CoolSculpting® uses a process called cryolipolysis---sometimes called fat freezing—to target stubborn areas of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. “Cryo” means “Intense cold” and “Lipolysis” means “the breakdown of fat.” Below a certain temperature, fat cells cannot survive. The cold causes them to crystallize and rupture and, over time, the body breaks down and removes these dead fat cells. CoolSculpting® selectively targets and freezes fat cells while preserving other tissues around the fat, such as the muscles, etc.

The following effects can happen frequently in the treatment area during and after a treatment. These effects are temporary and generally resolve within days or weeks. During the procedure, you may experience sensations of pulling, tugging, mild pinching, intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching, cramping, and discomfort at the treatment site. These sensations lessen as the area becomes numb. Following the procedure, typical side effects include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, stinging, tenderness, cramping, skin inflammation, and aching. Sensory alteration (itching, skin sensitivity, tingling, and numbness) can persist up to several weeks after a treatment. You may also experience throat discomfort or soreness and sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after submental or submandibular area treatment. After about ten minutes, the area becomes temporarily numb, which is why many use their treatment time to read, watch TV, or even take a brief nap. For more information, please see this Important Safety Information.

Once the treated fat cells have been eliminated by the body, they are gone for good. It’s possible that if you gain weight, the remaining fat cells can expand. Two case studies that followed up two patients, one at six years and another at nine years, after their final treatment found that the fat reduction and body contouring that had resulted from their CoolSculpting® treatments were still apparent despite fluctuation in their weight. Results may vary.

Since 2009, more than 17 million CoolSculpting® treatments have been performed. We are the leading noninvasive fat freezing treatment and the treatment that doctors use most for fat reduction without surgery. Over the years, we have refined our protocol and are proud of our well-established safety and efficacy profile. All of our controlled cooling devices have built-in safety measures with sensors that can detect when the skin is getting too cold and automatically shut off the system for the ultimate in patient safety and comfort.

Please see our full Important Safety Information for additional information.

Only you can decide if CoolSculpting® is worth it for you, but what we can tell you is that it’s the treatment doctors use most for noninvasive fat reduction. Since 2009, there have been over 17 million CoolSculpting® treatments worldwide, helping people achieve their body contouring goals without surgery. It permanently eliminates up to 20-25% of the treated fat---and with little to no downtime.* 84% of patients said that they’re satisfied with the treatment they have received, and 89% of patients would recommend CoolSculpting® Elite to a friend after 2 visits.†,††

*In a clinical study of 10 subjects, up to 20—25% of fat layer reduction was seen at 2 and 6 months (n=6)

†In a study, 96 patients received CoolSculpting Elite treatments on the midsection (abdomen and flanks). 94 patients received two treatment visits and 2 patients received one treatment visit. The primary goal was to evaluate patient satisfaction captured by a survey.

††Additional goals of the study were captured by surveys.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure; it’s a personalized treatment plan that your CoolSculpting® provider will create after detailed discussions with you about what you want to acieve. Most patients need at least two treatment sessions--typically spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart--to achieve desired results.

Following the procedure, typical side effects include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, stinging, tenderness, cramping, skin inflammation, and aching. Sensory alteration (itching, skin sensitivity, tingling, and numbness) can persist up to several weeks after treatment. You may also experience throat discomfort or soreness and sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after submental or submandibular area treatment. These effects are temporary and generally resolve withing days or weeks.

Paradoxical hyperplasia (also known as PH) is a rare side effect of cryolipolysis with a reported rate of around one in every 3,000 treatments carried out---or 0.0033%. The exact cause of PH is not fully understood, but it represents as a visible enlargement in the treated area which may develop two to five months after treatment. Unlike temporary swelling, it will not resolve if left untreated and may require surgery. In the very unlikely event that you experience PH after treatment with a CoolSculpting® provider, you should speak to them about your options, including the Cool Confidence program which, in eligible cases, can offer financial assistance with corrective treatment.

CoolSculpting® is nonsurgical and has little to no downtime, meaning you can get back to your busy day as soon as you leave. But as with any treatment, there are risks and side effects you should be aware about:

• Redness, mild to moderate bruising (in rare instances, it can be severe), and swelling

• Tenderness, cramping, and aching

• Itching, skin sensitivity, tingling, and numbness. Sensory alteration can persist up to several week after a treatment

• Sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after submental area treatment

For more risk information, click here. Follow specific advice from your provider. We also suggest ensuring that you drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated.

The cost of your personalized CoolSculpting® treatment plan will depend on the areas you want to treat, the number of treatments you need, and what your ultimate body goals are. That’s why we always recommend that you consult one of our providers in person so they can create a personalized plan designed to fit you, your body, and your budget.