Not all types of fat are the same. Our bodies contain two main categories of fat: subcutaneous fat (the type that might roll over the edge of your waistband) and visceral fat (the fat that surrounds your organs and is linked to conditions like diabetes and heart disease).
Subcutaneous fat is the fat that cryolipolysis aims to target. And for this, fat freezing has become a preferred non-invasive method for shaping the body.
Fat freezing is commonly referred to as “Cryolipolysis” or “CoolSculpting“. This can reduce fat in specific areas. It is viewed as a safe alternative to surgical procedures. But does it actually fulfil its promise to freeze away unwanted fat? Let’s explore the details of does CoolSculpting work?
Does Coolsculpting Work?
Yes, fat freezing can effectively diminish fat in specific areas. Research indicates that fat freezing can lead to a fat reduction of 10–28%. You may start to see changes as soon as three weeks post-treatment, but optimal results are typically observed after around three months. Depending on the size of the targeted area, you may require several sessions.
Patients frequently observe significant enhancements in their body shape. However, it is crucial to manage expectations realistically. Fat freezing should not be regarded as a weight-loss solution but as a method for sculpting the body by targeting stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise.
How Does Fat Freezing Work?
Cryolipolysis is a non-surgical procedure that does not involve needles. It is typically performed in a doctor’s office or outpatient clinic. During the process, the size and shape of the targeted fat deposit are evaluated, and the treatment area is marked with a skin-marking pencil. Patients remain awake throughout the procedure.
A handheld applicator is used to cool the layer of fat cells (adipocytes) beneath the skin. To start, a gel pad is applied to shield the skin, followed by suctioning the fat bulge into the hollow opening of the applicator. As suction begins, you may feel sensations such as pulling or tugging, along with intense cold and possibly tingling, stinging, aching, or cramping. These sensations usually subside within 5 to 10 minutes as the area numbs during the cooling phase. The fat layer is gradually brought to a target temperature ranging between 30.2°F and 39.2°F.
Each treatment session for an area lasts up to an hour. Once the applicator is removed, the treated area may be massaged for 2 to 3 minutes to help break down the fat cells.
Limitations to Consider for Fat Freezing
While fat freezing is a popular option for non-surgical fat reduction, it’s essential to understand its limitations:
Not Suitable for Significant Weight Loss: Cryolipolysis targets localised fat pockets and is not a solution for overall weight reduction. Individuals with larger fat deposits may not achieve the desired results.
Requires Patience: Results take time to appear as the body gradually eliminates fat cells. Optimal outcomes can take 2-3 months or longer.
Multiple Sessions Needed: Some areas may require several treatments to achieve the desired contour, increasing the overall cost and time investment.
Temporary Side Effects: Patients might experience redness, swelling, bruising, or numbness in the treated area, which typically resolves within a few days.
Not for Everyone: Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema), blood clotting issues, pregnancy, and breastfeeding may make some individuals unsuitable candidates.
Final Thoughts
CoolSculpting may be a suitable choice if you’ve worked on your diet and exercise but can’t seem to eliminate a stubborn pocket of fat. During the procedure, a provider uses a specialised device to freeze and destroy fat cells in the targeted area. This treatment is performed in a doctor’s office, does not require anaesthesia, and is generally regarded as safe. However, it is not a weight-loss method and may lead to some side effects. Consult your doctor to determine if CoolSculpting is the right option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are an ideal candidate for the procedure, you might experience up to a 28 percent decrease in fat cells in the weeks and months following your initial session, as your body processes the fat cells that have been destroyed by the cold temperatures.
CoolSculpting treatments actually eliminate fat cells, so the results can be permanent. To sustain long-term results, individuals may need to follow a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise. Once fat cells are eliminated, they cannot migrate or regenerate.
CoolSculpting can assist in eliminating small fat deposits, but it is not a solution for weight loss. Is CoolSculpting effective for belly fat? It can address noticeable belly fat, but it will not eliminate visceral fat that lies deeper within your abdomen.
Unlike liposuction, which may necessitate anaesthesia and carries risks of bleeding or serious infection, CoolSculpting is a relatively safe outpatient procedure involving minimal discomfort and no recovery time. Each session takes about an hour, and multiple treatments might be necessary to target a specific area.
Noticing an increase in the appearance of fat immediately after a fat-freezing treatment can be concerning; however, this is typically a temporary condition. Swelling, fluid retention, and the body’s natural reaction to the procedure are common explanations for this occurrence.
