CoolSculpting: The Basics

Physicians Laser and Dermatology Institute has been happy to offer CoolSculpting to our patients for over five years. In fact, the dermatologists at PLDI were involved in the pre-FDA studies involving this innovative technology. Over that time, we have encountered many questions about the device.

How does it work?
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical fat-reduction treatment which uses cryolipolysis to destroy fat cells. The concept of cryolipolysis uses controlled cooling to gently and effectively target and damage fat cells underneath the skin. The machine has an applicator which applies suction to the area of fat we are targeting. It then becomes very cold, which allows the machine to freeze only the fat cells, while leaving the overlying skin unharmed. Over time, your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates these dead fat cells, resulting in a slimmer appearance to the area. And because the targeted fat is destroyed, those cells are gone for good.

What does it feel like?
Initially, it feels pretty cold. Within a few short minutes, the area of skin numbs and the rest of the procedure is painless. Once the 35-60 minute procedure is complete, the treatment area if massaged and some patients can find that part a bit uncomfortable.

How much downtime will I have?
One of the great things about CoolSculpting over some other fat-reduction treatments is that there is very minimal downtime. Some patients are a little red and swollen, but that typically improves within a day or two.

Which areas of fat can CoolSculpting treat?
We are able to treat many areas of stubborn fat, including the stomach, love hands, inner thighs, bra fat and the double chin. The ideal candidate has enough fat to pinch in these areas, without too much fat to fit in the applicator. Coolsculpting is for sculpting; it is not a weight loss machine. Some patients will require 2-3 treatments, spaced every 4-8 weeks.

Click here to see Before & After pictures with CoolSculpting.
Click here to contact us about scheduling your consultation to see if CoolSculpting is right for you.