When diet and exercise just aren’t enough to eliminate a few problem areas of body fat, it can be a serious hindrance to your self-confidence. But invasive fat-reduction surgery isn’t the only option you have to consider. The popular treatment cryolipolysis—sometimes known by the trademarked name CoolSculpting—has helped more than 450,000 people around the world lose stubborn bulges without the invasiveness of something like liposuction.
But if you’re considering cryolipolysis and want to see its full effects in time for summer 2021’s beach season, then winter is the time to get started.
How does it work? CoolSculpting or cryolipolysis works by freezing fat cells using a handheld applicator (more on that in a second). The body responds to this freezing with inflammation, killing the fat cells without harming the skin or other tissue. Over the following weeks and months, the body naturally eliminates the dead fat cells.
It’s important to note that this procedure is for patients who have minor bulges or fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise—it’s not a procedure for reducing a significant amount of bodyweight. Patients also must maintain a healthy lifestyle if they do not want to regain weight afterward.
What does the procedure entail? The doctor starts by placing a gel pad over the fatty area to protect the skin, then uses a handheld applicator to gently massage the area. The patient might feel some minor discomfort, but no pain. Afterward, they can leave the doctor’s office and return to normal activities right away. It’s a low-risk, easy procedure—there’s no anesthesia, no recovery period and no risk of infection.
How long does it take to see results? It’s possible to see changes as early as three weeks after the procedure, but most patients will observe a noticeable difference after approximately two months. Significant fat cell elimination takes place between months four and six, so a person who undergoes cryolipolysis in December or January will see the full extent of the procedure’s effects by May or June.
Who performs cryolipolysis? Cryolipolysis might be noninvasive, but it’s still a medical procedure. Opt to receive treatment from a licensed physician in a medical facility. To find providers who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, visit find.plasticsurgery.org.
