Are CoolSculpting Results Permanent?
One of the most effective non-surgical body contouring methods is CoolSculpting, a 100% non-invasive treatment that removes stubborn body fat. The treatment literally freezes the fat away without the pain or downtime required by surgery. CoolSculpting results can be significant, with up to 20%-25% reduction in fat after a single treatment.
A common question asked by patients is “How long do CoolSculpting results last?” Answer: CoolSculpting results can last forever if they are properly maintained by the patient.
A CoolSculpting patient will notice their full results approximately 3 months after treatment. Depending on the size of the treatment area, patients may need multiple treatments to get to their goal. These additional treatments can take place as early as four weeks out. Once fat cells are destroyed, they are gone forever. However, it is still possible to gain fat back in the area if one gains weight. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
CoolSculpting Permanently Removes Fat Cells
CoolSculpting eliminates fat through a process called cryolipolysis. Fat cells in the treatment area are exposed to extreme cold, causing their internal structure to crystalize. The fat cells become terminally injured and gradually die off. The now dead and broken-down fat cells are metabolized by the body and naturally expelled. The CoolSculpting process only impacts fat cells, all other skin and surrounding tissue is unaffected by the treatment.
Fat cells killed by CoolSculpting are permanently removed as the adult body is unable to create new fat cells. Removed fat cells cannot regrow and the body will not replace them with new fat cells. In our early 20’s, the number of fat cells within our body become fixed. The appearance of weight gain in adults is not caused by the existence of new fat cells, but rather the expansion of existing cells.
Permanent Results Requires Maintenance
CoolSculpting does not remove all fat cells from the treatment area. Fat cells that remain in the treatment area have the potential to expand with weight gain. The enlargement of remaining fat cells could reverse or negate the results of the treatment.
Thus, in order to maintain the results of CoolSculpting over the long-run, patients must maintain their post treatment body weight. For example, if a patient weighed 140 pounds prior to their procedure and their weight dropped by 5 pounds after CoolSculpting, the results of the procedure will continue to be apparent if the patient maintains a weight at or below 135 pounds. Patients should focus on maintaining their post-treatment weight by eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, and regularly exercise. This prevents remaining fat cells in the treatment area from enlarging.
Conclusion
CoolSculpting represents a vast improvement in non-surgical fat removal treatments. The procedure permanently removes fat cells, leading to long term results as outlined by this study published by the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. However, in order to keep results patients must prevent the enlargement of any remaining fat cells by maintaining their post-procedure weight.
Natalie Yingling is a Family Nurse Practitioner and a graduate from the University of Texas at Austin. After completing her Masters degree, Natalie specialized in cosmetic dermatology. Natalie is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and Austin Advanced Practice Nurses. She loves helping her patients meet their aesthetic goals and enhance their natural beauty.
Wow, I had no idea that fat cells can be permanently removed by coolsculpting. I have never heard of coolsculpting before but I really want to lose weight. I’ll find a place near me that does it and see if they can treat me with it to lose some weight.
I have been planning to try cool sculpting because traditional weight loss is not working for me. I never knew that this type of treatment is keen on exposing the cells to extreme cold, which eventually injures them. I’m glad you shared this; I’ll make sure to do my best in maintaining my body wight after the treatment.
I can co-sign on CoolSculpting, truly great results. Now I gotta maintain em haha
First CoolSculpting treatment done and I’m already seeing some results! So happy 🙂