CoolSculpting®

CoolSculpting® is a fat-freezing treatment that is the only FDA-approved, non-surgical fat-reduction treatment available. CoolSculpting® uses controlled cooling to eliminate up to 25% of that stubborn fat that resists all efforts through diet and exercise. More than eight million CoolSculpting® treatments have been performed worldwide, proving it’s a safe and effective treatment for fat reduction. CoolSculpting® requires no surgery, no anesthesia, no invasive techniques, and little to no down time after a procedure.

The CoolSculpting® fat-freezing treatment is not a weight loss procedure.  It is designed to eliminate pockets of stubborn fat in the abdomen, flanks, back, inner thighs, outer thighs, double chin, and upper arms. You may have a few CoolSculpting® Pittsburgh locations to choose from, but you'll want to make sure a highly trained professional is performing the procedure. That's why in our offices, our highly trained board-certified dermatologists perform the procedure. You'll also have a dedicated CoolSculpting® coordinator to ensure that your experience is safe, pleasant and efficient. We’ve asked real patients in our office about their experience, and they’ve shared some unexpected things about a CoolSculpting® procedure future patients should know.

Although everybody carries body fat differently, many people have stubborn areas of fat despite diet and exercise. CoolSculpting® safely delivers precisely controlled cooling to gently and effectively target fat cells underneath the skin of these stubborn areas. The treated fat cells are frozen and then die by a process known as cryolipolysis. Over several weeks your body naturally processes and eliminates these dead cells, leaving a more sculpted you. The results of CoolScultping® are long-term because the treated fat cells are permanently gone.

The reduction in the specific targeted fat cells from CoolScultping® does produce long-term results. This is because the process of cryolipolysis does not reduce the size of your body’s fat cells, but permanently eliminates them. Each CoolScultping® treatment removes up to 25% of fat cells in the targeted area. New fat cells do not grow to replace those lost from CoolScultping®. This leaves fewer fat cells in the treated areas, resulting in a slimmer frame. It is important to note, however, that CoolSculpting® is not meant for weight loss and is not comparable to a weight loss surgery.

The CoolSculpting® fat-freezing procedure is not a weight loss procedure, rather, it is a fat reduction treatment. It is designed to eliminate pockets of stubborn fat in FDA-approved areas such as the lower and upper abdomen, back (including the infamous bra bulge), thighs, under the buttocks, under the chin and jawline, and the upper arms. While you may not see a drastic difference on the scale, you will be able to notice the difference in your figure.

During your teenage years, the number of fat cells in your body becomes a set number. As your weight fluctuates throughout your life, these fat cells become larger and smaller without changing the number of fat cells present. Because CoolSculpting® is a fat reduction treatment, when the fat cells are frozen, they are eventually eliminated from the body. Thereby decreasing the number of fat cells present in your body.

A consultation with one of our CoolSculpting® certified physicians is free.  We will take the time to discuss your goals for reshaping your body, evaluate your body using a 360-degree approach, and then focus on specific areas where you want to eliminate fat.  This free consultation will help us determine if CoolSculpting® is the best fat reduction treatment for you.

Everyone’s body is different, so our highly trained professionals will create a customized treatment plan for you with your specific goals and desired results in mind. We will provide a clinical recommendation of which areas should be treated and how many treatments you may need. On average, each CoolSculpting® procedure can result in a 25% reduction of fat. One or more treatments may be necessary to reach optimal results.

On the day of your treatment, no surgery or anesthetic is needed. Pre-procedure photos are taken at various angles so that we are able to track your improvement.  Your CoolSculpting® provider will determine the size and number of applicators needed for your treatment.

At the beginning of the procedure, a gel pad is placed on the treatment area to protect your skin. Next, the applicator is applied to the treatment area, which can create a sucking sensation as it adheres to the gel pad. Mild discomfort, such as tugging, pulling, pinching, and intense cold, are expected in first few minutes during the CoolSculpting® procedure.

These resolve after several minutes and you are able to rest comfortably and read or work during the remainder of the procedure. Some patients have even been known to take a nap. The length of the procedure varies depending on the size of the area to be treated. On average, each treatment lasts 90 minutes to two hours.

CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical procedure. You will experience little to no downtime and most patients can resume their normal activities immediately following the treatment.  Typical side effects include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, or skin sensitivity. However, these effects are temporary and generally resolve within days or weeks.

Treatment results can be noticeable as early as three weeks after your treatment, but more significant results are seen at three months. A second treatment may be needed six weeks after the first treatment.

As with most cosmetic dermatology treatments, how quickly you see results will vary. A CoolSculpting^® treatment consists of two treatment session spaced about 6-8 weeks apart. Treatment results can be noticeable as early as three weeks after your first session, but more significant results are seen three months after the second session.

On average, each CoolSculpting® treatment (a total of two sessions) can result in a 25% reduction of fat. Your CoolSculpting® coordinator and dermatologist will complete an assessment during your consultation to provide a treatment plan that will outline how many treatments will be needed to reach your fat reduction goals.

A frequent question we get from patients is, “Is CoolSculpting® safe?” CoolSculpting® is a very safe procedure. This technology safely delivers precisely controlled cooling to target the fat cells underneath the skin gently and effectively while leaving the skin itself unaffected. CoolSculpting® systems are designed with built-in safety measures. If sensors detect that the skin is getting too cold, the system will shut down automatically.

Additionally, procedures are performed in our licensed and accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center, and our providers have undergone in-depth training and certification to ensure the highest standard of care at this CoolSculpting® Pittsburgh location.  Side effects are minimal but may include numbness, redness, bruising, swelling, tingling, or mild pain.

As with any medical procedure, you should talk with one of our providers first to discuss whether a CoolSculpting® procedure is right for you. If you have other questions, including regarding the cost of CoolSculpting®, we’re happy to answer all of your questions during your free consultation. You can contact us today or use the form below to request a free consultation at our premier CoolSculpting® Pittsburgh location or ask questions about any of our Cosmetic Dermatology services.