How Does CoolSculpting Work?

You heard about freezing fat. The next question you might have is probably… “how does CoolSculpting work?”

In a nutshell, CoolSculpting works by using different sizes and shapes of equipment, called applicators or handpieces, that can target specific body areas during your session using controlled cooling. The cold changes the texture of the fat cells being treated.

CoolSculpting works because fat is sensitive to cold.

Imagine putting a cup of cold butter in the fridge overnight. It’ll harden and change texture. The same thing happens to fat during a CoolSculpting treatment. The treated fat gets firm, and the change in texture is key… that’s how your body triggers an inflammatory response which, in turn, causes a natural, programmed fat cell death (called apoptosis).

It’s all pretty interesting science. You can read more about the science of freezing fat right here.

Or if you want a detailed explanation and to see the equipment used during a CoolSculpting treatment, check out this video of our founder + CoolSculpting Specialist, Jessie Poole explaining how CoolSculpting works 👇👇 [or keep reading about the technology on this page].

CRYOLIPOLYSIS is the scientific term for CoolSculpting. It literally translates to – “using cold to break apart [or kill] fat”. The name-brand, FDA-cleared technique to safely freeze away fat for good is CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting is FDA cleared since 2009 and over 8-million treatments have been performed world-wide. 

A behind the scenes look at how CoolSculpting works…

*Study based on an animal model.

In order for CoolSculpting to work, there’s a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

Subcutaneous vs. Visceral Fat: 

First, and most importantly – CoolSculpting only targets and treats subcutaneous fat. Subcutaneous fat is the fact that you’ll find above the muscle wall. It’s the pinchable, pliable type of fat that’s less responsive to diet and exercise. While it does respond to healthy lifestyle choices, studies show it’s less responsive than visceral fat, or the fat lies below the muscle wall.

If you’re wanting to learn the differences between subcutaneous fat or visceral fat, check out this article from Harvard. 

Not All CoolSculpting Is Created Equal. Technique matters!

Second, remember that CoolSculpting is a tool. It’s not a one size fits all type procedure. The provider you choose, the area you treat, and the plan you follow can make a big difference in the results you see.

If you’re in Dallas, Fort. Worth, or the DFW metroplex, we’d love to participate and serve as your CoolSculpting provider. Your first step is to schedule a consultation and chat with our team.

If you’re not in Dallas and not willing to travel to be treated by a provider in Dallas, then search for a practice near you. You can use this “Find a Provider” tool on the CoolSculpting manufacturer’s website to locate a practice. Make sure to interview a few places and look for a provider with a great reputation.

Is CoolSculpting Effective? Does CoolSculpting Work?

CoolSculpting is FDA cleared since 2009, and there’s been more than 8 million treatment performed worldwide. When it comes to body contouring, CoolSculpting is the safest and most effective non-surgical body contouring procedure that’s widely researched and documented.

It is FDA cleared “for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental (under the chin) and submandibular (under the jawline) areas, thighs , abdomen and flanks, along with bra that, underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll) and upper arm. It is also FDA cleared to affect the appearance of lack issue with submental area treatments. The CoolSculpting procedure is not a treatment for weight loss.” That’s the *actual verbiage* pulled directly from the manufactures of the CoolSculpting technology.

Are there any studies about how CoolSculpting works?

Yes! There’s actually over 100 peer-reviewed research papers talking about the safety and efficacy of CoolSculpting.

This 2009 study was designed to determine if spot reduction in humans was caused by cold exposure – and it’s the foundation of research behind freezing fat. There were 10 subjects treated with the prototype cooling device, and 9 of the 10 noticed a visible result and reduction in the fat layer, when tested via ultrasound). 

Results showed CoolSculpting, a.k.a. cryolipolysis reduced the fat layer by as much as 20 to 25% and the results were still present six months later.  In other words, the controlled cooling killed the unwanted fat by up to 25% and results lasted long-term.

So is CoolSculpting effective?  Science says yes.  Whether or not it will work for you is another question! Let’s chat about it at a  consultation.

Will one CoolSculpting treatment work?

It almost sounds too good to be true when you hear you can freeze your fat. The idea that something like this actually works feels like a longshot. You may be wondering if you can start with one round of treatment and see how you feel before diving all in.

We’ve already talked in detail about the success rate and efficacy of CoolSculpting and mentioned you should expect a 20-25% reduction, on average, of the treated tissue.

That goes to say, one CoolSculpting treatment should work if you’re looking for a subtle improvement in the area. Results do vary from client to client, and results are not guaranteed. We’ll discuss the response rate with you in detail at a consultation.

Will one treatment of CoolSculpting meet your goal?

The real question is – will that meet your goal? Is 20% less fat the ideal outcome you’re looking for? Usually when clients are considering fat reduction, they want more than 20% of the area gone. They want half, if not most of the fat gone. 

 So what’s your goal with CoolSculpting? 

On one hand, we have clients who, after one round of treatment, are completely satisfied and their goals have been met! On the other hand, we have clients who want to continue their CoolSculpting journey after their first session, or who know before they ever get started that a subtle improvement (or about 20% of the fat layer being gone) would not achieve their goal. For those clients, multiple rounds of treatment can provide a more dramatic result.

Here’s a few before and after photos of clients with one round of CoolSculpting treatment. 

We’ll discuss how many rounds of CoolSculpting treatment you’ll need, and set the right expectation for your CoolSculpting journey at a free consultation. Keep in mind that were local business serving clients in Dallas, Texas and surrounding areas, so if you’re looking for a provider outside of Dallas Fort Worth, check out this link to find a provider near you.

Did CoolSculpting work for you?

A note from our founder

I fell in love with a CoolSculpting technology after I was treated. CoolSculpting really worked for me and changed the overall shape and composition of my body.

Why did I do CoolSculpting?

All of my adolescence and adult life prior to CoolSculpting, I was pear-shaped. I carried most of my fat through my low belly, love handles, hips, and legs. I felt like I had really large inner and outer thighs for as long as I could remember, so I was treated with CoolSculpting in all those spaces, over time.

When I was considering CoolSculpting, I really just wanted less muffin top and to be a little more proportional through my hips.  I was really skeptical at first, so I started slow. The first area I treated was my love handles and even after my first session.

Did I notice a difference after being treated?

Even after my first session, I noticed a huge result from my CoolSculpting treatment. It was wild! I felt more confident, the clothes I picked changed, and I dove all on and started treating additional places with CoolSculpting.

What were my results like?

I love my CoolSculpting results. I feel more confident in and out of clothes and I feel like my body is so much more proportionate with the figure I like. I’m much more of an hourglass, less of a pear shape now.

In case you wanted to see my results, here you go…”