Does Fat Freezing Burn The Skin?

Coolsculpting will not cause a freeze burn. Protective gel pads are placed on the skin to protect it. The machine also has an automatic detection, if the skin gets too cold the treatment will stop Immediately. (Janet Allenby, DO, Delray Beach Dermatologic Surgeon)

The freeze points for the two tissues are different so with coolsculpting the temperature goes low enough to kill the fat cells but not affect the skin. In addition the skin is protected with the gel pad too.

The skin will show some redness from suction but doesn’t burn. (Ramandeep Sidhu, MD, Issaquah Vascular Surgeon)

CoolSculpting destroys fat cells by freezing them, but not freezing the skin. The freezing point of water (which is within the skin), is lower than the freezing point of the fat. So, the machine gets to a temperature that freezes that fat but does not freeze the skin.

A Non-invasive, Tissue-cooling Applicator

The skin is not burned from the treatment. (Michael I. Echavez, MD, San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon)

Coolsculpting and Burning

The skin is protected from burning with a cooling gel pad that is positioned in the area. You may feel some “burning” sensation but the skin should be protected. The machine has standard cooling in the device and should not be adjusted. (Michele S. Green, MD, New York Dermatologist)

What to expect during your CoolSculpting procedure

CoolSculpting is a very well-tolerated and safe procedure for patients who want to shed some abdominal fat. Your skin will feel cold during the procedure, and some patients do report a “burning” sensation, but any discomfort is very mild.

Most patients are so comfortable that they are able to read or catch up on emails while the procedure takes place. (Jill C. Fichtel, MD, Columbus Dermatologic Surgeon)

Coolsculpting is a great non invasive method to reduce body fat. I have personally had both coolsculpting and Sculpsure performed. While the temperature is an important factor , it is the method of administration and the rate of the cooling that are important as well.

The skin is protected during this process not to be harmed. fat can freeze at 4 degrees celsius. Each person’s experience can be different both during and after the procedure. Most describe it as a strange tightening of their skin that is mildly distracting.

Within a few minutes the area goes numb and most will read, watch tv or be on their phones. And yes on a rare occasion a few may describe the initial contact as burning.

Despite that we have a very high satisfaction rate with both Coolsculpting and Sculpsure. (Mark Berkowitz, MD, Sterling Heights Oculoplastic Surgeon)

Fat Layer Reduction Using This Cool Sculpting Treatment

Patients may feel different sensations during Cool Sculpting treatment, including cold, numbness, or burning, but there are usually only during the first few minutes of the treatment. The device chills the fat to 37 degrees Fahrenheit, which is cold enough to freeze fat, but not water (so this protects your skin from frostbite).

During the recovery process, you will likely have some temporary numbness, and some patients may feel occasional burning sensations. See a plastic surgeon for this procedure to make sure there are no better/more economical options and enjoy your result! (Nicholas Husni, MD, PhD, FACS, Cleveland Plastic Surgeon)

Skin won’t freeze

skin has a more robust blood supply and fat has some of the poorest. As a result the machine is able to freeze fat without affecting the skin as much since it is warmed by the better blood supply. (Michael Zwicklbauer, MD, Newport News Plastic Surgeon)

Coolsculpting is an FDA approved treatment to permanently destroy fat cells by using cold temperatures. This will destroy fat without burning the skin. Keep in mind, for best results with Coolsculpting, a combination approach is needed.

I recommend adding radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish, Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing. VASER with ThermiRF is a great alternative. (Jason Emer, MD, Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon)

Freezer burn /second degree burns have been reported . You would want to make sure the location applied the gel pad and it was a Coolsculpting treatment and not a knockoff machine from China . Regardless , it is not normal and you should return to your physician. (Drew Varano, MD, Washington DC Physician)

Gel Pad Protection

There is a gel pad barrier between the patients skin and the cooling plate of the applicator that strictly targets the fat cells. This amazing gel pad technology is what makes this treatment so safe and effective. (Dennis Kotelko, MD, Denver Physician)

CoolSculpting freezes fat but not skin

It does seem confusing that the skin is over the fat but does not freeze first. Fortunately, fat turns to a solid at a higher temperature than skin. Think of a stick of butter in the refrigerator.

It is solid while other liquids, like water, are still liquid. The skin is made up of proteins and water, but the underlying fat acts like butter and turns to a solid while the skin only gets cold.

Fat cells are very vulnerable when they are turned to solids and can be broken with massage causing them to spill the lipids inside and die. The skin is still in liquid form and is not affected by the cold or massage.

Over the next few months, the fat cells that were damaged shrink away and leave you with a better contour. The treatment can be repeated at one month if needed. (Dana Coberly, MD, Tampa Plastic Surgeon)

There is a gel pad that is applied to the skin to protect the skin from freezing/burning. Coolsculpting machines also will stop the treatment automatically if the temperature is not correct.

You should call your provider and discuss this with them. (Jean M. Casello, MD, Northborough Physician)

Nerve response after Coolsculpting

The burning and shooting pains you feel post Coolsculpting are typically related to some inflammation surrounding the nerves in the treatment area. This is temporary and should resolve itself within 7-14 days. I recommend that my patients where some light compression after their treatment to help with the tenderness and also add an anti-inflammatory as needed. (Michael E. Ciaravino, MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)

Burning and stabbing sensation usually last several days. Numbness and bruising of the treated area can last for 2-4wks. I had it done personally, and had mild burning for 2-3days but numbness and bruising lasted almost 3 weeks.

Motrin is not effective against post treatment symptoms because they are caused by affected nerve receptors and Motrin usually works best againts inflammation. Actually with CS we need some inflammation to get read of fat cells.

Plus Motrin may increase bruising. I usually prescribe Neurontin, if discomfort is too bad. (Armen Kirakosyan, MD, FACOG, FACS, East Aurora Urogynecologist)

Temporary burning, stinging, or tenderness is common after coolsculpting treatments depending on the areas treated. Any otc pain medication is fine to use. Ibuprofen is fine to use as is acetaminophen. This generally resolves in a few days.

In some patients, there can be a more severe or crampy pain (especially in treatments around the abdomen) that needs to be treated with prescription medications. (Kyle Coleman, MD, New Orleans Dermatologic Surgeon)