information and Body Treatments at 4D
4D Skin Care Clinic does not offer CoolSculpting. At our North Vancouver clinic in Edgemont Village, we offer other non-surgical body treatments, including RF body contouring and RF cellulite reduction. These work differently from cryolipolysis, so they are not a substitute for it, and they are not suitable for everyone. At a consultation, we assess your goals and explain which of our treatments, if any, may suit you. Every plan is built around your goals, comfort level and health history.
In simple terms, CoolSculpting cools targeted fat cells, while RF body contouring uses radiofrequency energy to warm the skin and the tissue beneath it. Because the two methods work differently, we explain at consultation what our RF treatments are designed to do and what they are not designed to do.
Take the Next Step
If you would like to talk about body treatments that are available at 4D, the team at our North Vancouver clinic can help. Book a complimentary consultation.