5 Common CoolSculpting Myths
CoolSculpting is currently the most popular non-surgical body contouring treatment on the market today. Its popularity is well deserved: CoolSculpting is effective, is FDA approved, has no downtime, and requires no needles, surgical incisions, or anesthesia. During the procedure, a non-invasive applicator is applied to the surface of the skin to deliver precisely controlled cooling which targets and eliminates fat cells in specific areas of the body.
While there are some great CoolSculpting resources online, there are still some common misconceptions among prospective patients. In this post, we’ll work to debunk the most common myths about CoolSculpting.
Myth 1: CoolSculpting is Painful
Fact: Most patients cite a brief period of discomfort when the applicator sucks the treatment area into the applicator and begins to apply the intense cold. After the initial application, the treatment area gets numb and the discomfort resolves. Many of our patients sleep or read a book during their sessions.
Following the treatment, some patients experience mild bruising or swelling along the treatment area. A feeling of light soreness or tenderness is possible but short-lived, vanishing after a few days.
Myth 2: CoolSculpting is a Weight Loss Solution
Fact: CoolSculpting, like liposuction, is not intended for use as a weight loss method. It’s a non-surgical body contouring treatment that can be used to eliminate isolated pockets of body fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. It’s an ideal treatment to tone and tighten the body’s curves, creating an enhanced silhouette.
Myth 3: CoolSculpting Provides Instant Results
Fact: CoolSculpting results occur in a gradual manner due to the time it takes for destroyed fat cells to be expelled from the body through natural metabolic processes. Additionally, most patients will require a series of CoolSculpting treatments to realize their final desired results. This is because each individual CoolSculpting treatment session reduces fat in the targeted area by an average of 18-20%. After the initial treatment is complete, further reductions can be obtained with additional treatments. Most patients see noticeable improvements in treatment areas 4 months after their initial treatment. Learn more about CoolSculpting Results
Myth 4: CoolSculpting Only Works on the Stomach
Fact: CoolSculpting can be used to treat nearly any area of the body. Generally speaking, any area with a pinchable amount of fat can be treated. The most common treatment areas include:
- Upper or lower abdomen
- Anterior or posterior flanks
- Bra back (back fat)
- Arms
- Knees
- Inner or outer thighs
- Chin
- Hips
- Banana fold (area below bottom)
Myth 5: CoolSculpting is an Effective Skin Tightening Treatment
Fact: CoolSculpting is a not a viable treatment to address sagging skin. This is because CoolSculpting works by freezing fat cells under the skin, while leaving all surrounding tissue (including the skin) unaffected. In fact, patients who have better skin elasticity often experience the best results from CoolSculpting. Patients who are looking to firm up body areas with sagging skin may benefit from other laser-based cosmetic treatments like Ultherapy or Thermage.
Donna Hart, MD, a medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatologist, completed her dermatology residency at the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County in Chicago, where she served as chief resident. Dr. Hart is Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology, and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and Women’s Dermatologic Society.
This is some really good information about cool sculpting. It is good to know that it can be used on your hips, chin, and arms. That is great for me to know because I can’t get rid of the fat on my chin.
You mentioned that coolsculpting works by freezing fat underneath the skin. This is great to know! I’ve been trying to lose weight but I have had no luck. Diets and workouts just don’t work for me! I am going to look for a coolscuplting procedure to have done on me. This seems like it will work great.
I had no idea that Coolsculpting is not used as a weight-loss method, but is used to eliminate body fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. I thought it would get rid of my gut 🙁
Hi Dean,
Thanks for reading our post and submitting your comment. It is true that CoolSculpting is best for isolated fat pockets. There are, however, other procedures for patients who need to address larger amounts of fat. If you are in the Austin area please contact us at 512.328.3376 for a free consultation. We can go over other treatment options that may help you achieve your goals!
Thanks,
WD Staff