19 Questions Everyone Asks About CoolSculpting
Got stubborn fat?
CoolSculpting may just be the answer you’re looking for to freeze out unwanted fat cells from problem areas, such as thighs, abdomen, love handles, upper arms and chin.
At Dr Bryan McIntosh’s clinic, we receive a lot of clients asking us questions about CoolSculpting, so here’s an FAQ that hopefully answers most of your queries.
If you need more information, please contact us, and we’ll help you decide if this treatment is the right one for you.
Q: What exactly is CoolSculpting?
A: It is a patented nonsurgical cooling technique that targets fat in specific problem areas to freeze and destroy them, the kind of stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise.
Q: What happens to the fat that is frozen by CoolSculpting?
A: Once the frozen fat cells freeze and crystallize, the body metabolizes and eliminates these dead cells naturally without impacting your daily life in any way.
Q: Which parts of the body can CoolSculpting target?
A: The procedure can target visible fat bulges in the abdomen, thighs, under the chin, under the jawline, flank, back fat, underneath the buttocks and upper arm.
Q: What happens during a CoolSculpting treatment?
A: A gel pad is first applied to the treatment area to create a barrier between your skin and the cooling panel. After that, the applicator delivers vacuum pressure and cooling to the targeted site. As the applicator sucks the bulge into the cooling panels, you will feel the suction and sensations of cold. You may also feel a sensation of uncomfortable tingling at first, but that soon subsides as the area gets numb. Fat cells are very susceptible to freezing temperatures, so they get impacted and die. The intense cold does not harm surrounding muscle and tissues though. During treatment you can relax, read a book, watch a movie, work on your laptop, talk on the phone or catch up on social media to pass the time.
Q: Can the intense coolness damage my skin or cause frostbites?
A: No. The procedure is designed to deliver precise and controlled cooling to the fat cells below the skin layer and does not damage the skin or cause frostbite.
Q: How long does the treatment take?
A: That depends on the area of the body and how many sessions you are opting for. But a single session of CoolSculpting can be completed in 35 minutes to about 2 hours.
Q: How much fat reduction can be expected from a single session?
A: Typically, you could see up to a 24% fat reduction in the targeted area.
Q: Can more than one area be treated in one session?
A: Yes. Usually, you can opt for one to three areas in a single session.
Q: Will I lose weight with CoolSculpting?
A: No. CoolSculpting is afat reduction treatment that only targets specific problem areas and offers best results for people who are generally fit. It is not designed for weight loss or to treat obesity. In case you’re looking for weight loss and not fat loss, there are other surgical treatments that will work for you, such as a tummy tuck or liposuction. Your provider will help you choose the right one.
Q: Does CoolSculpting reduce visceral fat?
A: No. The treatment does not target visceral fat that is wrapped around intra-abdominal organs. A consistent regimen of the right foods and exercise will help you do that.
Q: Will I have loose skin in the area that has been treated?
A: Possibly, and an evaluation by your provider can help answer this question.
Q: Can I go back to work after a CoolSculpting session?
A: Yes. You can go back to work right after your session and get on with your daily life.
Q: Can I exercise on the same day?
A: Yes. The treatment is topical and non-invasive, so there are no restrictions on your activities afterwards.
Q: What are the side effects of CoolSculpting?
A: As it’s a non-invasive method, there is no downtime after a CoolSculpting treatment. You may notice some redness in the treated area or mild bruising that clears up in a few days. There may also be sensations of mild numbness or cramping but that also tends to dissipate within a few days.
Q: How long will it be before I see the full and final results after a single session?
A: After three months.
Q: What happens after a CoolSculpting session?
A: After the dead fat cells are fully eliminated, you will have a follow-up visit when your doctor will take post-treatment photos so you can compare them with your pre-treatment photos and decide if you are happy with the reduction or want another session in the same area to further enhance the transformation.
Q: Will I gain weight after my CoolSculpting treatment?
A: CoolSculpting is a targeted fat loss and not a general weight loss plan. It is possible to gain weight if you don’t maintain a healthy food and exercise regimen.
Q: Has CoolSculpting been cleared by the FDA?
A: Yes. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) cleared the treatment in 2012.
Q: Will insurance cover my CoolSculpting treatment?
A: As it is a voluntary cosmetic treatment, CoolSculpting is not covered by insurance providers. Talk to us at Dr McIntosh’s clinic if you live in Bellevue or the Greater Seattle area about financing options, and we will customize a payment plan that is affordable for you.