Cryolipolysis: Info, Prices, Photos, Reviews, Q&A

Coolsculpting selectively “freezes” the fat by decreasing the temperature. Fat cells are more susceptible this treatment than skin cells.

The fat cells undergo a controlled cell death called apoptosis over the next several months. The applicators should be applied by a skilled provider with experience because an applicator in the wrong location can lead to a poor result.

But with experience and excellent training, the results can be fantastic. People with specific trouble spots and good skin quality have the best results. (Elisa A. Burgess, MD, Portland Plastic Surgeon)

Coolsculpting technology only freezes fat cells.

Coolsculpting technology ONLY freezes fat cells because the applicator has a gel pad that protects the skin and the temperatures used ONLY destroy fat cells selectively sparing damage to the other soft tissue like blood vessels.
If the applicator is placed properly, and the correct number of applicators are positioned over the area to sculpt, and finally if the area treated is rewarmed and massaged properly the fat reduction result is even and smooth.

Unfortunately, many clinics that perform Coolsculpting do not have a Plastic Surgeon examine and discuss the patients history of fat deposition and their individual goals. This can often lead to indentations if the applicator is not positioned properly and often patients expectations and goals are not met.

Many patients who come for a Coolsculpting consultation are not good candidates. During the consultation I explain why and offer other alternatives for fat reduction. In my practice, I review ever Coolsculpting patients’ anatomy, goals, past and present nutrition and exercise strategies.

CoolSculpting Utilizes Cold Therapy

There are no long-term damages associated with CoolSculpting. As for the results, they are permanent when you take good care of your health. (Daljeet Samra, MD, Pleasanton Physician)

Coolsculpting permanently damages and removes fat cells from the body without harming any of the surrounding tissue.

Coolsculpting is able to spot treat fat cells because fat cells are hyper sensitive to cold and can be damaged at a temperature that does not affect the rest of the body.

Results are natural as the cooling applicators use a feathering technique that leans out pockets of soft squishy fat. Each applicator permanently reduces fatty tissue by 20-25% in the treatment area with each application,. (Marcia Fleming, MD, Vancouver Physician)
CoolScultping is Smart

CoolSculpting takes advantage of the different freezing temperatures of tissues. The temperature of the probe freezes fat cells only, leaving other cells undamaged. So smart!If the applicator is placed in the correct location the result is smooth without lumpiness.

To date, there are no long term complications that I’m aware of. Come in for a complimentary consultation! (Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS, New York Oculoplastic Surgeon)

CoolSculpting Results

Fat cells are more susceptible to cold than the skin. The Coolsculpting technology applies just enough cool to freeze the fat, but not enough to damage the skin. It also doesn’t penetrate deep enough to affect other areas.

When performed by a certified provider with plenty of experience it is unlikely to obtain a result that is lumpy or bumpy. The only way that you may get uneven loss or what appears to be lumps is by improper placement of the applicator or not targeting the entire area that needed to be treated.
Massage is also strongly encouraged post-treatment. (Vinay Aggarwal, MD, Los Angeles Physician)

CoolSculpting Is Excellent for the Right Candidate

CoolSculpting works because the fat freezes at a higher temperature than other tissues. The device carefully controls the temperature and the areas damaged.

The amount of fat, elasticity of the skin, and, yes, skill of the operator all have an effect on the result.

Expect about 25% of fat to be diminished with each treatment, so the larger the fat deposit, the greater likelihood several cycles may be required to achieve the best result. It is a great option for the right candidate, so discussing it with a surgeon who does all forms of body contouring should give you an educated opinion of your options. (Stanley G. Poulos, MD, Greenbrae Plastic Surgeon)

CoolSculpting to reduce fat

CoolSculpting is a very effective way to reduce some excess unwanted fat in some areas. It can be used just about anywhere below the neck.

The important thing when having CoolSculpting is choosing the right applicator (attachment for the machine) for the areas to be treated.

The key is to make the fat super cold which damages the fat cells. The other cells in the same area (skin, muscle, etc.) are not nearly as sensitive to the cold.

If the right applicator is used and you’re a good candidate for the treatment you should expect smooth, even, and effective results.

The results are more based upon the nature of the excess fat than the amount of it. I have seen good results from thin patients and others who have more excess fat. Have a discussion with a few docs that offer CoolSculpting, it’s not a one size fits all procedure. (Adam Rubinstein, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)
there is an extremely low risk (but it does exist) of PAH or paradoxical adipose hypertrophy. What is this? A situation in which the fat cells treated by Coolsculpting become larger and the area looks fuller.

This is very rare, but consumers should be aware of it’s possibility. (Brooke French, MD, Aurora Plastic Surgeon)

Long-term effects of CoolSculpting

The newer CoolSculpting machines now provide permanent fat reduction up to 25% per treatment in areas of the body from the chin to the knees. CoolSculpting acts by freezing the fat cells which then die and are carried out of the body via the lymphatic system.

Nerves and tissues may get cold, but they do not freeze or get “damaged.” Fat cells, on the other hand, are very sensitive to cold. The results do not end up “lumpy” but in certain areas where the incorrect size or type of applicator is used, there may be permanent indentions where the fat is gone.
The lumpiness is more common in liposuction surgery where the cannula may be placed in different areas resulting in more fat being removed in places than others. Results are fairly consistent among body types, but it may appear more dramatic in a thinner person depending on what area of the body is treated.

For example, a thin person who has a pocket of fat on their stomach will probably notice the changes more than a heavier person who has a larger surface area of fat. (Mark E. Mason, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)

CoolSculpting results

In a nutshell, fat is selectively more cold-sensitive than other tissues, so it can be targeted at the specific temperature without damage to surrounding structures (skin, nerves, vessels, muscle, etc).

In order to avoid contour complications, it is best to go to an office that performs lots of these procedures and under the care of a Plastic Surgeon or other core aesthetic professional (Dermatologist, etc). (Deborah Pan, MD, New Haven Plastic Surgeon)

Both Coolsculpting and Sculpsure reduce around 22% of fat in an area per treatment. Once those fat cells are gone they don’t grow back however the remaining fat cells in the area can enlarge if caloric intake exceeds expenditure.

They usually enlarge, however, proportionally to the other fat cells in the rest of the body. (Jeffrey T. Camp, MD, Truckee Physician)