Dr. Rekha Tailor discussing the best treatments and consultations at Health and Aesthetics

CoolSculpting is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that has risen in popularity recently. An FDA approved fat freezing treatment, the procedure is aimed at people who want to get rid of areas of stubborn fat. Some of the most common questions people ask when considering CoolSculpting are in regards to the process of fat leaving the body after Coolsculpting. On this page, you’ll find out more about how fat leaves the body after CoolSculpting and answers to other popular questions.

This page includes the following:

How does fat leave the body after CoolSculpting?

To understand how fat leaves the body after CoolSculpting, it is important to understand how the treatment for CoolSculpting works. Coolsculpting technology targets fat cells beneath the skin and reduces the temperature of fat cells in the treatment area to 4 degrees. This triggers fat cell death, reducing fat deposits by up to 25%. Over time, your fat cells shrink and are naturally metabolized by the liver. They are then naturally eliminated by your body. The painless process means it is perfect for those unable to shift those last stubborn pockets of fat from their body.

You can read more about the process of Coolsculpting here.

Do fat cells grow back after CoolSculpting?

Coolsculpting triggers fat cell death by exposing them to low temperatures, so the fat cells can be metabolised by the body. Once fat cells are destroyed, they will not come back, making it a permanent procedure.

The fat layer of skin is located in the subcutaneous layer of tissue called the hypodermis

How much fat can CoolSculpting remove?

CoolSculpting removes the number of fat cells in treated areas by up to 25%. To have CoolSculpting done, you need pockets of pinchable fat and have a fairly healthy lifestyle. Most commonly, CoolSculpting is performed on the thighs, double chin, the belly, back and arms.

You can read more about the areas CoolSculpting can be used on here.

Coolsculpting vs Liposuction: What are the differences?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure, whereas CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure. Liposuction can be performed under local anaesthesia, under sedation, or with full general anaesthesia. In Liposuction, fat is removed via a cannula (a hollow tube) and aspirator (suction device). A plastic surgeon makes a small incision and uses a long, narrow suction tool called a cannula to vacuum fat out of a specific area of your body. Recovery time after Liposuction is normally a few days, and you may need to wait for 2 to 4 weeks before you can safely resume strenuous activity. Coolsculpting is a much less invasive procedure, involving no cutting, stitching or anesthetizing. One of the main benefits of CoolSculpting is that there is no recovery time necessary.

Here is a summary of the main differences between each procedure:

Liposuction CoolSculpting
Liposuction is a surgical procedure CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure
Recovery time after liposuction is normally a few days. You may need to wait for 2 to 4 weeks before you can safely resume strenuous activity. After CoolSculpting, there is no recovery time necessary.
Liposuction is invasive, and a small incision is made. CoolSculpting does not involve cutting, stitching or anesthetizing. A Doctor will perform the procedure using a handheld device, which has applicators that look similar to the nozzles of a vacuum cleaner. The provider will then move the device over your skin, administering cooling technology.
Liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia, under sedation or with full generation anesthesia. You can get CoolSculpting at a center near to you that offers CoolSculpting. You will be able to find one close to your location. Anesthesia is not required for CoolSculpting.

Does CoolSculpting also tighten skin?

Although CoolSculpting can get rid of stubborn fat, it is not a skin tightening treatment.

Here is a summary of the main differences between each procedure:

If you’re looking for a skin tightening procedure, our Accent Prime procedure is an approved treatment which approves cellulite, skin tightening and body contouring.

Accent Prime combines Ultrasound and Radio Frequency, delivering powerful, long-lasting results. Ultrasound will target the fat cells causing them to shake and then burst and then be eradicated from the body through the lymphatic system.

Radiofrequency power is applied to the skin in order to produce deep thermal heating to the tissue. This is applied evenly and continuously to sustain the perfect temperature for stimulating collagen and elastin which tightens the skin. It is effective for skin tightening, body contouring and cellulite treatment.

Does CoolSculpting get rid of cellulite?

Although it can help you lose those stubborn inches, it does not treat cellulite itself. We do offer a variety of cellulite treatments, which include the ZO Skin Health Cellulite Control product. The ZO Skin Health Cellulite Control is clinically proven to prevent and reduce the visible signs of cellulite. By smoothing the skin, ZO Skin Health reduces the ‘orange peel’ appearance which is a classic sign of cellulite. Not only improving the appearance and texture of cellulite, it also prevents new cellulite by improving microcirculation and reducing cellulite contour.

We recommend you use this product alongside Skinade drink, which contains market-leading marine collagen peptides combined with key vitamins and nutrients to boost your body’s natural production of collagen. Collagen can help in the fight against cellulite, as it strengthens connective tissues of the skin. You can use the ZO Skin Helath Cellulite Control and Skinade alongside having our Accent Prime treatment.>

You can read more about the causes and treatments for cellulite here.

Can CoolSculpting cause loose skin?

CoolSculpting does not cause loose skin. If you lose fat due to CoolSculpting, there will be less weight pulling on your skin.

How much weight can you lose with CoolSculpting?

Whilst CoolSculpting helps you lose areas of stubborn fat; it is not a weight-loss treatment. You could consider our medically led weight loss program if you’re struggling to lose weight.

Does fat hurt when you freeze it off?

During CoolSculpting, you will be provided with a protective pad. This pad is cold and wet, however, is completely painless. The feel of the cold pad can be compared to ultrasound jelly.

freeze

Controlled cooling is delivered through an applicator to freeze a specific area of fat. You may feel intense cold initially, which may be surprising if this is your first time having CoolSculpting. However, this subsides within 5 to 10 minutes as the area becomes numb. This makes the rest of the treatment more relaxing.

During your Coolsculpting treatment, you can even read a book, have a nap, watch your favourite TV show or catch up on work.

You can relax during your CoolSculpting treatment

You can read more about what CoolSculpting involves here.

Can I gain weight after having a CoolSculpting treatment?

Since CoolSculpting is not designed to be a weight-loss treatment, if you don’t keep up your healthy habits it is possible to gain weight. We recommend maintaining a healthy diet that is balanced and contains all the nutrients needed to sustain good results. You should also try and do moderate exercise regularly.

To find out whether CoolSculpting is the right treatment for you, you can read our guide Is CoolSculpting right for you?

Dr Rekha Tailor

Dr Rekha Tailor

Dr. Rekha Tailor, founder and Medical Director of Health & Aesthetics, is an esteemed Medical Aesthetic Practitioner and General Practitioner, educated at Manchester Medical School. With a career spanning NHS hospitals and general practice, she shifted to full-time aesthetic medicine in 2005. Known for her natural results and gentle approach, she is a member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine and the Royal College of General Practitioners. Her dedication to excellence is reflected in numerous awards, highlighting her clinic as a leader in aesthetic treatments​​.

More from Dr Rekha Tailor

About our Consultations

At Health & Aesthetics, we believe that the fundamental basis for a successful aesthetic procedure is an in-depth consultation with a skilled qualified practitioner to assess your needs and develop a bespoke personal treatment plan so that you achieve outstanding natural looking results. You can call us on 01252 933 133.

Make Enquiry

Make Enquiry