What is Coolsculpting®?
The idea that cold can selectively affect fat led to the innovative cooling process developed by scientists at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. CoolSculpting technology safely delivers precisely controlled cooling to gently and effectively target the fat cells underneath the skin. The treated fat cells are crystallized (frozen), then die.
The Science & Technology
PROVEN RESULTS WITHOUT SURGERY
Renowned Harvard University scientists, Dieter Manstein, MD and R. Rox Anderson, MD, observed that some children got dimples due to eating popsicles. The idea that cold can selectively affect fat cells without damaging the skin or surrounding tissue was the insight behind Cryolipolysis®, the proven science on which the CoolSculpting procedure is based.
The CoolSculpting procedure is:
- FDA-cleared
- Non-surgical
- Safe and effective
Freezing Fat Cells
- Many of us have stubborn fat despite diet and exercise.
- CoolSculpting technology uses controlled cooling (Cryolipolysis) to target and kill only these fat cells.
Before / After
Photos courtesy of Grant Stevens, MD
12 weeks after second CoolSculpting session
Untreated areas will have no change in fat cell distribution.
Results and patient experience may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Am I A Good Candidate?
The CoolSculpting fat reduction procedure is specially designed for those who have unwanted fat that resists diet and exercise. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, the CoolSculpting procedure is not a weight loss solution for people who are obese. It is, however, a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. Good candidates have noticeable bulges in certain areas they’d like to get rid of. Request a one-on-one consultation with a CoolSculpting physician who will determine if the CoolSculpting procedure is right for you.
- How Long Is Each Session?
Your CoolSculpting physician will help you create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. The length of your CoolSculpting session will vary depending on the number of areas being treated during one visit. You and your provider may schedule additional sessions in order to meet your goals. Many people read, check email, or even take a nap during their sessions.
- Where Does The Fat Go?
Once the treated fat cells are crystallized (frozen), they die and are naturally processed and eliminated from the body.
- What Does It Feel Like?
As the cooling begins during the first few minutes, you will feel pressure and intense cold. This soon dissipates. Many people read, watch videos, work on their laptop, or even take a nap during their treatment.
- Is It Safe?
The CoolSculpting procedure is FDA-cleared for the flank (love handles), abdomen and thigh. As the #1 body contouring procedure and with millions of CoolSculpting procedures performed worldwide, it is proven to be a safe and effective treatment for non-surgical fat reduction.
- Are There Any Side Effects?
During the procedure you may experience deep pulling, tugging, pinching, numbness or discomfort. Following the procedure, typical side effects include temporary numbness, redness, swelling, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging and pain. Rare side effects may also occur. 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.