How fat is frozen during CoolSculpting and common concerns
Posted on 13th May 2020
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical and pain-free method for fat reduction, making it an ideal option for people looking to lose stubborn fat. This page will explain the process of fat freezing in CoolSculpting, popular questions about the process of fat freezing and the requirements for CoolSculpting.
Click on a link to jump to that section:
- The process of CoolSculpting and how fat leaves the bodyWhat CoolSculpting consists of and an explanation of the fat freezing process.
- CoolSculpting requirementsA guide to the ideal candidate for CoolSculpting and answers to the following common queries:
- Who should not have CoolSculpting?
- Can CoolSculpting reduce fat on every part of my body?
- What areas of the body can CoolSculpting treat?
- Does CoolSculpting treat visceral or subcutaneous fat?
- Does CoolSculpting affect pregnancy?
- Can I have CoolSculpting done to reduce cellulite?
- Does CoolSculpting reduce wrinkles?
- CoolSculpting and weight gain<What happens if you gain weight after CoolSculpting and how to maintain the results of CoolSculpting, answering the following questions:
- How does CoolSculpting compare to Liposuction?A comparison of CoolSculpting and Liposuction. This section compares the recovery time, procedures and the length of the treatments.
The process of fat freezing during CoolSculpting
Coolsculpting technology targets fat cells beneath the skin, reducing 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. They are then naturally metabolized by the liver. As the process is pain-free and fast, this means it is perfect for those unable to shift those last pockets of stubborn fat from their body.
During CoolSculpting, you will be provided with a protective pad. This pad is cold and wet; however, it is entirely painless. The feel of the cold pad can be compared to ultrasound jelly.
Initially, you may feel intense cold. This is completely normal, and can feel surprising if this is your first time having CoolSculpting. However, this subsides within 5 to 10 minutes as the area becomes numb. The rest of the treatment is much more relaxing, allowing you to even read a book or do work during treatment time.
You can read more about the process of CoolSculpting in our guide CoolSculpting: how does fat leave the body?
Here are some examples of the results of the treated area following the fat freezing process:
CoolSculpting on back fat- before and after
CoolSculpting on chin fat-before and after
CoolSculpting on belly fat- before and after
CoolSculpting Requirements
CoolSculpting is designed for people with healthy lifestyles who are looking to target stubborn fat in a “problem area”. To be an ideal candidate, you should have pockets of pinchable fat and have a BMI of under 30.
Who should not have CoolSculpting?
The procedure is not advised for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who have the blood conditions Cryoglobulinaemia or Paraoxysmal Cold Heamoglobinuria. It is not recommended for people with an unhealthy lifestyle, or have a BMI of over 30.
CoolSculpting is also not ideal if you are looking for a weight loss treatment. If you’re looking to lose more copious amounts of body fat, it may be beneficial to undergo our medically-led weight loss plan, Mediweight.
Can CoolSculpting reduce fat on every part of the body?
CoolSculpting can’t reduce fat in every area of the body, only regions that contain pinchable fat.
Certain areas can’t be treated with CoolSculpting for the following reasons:
- the patient doesn’t have enough fat in the area
- CoolSculpting hasn’t been approved for use on the area
- the CoolSculpting applicators aren’t designed to be used on the area and therefore won’t fit correctly
What areas of the body can CoolSculpting treat?
Most commonly, CoolSculpting is performed on the belly, thighs, saddlebags, bra fat, back fat, double chin and arms. You can read more about the areas that CoolSculpting can and can’t treat in our guide, What areas of the body can CoolSculpting be used on?
Does CoolSculpting treat visceral or subcutaneous fat?
CoolSculpting treats subcutaneous fat, rather than visceral fat. CoolSculpting does not work on visceral fat, as it is located under the abdominal muscles within the abdominal cavity and would not be drawn into the applicator.
If you can pinch the fat that is just under your skin, this means you have excess subcutaneous fat. Visceral fat is stored deeper than normal belly fat. You can read more about the difference between visceral and subcutaneous fat here.
We have an InBody machine in the clinic which allows us to measure visceral fat very quickly.
Can CoolSculpting affect pregnancy?
CoolSculpting is not suitable for people who are pregnant; however, there is no evidence to suggest that it can impact pregnancy itself.
Can I have CoolSculpting done to reduce cellulite?
CoolSculpting is not officially approved to be a treatment for cellulite, and you should not have CoolSculpting done in the hope that it will help cellulite. However, as it removes areas of stubborn fat, it may make some areas look smoother.
Our Accent Prime treatment is ideal for targeting cellulite and tightening the skin.
Does CoolSculpting reduce wrinkles?
Coolsculpting is not designed to correct wrinkled skin. If you are worried about wrinkles on the body, you can read about our Accent Prime treatment.
CoolSculpting and weight gain
What can you do to maintain your results?
It is recommended to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain your results after CoolSculpting.
What happens if I gain weight in the future?
If you gain weight after the procedure, you will likely never have the same volume of fat in the area of the treated fat cells. However, it is essential to remember that extreme weight gain can cause nearby fat cells to spread into the vacant areas left by CoolSculpting.
Do fat cells grow back after CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting permanently kills the fat cells in treated areas, meaning they will not grow back.
How does CoolSculpting compare to Liposuction?
CoolSculpting vs Liposuction
Unlike CoolSculpting, Liposuction is a surgical procedure and is a more invasive procedure. During Liposuction, fat is removed via a cannula (a hollow tube) and aspirator (suction device). A small incision is made by the surgeon, and a narrow suction tool called a cannula is used to vacuum fat out of a specific area of your body. CoolSculpting, on the other hand, requires no cutting or stitching.
The table below highlights the key differences between both procedures:
| CoolSculpting | Liposuction | |
| The procedure | A Doctor will perform the procedure using a handheld device, which has applicators that look similar to the nozzles of a vacuum cleaner. | A small incision is made by the plastic surgeon, and a narrow suction tool called a cannula is used to vacuum fat out of a specific area of your body. |
| Recovery time | There is no recovery time necessary. The patient can usually resume normal activity immediately after. | You may need to wait for 2 to 4 weeks before you can safely resume strenuous activity. |
| How long the procedure takes | CoolSculpting takes around thirty five minutes. | It usually takes one to three hours. Most people will have to stay in hospital overnight. |
| Does it require anaesthesia? | Anaesthesia is not necessary. | Liposuction can be performed under local anaesthesia, under sedation or with full generation anaesthesia. |
How much does CoolSculpting cost?
At Health and Aesthetics, treatments for CoolSculpting start from £600. Discounts are available on multiple treatments. Finance is available here.
You can read more about the differences between CoolSculpting and Liposuction here.
To read more frequently asked questions about fat and CoolSculpting, you can read our guide CoolSculpting and fat: frequently asked questions.
If you are interested in having CoolSculpting, you can book a consultation here. You can also call us on 01252 905 296 to find out more about CoolSculpting.
