Fat Freezing - What Results to Expect Through Coolsculpting

The Coolsculpting procedure is an innovative fat freezing method - known medically as 'cryolipolysis' - that cools and then crystallises fat cells, prompting the body to naturally metabolise them, thereby reducing one’s fat.

This reduction of fat is a slow process however, with the results fully showing themselves only a few months later.

One of the great things about it is that it isn’t an invasive procedure: no surgery, anaesthesia or uncomfortable recovery times are needed when you go for a Coolsculpting session (written by some clinics as 'Cool Sculpting'). Instead, the fat freezing device sits with suction on the targeted area and is able to bypass the skin, nerves, blood vessels and other tissue without damaging them, focusing solely on the fat cells whilst you sit and wait comfortably. Up to a quarter of the fat cells can be removed from the targeted area through Coolsculpting. It is often done in two sessions, where a single session can last one to three hours long. However, successful Coolsculpting usually follows two 45-60 minute sessions on the targeted area with around 30 days between them.

What Is the Difference Between Coolshaping and Coolsculpting?

CoolSculpting and CoolShaping are both based on cryolipolysis, but they differ from one another by using different devices for the treatment; separate manufacturers have patented their devices and named the procedures accordingly. However, CoolSculpting and CoolShaping devices essentially follow the same procedure, but with CoolShaping, two different areas can be treated at the same time because there are two applicators. In addition, CoolShaping has integrated LED technology that supports complementary treatments such as skin tightening.

Your Body Right After Cryolipolysis

There won't be any immediate effects visible immediately after the procedure, since your body will first need to start the gradual process of breaking down and expelling the dead fat cells.

It’s worth noting that Coolsculpting is not a weight loss procedure. Indeed, people with obesity are not eligible, because this fat freezing treatment is meant for stubborn pockets of fat that efforts in exercise and diet have not been able to eliminate. Of course, maintaining the reduction then depends on actively monitoring your weight.

So really, the only immediate effect is the lack of any inconveniences once your cryolipolysis session is over. Just resume normal life again and let your body’s natural reactions do the rest. But remember, you will need to keep up a healthy lifetyle to avoid erasing the results. Keep an eye on your calorie intake and exercise to avoid building up fat, which could occur on the treated areas again.

Results of Fat Freezing - Coolsculpting Before and After

It takes time for your body to get rid of the dead fat cells, which is why fat freezing is effective but ultimately needs patience. Usually, it takes three to six months for the results to fully materialise, but the first differences may start to gradually show as early as three weeks later. Eventually, you may see these in the form of looking trimmer, more toned or flatter than before. In any case, the range is 10% - 25% less fat in the targeted area.

Because fat freezing kills off your fat cells and these are then excreted, your Coolsculpting results are permanent. But as stated, it then comes down to how you maintain your results.

Sebastian's Experience with Coolscultpting

I am a passionate strength athlete and also do several cardio sessions a week. But even as a sporty person, prolonged periods of sitting down can cause a long-term collection of lymph fluid and fat cells in the abdominal area. This can be minimised through targeted treatment with cryo, so last summer, the time had come: I wanted to give my abdominal muscles a fine-toning.

After a thorough consultation and measurement of my waist was taken, I then received my first treatment session, all of which were carried out at six-week intervals. My doctor first explained to me that the cryo device in the practice was certified as a medical product and that only original pads from the manufacturer were used during my sessions. These protect the person from freezing damage to the skin, as the surface of the device is cooled to minus temperatures in the double digits.

I was placed on a special wellness recliner and could even read comfortably during the 75-minute session. There is a bit of a pulling sensation at first when the applicator pulls in and 'freezes' the area of skin on my stomach. However, I did not feel any pain during the treatment; only a slight tickling sensation was noticeable.

After the treatment I went home and rested. It is important not to do any sports on the day of the treatment. At the end of the session, a practitioner took off the applicator and massaged the frozen abdominal area. Apart from a small bruise, nothing could be seen or felt over the next few days. After my third session, I lost a total of three centimetres on my stomach and felt much better!

— Sebastian, had cryolipolysis in his lower abdomen area (2022)

Coolsculpting Not for You? Alternative to Fat Freezing

Cryolipolisis treatment is for those looking to eliminate a small amount of fat clniging to certain areas like the abdomen, hips or thighs.

Though comparable only in the sense that it also targets fat, liposuction is something that patients could consider if they want a more thorough solution - something surgical. Whilst anaesthesia and needles are involved, the results are quicker, with one to two months being the norm. You can also expect a more extensive and complete reduction of fat through liposuction.

Want Your Procedure Done by Trusted Professionals? Then Trust Qunomedical

We’ll not only advise you on what will best suit your fat-loss needs, but we’ll also get you booked in at a high-standard clinic with a reputable professional - we only work with those who have passed our strict vetting process. Plus, you’ll have 24/7 support every step of the way when you go through us. Get in touch and we’ll take it from there!

Sources:

Rachel Reiff Ellis (2022): 'Coolsculpting: Risks, Side Effects and Does It Really Work?' Last accessed on 24.01.2023

Rachel Ann Tee-Melegrito (2022): 'Coolsculpting: Does It Work and Is It Safe?' Last accessed on 24.01.2023

Mackenzie Wagoner (2018): 'Does Fat Freezing Work? Two Experts Weigh In on CoolSculpting' Last accessed on 24.01.2023

Neera Nathan & Dieter Manstein (2020): 'The Skinny on Fat Freezing' Last accessed on 24.01.2023