How to Separate Fact from Fiction and Find Out if CoolSculpting is Right for You

You’ve been working hard in the gym as a part of your new year’s resolutions and are seeing amazing progress, but can’t seem to get past the finish line. No matter how hard you work, those stubborn areas of fat just don’t seem to respond to exercise or a healthy diet.

You may have heard of CoolSculpting before and have maybe even considered it, but may still have some reservations due to the common myths surrounding the procedure. In reality, CoolSculpting is the world’s leading non-invasive fat reduction treatment. Like any medical procedure, CoolSculpting has its benefits and drawbacks – but it has been clinically proven to eliminate stubborn fat cells with zero downtime.

This is why it’s so important to separate CoolSculpting facts from fiction. This article will list the most common myths about this popular treatment and set the record straight once and for all!

What Is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting, or cryolipolysis, is a non-surgical fat cell reduction treatment, meaning that once the cells have been eliminated, they’re gone for good. The treatment works by freezing the fat cells, so the body can naturally process and eliminate them on its own. This process usually takes around three to five weeks. The results will be best seen approximately six months following your treatment, so be patient!

CoolSculpting is also a great option for men! Men tend to have denser, more concentrated fat cells, which is not ideal for invasive fat removal procedures. Since CoolSculpting is minimally invasive, it works just as well for the guys as it does on women.

CoolSculpting is most effective on men and women who lead a relatively healthy lifestyle, and are within one to 20 pounds of their goal weight.

Each CoolSculpting session can take anywhere from 35 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. The applicator is applied to the skin, and you can sit back and relax while it works its magic. After that, the esthetician will massage the area to help break apart the fat cells – this is an integral part of the procedure and can improve results significantly.

9 Common Myths About CoolSculpting

+ 1. It’s Painful

Contrary to popular belief, the treatment itself is not painful. Some patients do feel mild discomfort during their session, which can mostly be attributed to the intense cold being delivered to the treatment area. It may even feel hot momentarily, however, this will subside once the area becomes numb. You may also feel some mild tugging, tingling, pinching, stinging or aching around the treatment site. But many can agree that it’s nothing compared to going under the knife!

+ 2. It’s a Weight Loss Treatment

It’s important to note that CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss treatment. It’s actually a fat reduction treatment, which means that after your treatment, the targeted cells become damaged and are gradually reabsorbed by the body. Over time, the lymphatic system transports lipids to the liver, where they are processed and finally eliminated.

However, CoolSculpting does not prevent the remaining fat cells from expanding. In order to maintain the results you gain from your CoolSculpting treatment, keeping up with a healthy diet and exercising regularly is essential.

+ 3. It Only Treats Stomach Fat

Many believe that CoolSculpting is only effective around the abdomen. The truth is, up to nine areas that are difficult to target with diet and exercise alone can benefit from this treatment. CoolSculpting is most effective on the abdomen, flanks, hips, thighs, back, below the buttocks, the upper arms, and under the chin or jawline.

CoolSculpting only works if there is a sufficient concentration of fat cells in the affected area. If you are experiencing mild fat underneath the chin that is insufficient for a CoolSculpting treatment, you may be interested in exploring Belkyra as an alternative non-surgical treatment option.

+ 4. Results Are Permanent/It Prevents Weight Gain

Although it’s true that CoolSculpting permanently kills fat cells, the results themselves are not necessarily permanent. After your treatment, it’s up to you to ensure that you maintain a proper diet and exercise in order to keep the remaining fat cells from expanding.

+ 5. Results Are Immediate

Since CoolSculpting uses intense cold to destroy fat cells which are then naturally eliminated by your body over time, you shouldn’t expect instant results. The body needs time to do its work. You should see noticeable results after about three weeks, and the best results will begin to show at approximately the six-month mark.

Usually, you will also require more than one treatment in order to obtain the results you want – this would be best discussed with your esthetician during your consultation.

+ 6. It’s Ideal for Anyone

Although CoolSculpting is unique in the sense that it can be beneficial to both men and women, no medical treatment is right for absolutely everyone. If you suffer from cold-sensitive conditions, such as agglutinin disease, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, or cryoglobulinemia, CoolSculpting is not recommended.

This is why it’s so important to ask your doctor whether CoolSculpting is right for you before seeking out treatment. During your consultation, you should also review your medical history with your esthetician. If CoolSculpting is not a good option, they will help put together an alternate treatment plan to meet your needs!

+ 7. It’s an Effective Skin Tightening Treatment

CoolSculpting does not tighten loose skin. The procedure takes advantage of fat tissue’s low tolerance for low temperatures. Through the application of intense cold to the treatment area, CoolSculpting effectively destroys fat cells without injuring the neighbouring skin – or affecting it in any way.

If you are seeking treatment for sagging or loose skin, or severe wrinkles, you may instead benefit from alternative treatments such as microneedling, radiofrequency, ultrasound, fillers or even surgical treatments in severe cases.

+ 8. It’s Dangerous

Not to worry, CoolSculpting is completely safe. In fact, it is one of the only FDA- and Health Canada-approved fat-freezing technology that has been clinically proven to effectively treat nine different areas of the body, with almost no risks or serious side effects.

In the hours immediately following your appointment, sometimes you may experience temporary swelling, mild redness, tingling, blanching, bruising, firmness, cramping, tenderness, itching, or mild skin sensitivity. However, this should subside within a week. The numbness and tingling may continue for longer.

+ 9. It Requires Recovery and Downtime

Believe it or not, CoolSculpting requires absolutely no downtime! CoolSculpting penetrates deeply to target fat cells underneath the skin without damaging the skin or surrounding tissues. There are no incisions, nor is any anesthesia necessary for a CoolSculpting treatment.

Immediately after your treatment, you’re welcome to resume normal activities! This is why CoolSculpting is so popular among men and women with busy schedules.

The Takeaway

The myths surrounding CoolSculpting can make it seem scary at first, or even ineffective. However, there’s nothing to fear and absolutely no reason to feel discouraged. This popular and innovative treatment is non-surgical, which is why it can be perfect for people with busy schedules who can’t afford the downtime associated with more invasive treatment options.

If you maintain a healthy lifestyle and are still having difficulties with those stubborn trouble spots, CoolSculpting may be what you’ve been missing. Book a consultation today to find out if CoolSculpting is right for you.