If you’ve struggled with your weight in either the past or present, you know how many supposed “miracle cures” there are out there — and how few of them really work. From pills, superfoods and special exercises to compression wraps and plastic surgery, it can feel exhausting when nothing you try seems to get rid of that stubborn 10 or 20 pounds.
At first glance, CoolSculpting may seem to be just another snake oil trick. After all, it does sound a bit too good to be true: a non-invasive procedure that permanently eliminates fat cells, without any exercise, surgery, or juice cleanses? Who wouldn’t want that?
If you’ve been skeptical of CoolSculpting, you’re not alone. But the truth is, CoolSculpting really does work — and it can be a great tool for those who are looking to get rid of stubborn fat without resorting to more extreme measures. Keep reading to learn more about how it works, why people use it, and whether it’s right for you.
What Is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a procedure that uses controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate fat cells from the body. It was first developed by in the mid 2000s and has been cleared for use by the FDA since 2010.
While it is often advertised as a weight loss alternative, it’s a lot more accurate to think of it as a body contouring aid. It cannot remove large amounts of fat like weight loss surgery can, but it can help to get rid of targeted small pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.
This makes it a great option for people who want to get rid of extra fat in key areas, such as the lower stomach, arms, thighs, and neck.
How CoolSculpting Works
CoolSculpting, the branded name for a scientific process called cryolipolysis, works by delivering controlled cooling to the subcutaneous fat layer — the layer of fat just below the skin. It brings the temperature to below freezing and holds it there for about 30 minutes to an hour.
This causes around 20%-25% of fat cells in the targeted area to freeze off and die, after which they are gradually eliminated from the body through the lymphatic system via the liver and kidneys.
Once the fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good — meaning that CoolSculpting can provide results that are permanent, as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Why People Choose CoolSculpting
There are a few key reasons why people may choose to undergo CoolSculpting instead of other body contouring methods, such as liposuction.
It’s Non-invasive
One major advantage that CoolSculpting has over other fat loss and body contouring methods is that it’s non-invasive, meaning there’s no surgery, needles, or breaking skin involved. This makes it more gentle and safe for your body and greatly reduces recovery time and the potential side effects. It also eliminates the chance of permanent scarring.
It Has Little to No Recovery Time
Because CoolSculpting is non-invasive, there’s often no recovery time needed for it at all. Most people can get the procedure done in the middle of the day and go back to their normal routine immediately.
It Permanently Eliminates Fat Cells
CoolSculpting permanently eliminates fat cells from the body, as opposed to just temporarily shrinking them. This makes it more difficult for your body to grow the fat back in the same area that was treated, making the results pretty close to permanent — as long as you maintain the same weight.
Rapid Results
While CoolSculpting won’t give you immediate results, most patients see full results in a matter of a few weeks. This can be compared to a few months with liposuction or even a year or more with diet and exercise alone.
It’s Not Just for Weight Loss
CoolSculpting is often advertised as an alternative to weight loss surgery, but it can actually be used for a variety of different purposes. In addition to helping people lose weight, it can also be used to help those who are already at a healthy weight get rid of stubborn fat pockets that they can’t seem to get rid of with diet and exercise alone.
Is CoolSculpting Right for You?
Now that you know a little more about how it works, why people use it, and what the benefits are, you may be wondering if CoolSculpting is right for you.
While CoolSculpting is a great body contouring option that can be used safely and effectively by most people, there are some limitations on who is and who isn’t a good candidate for it. The following are some factors you should weigh before getting the procedure.
The Kind of Results You’re Looking For
In general, CoolSculpting doesn’t offer the most dramatic results — it’s most effective when it’s used to target small pockets of stubborn fat, not large areas of excess weight. If you are looking to get rid of fat in excess of 10 pounds per target area, other options, like liposuction or lifestyle changes, may be a better choice.
Certain Health Conditions
Additionally, several health conditions may impede the safety and effectiveness of CoolSculpting. People who have the blood disorders cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria should not get the procedure, as it can be dangerous.
CoolSculpting also shouldn’t be performed on skin that has open sores or varicose veins.
Get Started On Your Body Transformation Today
If you’re interested in CoolSculpting or have questions about whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure, your best option is to talk to a qualified provider of the procedure.
Platinum Sculpt is the first and only Coolsculpting provider in Kentucky and Tennessee. We rank in the top 3% of national providers in expertise, effectiveness, and cost, and we can work with you to determine how CoolSculpting can best be used to meet your goals.
