Is CoolSculpting Safe?

Losing weight can’t be done overnight. Even if you’ve successfully dropped a few numbers on the scale, you may still find yourself struggling with noticeable bulges on your stomach, arms, or thighs. In the past, plastic surgery seemed to be the only solution for removing unwanted fat bulges but it comes with certain risks and complications. If you’re looking for a nonsurgical fat reduction procedure, CoolSculpting is worth considering. 

So is CoolSculpting a safe option for fat removal and body contouring? Yes, CoolSculpting procedures are generally a safe alternative for those looking to get rid of excess fat and improve their body shape. It’s a minimally-invasive treatment that uses cryolipolysis or fat freezing to permanently eliminate fat cells without any incisions. Studies that have been done on the treatment show that it has minimal side effects with very rare occurrences of adverse events.

Freeze Away Your Stubborn Fat Like Never Before

Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!

CONTACT US

What Studies Say About the Safety of CoolSculpting Treatments  

A lot of individuals are becoming more conscious about their health and appearance and are prioritizing their weight loss goals. From exercising more to eating healthier, they resort to different methods of reducing their weight. But sometimes, there are stubborn fat cells that aren’t responsive to simple workouts and diet changes. 

Cosmetic surgery has long been established as the standard for body contouring and fat removal. However, advancements in medical aesthetic procedures have paved the way for CoolSculpting to become one of the sought-after treatments for banishing unwanted fat cells without going under the knife. 

CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis or fat freezing to target underlying subcutaneous fat. The treatment is based on the principle that fat cells are more susceptible to cold temperatures than any other cells in the body. Using different CoolSculpting applicators, providers can treat stubborn areas with unwanted fat with minimal risks and pain. 

This revolutionary treatment has certainly garnered attention from both interested patients and aesthetic professionals. To solidify CoolSculpting’s safety and efficacy as a fat reduction and body contouring procedure, here are several studies about the treatment: 

1) FDA Approval Study of CoolSculpting Procedure

Any cosmetic procedure that aims to enhance the body requires approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. CoolSculpting received its initial FDA approval in 2010 when it was introduced as a treatment to reduce fat in the flanks or love handles. Another study in 2015 backs up the safety of CoolSculpting as a fat removal and body contouring procedure.

The report is essentially a summary of the FDA approval of Zeltiq’s CoolSculpting technology. Sixty subjects received CoolSculpting on the submental area at least once and were assessed for any side effects or adverse reactions. They were monitored immediately after receiving the procedure and on the following 6-week and 12-week follow-up visits.

The study showed that participants had no severe reactions to the CoolSculpting applicator or the treatment itself. Most side effects that showed within 1 week of the treatment were minimal and resolved on their own after a few days. Additionally, the trial presented a significant reduction in double chin fat among the Coolsculpting patients. 

2) Safety of CoolSculpting for Thigh Fat

Another common complaint that CoolSculpting aims to address is the appearance of inner and outer thigh fat. In a 2015 study by A. Jay Burns MD and colleagues, they conducted a trial about the efficacy and safety of CoolSculpting for the thighs.

The study followed 45 individuals who wanted to reduce their inner thigh fat. A small flat cup vacuum applicator was used to treat the thigh fat which was difficult to reach with the standard CoolSculpting device. Each participant was subjected to a controlled cooling temperature for 60 minutes at their first CoolSculpting session. They had subsequent visits during the 8th and 16th week of the treatment.  

After a series of CoolSculpting procedures, the researchers reported a significant reduction in the inner thigh contour. They also noticed improvements in their fat layer and overall thigh circumference. What’s also noteworthy is that each CoolSculpting patient experienced minimal side effects with no serious adverse events related to the procedure. 

3) Safety of CoolSculpting for Flanks or Abdominal Fat 

CoolSculpting is widely used to treat unwanted fat deposits in the flanks and abdomen. Another clinical trial showcased the safety and efficacy of the treatment for love handles and belly fat. Following 112 patients, the report concluded that there were no significant side effects after the treatments. 

Among those who underwent a single CoolSculpting session, at least 14.3% of patients had a post-treatment reaction with zero participants having serious adverse events. Meanwhile, about 10.3% of subjects who received second treatments experienced some side effects which were short-lived. 

How Does CoolSculpting Work? Overview of the Session and What You May Feel During A Session

Minimally invasive, convenient, and straightforward—these are some of the words that may be used to describe CoolSculpting. However, this shouldn’t be used as an alternative to weight loss strategies. 

You can think of CoolSculpting as a supplementary treatment to your weight loss journey. This can help you get closer to your dream body once you’ve shed those excess pounds. The ideal candidates for CoolSculpting are those with at least an inch of pinchable body fat and are at least 10 to 15 pounds within their target weight. The treatment may not be as effective for those who are overweight or obese or are targeting to remove visceral fat. 

Here’s an overview of what to expect from a CoolSculpting treatment: 

• You’ll first have a consultation with your provider to discuss your goals and expectations from the treatment. It’s also important to discuss your current health and medical history to determine if you’re a good fit for the procedure. 
• On the day of the procedure, you’ll be asked to lie down and the provider will mark the intended treatment areas. The applicator to be used will vary depending on the area being treated. Most aesthetic clinics use CoolSculpting Elite which can address multiple areas at once. 
• A cooling gel will be applied on the skin before placing the vacuum cup or paddle. 
• As soon as the device is turned on, you’ll feel a slight pinching or tugging sensation as the fat tissue is suctioned to the cup. However, if a non-vacuum applicator is used, you’ll feel mild pressure on the skin. 
• The tissue is then exposed to a low temperature which freezes and kills the targeted fat cells. It’s common to feel intense cold or numbness during the procedure as controlled cooling is delivered to the area.
• The treatment time can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. Once the applicators are removed, the provider will massage the frozen bulge to start the process of removing the treated fat cells. 

What Are The CoolSculpting Risks and Side Effects You Need to Know About?

Another advantage of CoolSculpting is that it has minimal downtime. Most patients who received the treatment can go home immediately or return to their normal activity after the procedure. However, you may expect some level of discomfort due to the side effects of the treatment. Here are some of the CoolSculpting side effects that you may experience: 

1) Localized pain

Minor pain is common in the area that was treated with CoolSculpting. It’s more prevalent if a vacuum applicator was used as the skin was pulled into the cup. You’ll feel lingering pain for about 3 to 5 days after the CoolSculpting procedure, but this can be easily managed with some painkillers. 

2) Itching 

You may also feel some skin irritation or itching in the treated area after CoolSculpting. This is a common response to the procedure and is a good sign that the treatment is working. It usually means that the body’s inflammatory responses are working hard to excrete the dead fat cells. This may be accompanied by some degree of swelling, bruising, and redness which will go away within a few days.

3) Increased skin sensitivity and numbness

Since the CoolSculpting device cools the adipose tissues, it’s common to experience intense cold which can lead to increased skin sensitivity and numbness. This side effect may persist for at least 1 to 2 weeks after the treatment.

4) Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia  

As long as it’s performed by an experienced provider, CoolSculpting rarely causes adverse reactions or complications to the patient. However, there’s still a small possibility that it can cause an unwanted effect such as paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. Instead of eliminating fat, an abnormal, hardened overgrowth may appear on the treated area as an effect of cryolipolysis. Studies show that this has about a 0.00051% incidence among CoolSculpting patients. 

5) Freeze burn

Skin burns are most common in laser-assisted body sculpting and fat reduction techniques. However, unsupervised CoolSculpting sessions or unprepared treatment areas may also lead to potential freeze burns or frostbites. This side effect should be able to subside on its own with proper aftercare within a few weeks. 

6) Vasovagal symptoms

CoolSculpting may also trigger some vasovagal reactions, such as dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, nausea, and sweating. This reaction is rare but it may happen as a result of lying down for a long period during the procedure. Poor preparation and lack of hydration before the treatment may also contribute to this adverse event. 

Choosing Your CoolSculpting Provider for a Safe and Effective Treatment 

You should only trust an experienced plastic surgeon or CoolSculpting provider for your fat reduction treatment. This lessens the risks of bad results or adverse events after the procedure. Here are some things you need to consider when searching for a CoolSculpting center: 

• Experience and Expertise: CoolSculpting should only be done by cosmetic or medical professionals who received adequate training on body contouring and fat reduction procedures. Make sure that your provider is highly skilled in operating the different applicators to ensure a safe CoolSculpting experience. 

• Equipment: It’s also important that the med spa you choose should have state-of-the-art facilities along with the latest CoolSculpting technology. There are different applicators for every treatment area so check if your desired provider is equipped with them. This ensures that they can provide you with customized treatment for your goals. 

• Reviews and Feedback: You should also check their online reviews and testimonials from previous CoolSculpting patients. This will give you a better idea of the quality of care and service that the med spa provides to its clients and help you determine if they’re a good match for your needs. 

Experience Safe Body Contouring and Fat Reduction at NJ Center for CoolSculpting

If diet and exercise aren’t giving you the results that you want, CoolSculpting can help provide significant fat elimination to bring you closer to your body goals. As long as you choose the right provider, this fat reduction treatment is safe and has minimal side effects that you need to worry about. 

At NJ Center for CoolSculpting, we have extensive experience and training in administering CoolSculpting treatments for body contouring. We’re knowledgeable in the best fat-freezing techniques to help you achieve the outcome that you want. Call us today to book a consultation or know more about this treatment.

Freeze Away Your Stubborn Fat Like Never Before

Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!

CALL NOW