This article discusses CoolSculpting’s safety and effectiveness, as well as alternative options for fat reduction.
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What Is the CoolSculpting Procedure Like?
CoolSculpting is anoninvasive fat removal procedurethat doesn’t involve incisions or any downtime after the treatment.
Zoran Zeremski / Getty Images
Some patients report the area feeling slightly uncomfortable at first due to the cold temperatures and suctioning.
But after a few minutes, the site should feel numb or normal.
How Long Is the Procedure?
The body naturally eliminates the fat cells that are damaged during the procedure over four to six months.
A fat reduction of around 20% is generally expected.
Who Is CoolSculpting For?
Studies show that CoolSculpting is safe for all skin types and safe for repeat treatments.
Additionally, they should be open to maintaining the achieved results with anactive lifestyle.
CoolSculpting permanently damages existing fat cells so that they won’t grow back.
Fat cells are a preset number at birth.
Once removed, they do not come back.
Existing cells will grow instead.
The Risks of CoolSculpting
CoolSculptingis considered by experts to be safe and effective.
It’s a noninvasive procedure, so no surgery, needles,anesthesia, or medications are required.
The risk for potential side effects or complications with CoolSculpting is much lower than with surgical procedures likeliposuction.
With PAH, fat cells grow instead of diminishing in the treatment area.
It can appear like a bulge of firm or hardened fatty tissue in the rectangular shape of the applicator.
One study estimates that PAH happens in 0.05% to 0.39% of cases.
Does CoolSculpting Really Work?
How Much Does CoolSculpting Cost?
The cost of CoolSculpting depends on the size of the treatment area.
It’s not considered a medically necessary procedure, so it’s not covered by health insurance.
Alternatives to CoolSculpting
There are several different methods of noninvasive or minimally invasive body contouring.
SculpSure
SculpSure is a noninvasive treatment that dissolves fat cells with controlled heat from a laser rig.
It’s typically used on the abdomen and flanks.
Patients report the SculpSure treatment as relatively painless, with a potential warming sensation.
Each session takes about 25 minutes.
Results become noticeable in roughly six weeks, with final results seen after three months.
The effects of SculpSure are typically permanent or long-lasting unless there’s significant weight gain.
Vanquish
Vanquish is another noninvasive treatment that dissolves fat cells with radio waves from a laser gear.
With Vanquish, an applicator emitting a radio frequency is held roughly 1 centimeter from the skin.
This heats fat cells safely without damaging the skin or other tissues.
Each treatment takes roughly 30 minutes and is recommended weekly for about a month.
Vanquish can reduce fat, abdominal circumference, andbody mass index(BMI).
Kybella
Kybella is an injection that’s FDA-approved to destroy fat under the chin.
A chemical known as deoxycholic acid is injected into the area to break down fat cells.
Multiple small injections are made over about a 20-minute period.
It’s rare to experience serious side effects.
Kybella results are expected to last until there’s significant weight gain.
Two to four treatments usually are recommended, spaced out by a month.
Summary
CoolSculpting is a safe, noninvasive fat-freezing method.
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