Coolsculpting®: How Long Does It Take to See Results?

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If you’ve been struggling with stubborn pockets of fat that won’t go away despite diet and exercise, it may be time to try Coolsculpting. This nonsurgical body contouring procedure freezes and destroys fat cells in targeted areas. It is a popular alternative to liposuction, as it requires no incisions, anesthesia, or downtime. But, like any cosmetic treatment, the most common question asked by people considering Coolsculpting is how long it takes to see the results.

What is Coolsculpting?

Coolsculpting is a revolutionary technology that uses controlled cooling to eliminate fat cells in specific areas of the body without damaging the surrounding tissue. Initially approved by the FDA in 2010, it’s now one of the most popular nonsurgical fat reduction treatments worldwide. The procedure is safe, effective, and virtually painless, making it an attractive option for people who want to get rid of stubborn fat without surgery.

During the procedure, a unique applicator is placed on the skin, which delivers controlled cooling to the underlying fat. The cooling causes the fat cells to crystallize and die, leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. Over time, the body naturally eliminates dead fat cells through your lymphatic system, reducing fat in the treated area, and your body shape becomes more toned.

Areas Treated with Coolsculpting

According to WebMD, on average, Coolsculpting lessens the amount of fat in targeted areas by 10%-25%. Areas most treated at our San Diego area clinic include:

  • Abdomen
  • Side flanks
  • Inner and outer thighs
  • Under the buttocks or “banana rolls”
  • Upper arms
  • Submental fullness or “double chin”
  • Back or bra bulges
  • Waist and hips

Coolsculpting Results Timeline

Most people start to see results within three weeks after the procedure, with full results visible after 2 to 3 months. The body continues to eliminate the dead fat cells for up to 6 months after the treatment, resulting in a gradual and natural-looking reduction of fat in the treated area. However, the timeline for seeing the results from Coolsculpting treatments can vary from person to person, depending on several factors.

The Treated Area. Some areas may respond faster to the treatment than others due to the differences in the fat distribution and the number of fat cells in each section. For instance, the chin and upper arms may show results quicker than the abdomen, which may take longer to deliver visible results.

The Amount of Fat Targeted. Generally, areas with more significant amounts of fat may take longer to show visible results than areas with smaller amounts of fat. However, larger sites may also show more noticeable changes, even if the results take longer to appear.

The Patient’s Metabolism. The body’s metabolism affects how quickly it can eliminate the dead fat cells from the treated area. Patients with a faster metabolism may see results sooner than those with a slower metabolism.

The Patient’s Overall Health and Lifestyle. A healthy diet and regular physical activity can help improve the body’s ability to eliminate dead fat cells, leading to faster results. On the other hand, an unhealthy lifestyle may slow down the body’s natural processes and delay the appearance of results.

The Type of Fat the Client Expects to Diminish. Coolsculpting is most effective for targeting subcutaneous fat located just under the skin. If the client is targeting visceral fat, the type of fat found deeper in the body, the timeline for seeing results may be longer or less noticeable, as this type of fat may not respond as well to Coolsculpting.

Factors Affecting Coolsculpting Results

A few factors, such as those listed above, may also affect the efficacy or timeline of Coolsculpting results. But there are more elements to consider.

Age. Older people may have less skin elasticity and a slower metabolism.

Gender assigned at birth. Men and women have different patterns of fat accumulation.

Weight is another factor, and significantly overweight people may not qualify as good candidates for Coolsculpting.

Lifestyle. Diet and exercise can also affect the results, as a healthy lifestyle can help maintain the effects of the treatment.

Genetics and medical history. Some people may be more prone to fat accumulation in certain areas than others.

Skin elasticity. People with loose or sagging skin may not achieve optimal results with Coolsculpting alone, requiring another treatment, such as Cellulaze, for cellulite reduction.

How to Maintain Coolsculpting Results

The best way to maintain Coolsculpting results is to adopt or continue a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet. Although Coolsculpting permanently destroys fat cells, it does not prevent new fat cells from forming in the treated area or other parts of the body. If you maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle, you can prevent new fat accumulation and maintain the results of the treatment for the long term.

Client Satisfaction Rates

Zeltiq Aesthetics, the company that sells Coolsculpting devices, conducted clinical studies and published satisfaction statistics for common treatment sites. The conclusions are very positive. Coolsculpting results for the belly received 62% satisfaction from patients examined, 93.3% for inner thigh treatment, 86.5% for outer thigh, and 83.3% happiness for the submental fat area or double chin.

Get the Sculpted Figure You Want at U Laser Medspa in La Jolla, California!

Coolsculpting is a safe and effective nonsurgical fat reduction treatment that delivers natural-looking results. Most people start to see results within three weeks after the procedure, with full results visible after 2 to 3 months. While Coolsculpting may carry some risks and side effects, they are rare and minor.

Our Certified CoolSculpting Technician is skilled in developing a practical, individually tailored treatment plan for our La Jolla and San Diego plastic surgery patients who wish to achieve a more aesthetically-pleasing physique without the need for surgery or downtime. In addition to body contouring procedures, we also offer Cellulaze, a unique technology for patients seeking to eliminate the unsightly appearance of cellulite from their figure.

Call U Laser Medspa at 619-493-1415 or contact us here to set up your no-obligation consultation for Coolculpting and our other options that will leave you feeling more confident when hitting the local beaches!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Coolsculpting permanent?

Coolsculpting permanently destroys fat cells in the treated area, resulting in long-lasting results.

How many Coolsculpting sessions do I need?

The number of sessions required depends on the treated area and the amount of fat targeted. Most people achieve their desired results with one to two sessions.

Does Coolsculpting hurt?

Coolsculpting is generally well-tolerated; most people experience minimal discomfort or numbness during the procedure.

Are there any restrictions after Coolsculpting?

There are no specific restrictions after Coolsculpting, and most people can resume their normal activities immediately after the treatment.

Can Coolsculpting be used for weight loss?

Coolsculpting is not a weight loss treatment, and it’s best suited for people close to their ideal weight and who have stubborn pockets of fat that resist diet and exercise.

Are there side effects or risks with Coolsculpting?

Coolsculpting is a safe and noninvasive procedure, and most people experience minimal to no side effects. However, some common ones may include temporary numbness, tingling, discomfort in the treated area, redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness or cramping, itching or skin sensitivity. Although rare, Coolsculpting may also carry some risks, such as infection, skin ulceration or scarring, cold-induced hives or blisters and skin sensation or texture changes. Qualified professionals, like our certified technician, can minimize all risks and create a safe treatment plan for you, starting with your consultation.