When CoolSculpting was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the removal of stubborn fat, many people in the health and wellness community were understandably skeptical. The procedure has been around for over a decade now, though, so there has been plenty of time for not just researchers but also the general public to weigh in. This article will take a look at whether CoolSculpting works and if it’s safe in 2023.
What Is CoolSculpting?
To understand the debate surrounding CoolSculpting, people interested in how to use it to lose weight fast must first get a better idea of how the process works. This form of cryolipolysis works by using extreme cold to freeze a patient’s fat cells, causing them to break down so that they can be eliminated naturally by the body. Over the next several weeks to months, the fat cells are eliminated, creating a more sculpted look.
Is CoolSculpting Safe?
Before moving on to whether CoolSculpting works and when it is most effective, let’s address the safety issue. When the FDA cleared CoolSculpting for cosmetic use in 2010, it did so only after evaluating extensive evidence regarding the procedure’s safety. Since it hit commercial markets over a decade ago, CoolSculpting has maintained an excellent safety profile.
As with any medical procedure, there may be side effects. The most commonly reported symptoms are lower sensation in the treated area and temporary bruising, swelling, sensitivity, or redness. These complications occur in less than 1% of cases, and when they do, they are mild and may be resolved without medical care.
Does CoolSculpting Work?
CoolSculpting can’t be considered a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, nor can it compete with liposuction when it comes to fat removal. However, it has been proven effective at reducing fat in targeted areas safely and non-invasively. Areas of the body that can be effectively treated include:
- Abdomen
- Sides of the waist
- Thighs
- Upper arms
- Chin
- Upper back
- Underneath the buttocks
- Chest
Most patients have just one or two areas treated at once. However, each medspa is different, and so are all of the patients who undergo this procedure. The only way to establish an effective treatment plan is to attend an in-person consultation with a trained technician. In some cases, they may recommend breaking up the treatments due to conflicts with patient positioning. That just means patients will need to schedule multiple appointments, not that they can only have some areas treated.
Who Is a Good Candidate for CoolSculpting?
A good candidate for CoolSculpting is someone who lives a healthy lifestyle and is close to their target weight but wants some help getting rid of stubborn fat in specific areas. While the treatment is always safe, it won’t be as effective in terms of providing long-term results if patients aren’t committed to eating a healthy diet and remaining active. While the fat cells will still be destroyed and eliminated from the body, CoolSculpting doesn’t prevent new fat from forming in its place.
Schedule a Consultation
The only way for someone to know for sure if they are a good candidate for CoolSculpting is for them to schedule an appointment with a trained technician to discuss the procedure. The good news is that it doesn’t require a visit to the doctor. CoolSculpting and other non-invasive, non-surgical cosmetic procedures can be performed in the comfort of a medspa or wellness center.
