CoolSculpting® Elite has received FDA approval for addressing noticeable fat deposits beneath the chin, jawline, thighs, abdomen, and flanks, as well as areas like bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (commonly called banana roll), and upper arms. Additionally, it is FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of loose skin in the submental area.

The device will be positioned on the targeted area, creating a mild suction sensation as it adheres to your body, followed by the recognizable cooling effect. Throughout the procedure, you might feel pulling, tugging, slight pinching, intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching, and cramping at the treatment site. These sensations fade as the area becomes numb. After the treatment, common temporary side effects include redness, swelling, paleness, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, or skin sensitivity. Submental or submandibular area treatments might cause a sensation of fullness in the back of the throat. Once the device is removed, your provider will perform a brief massage to break down the treated fat cells and enhance the fat reduction. That concludes the procedure!

The duration of each CoolSculpting® session varies based on the specific body areas being targeted and the number of areas treated. Some treatments can be completed in as short as 35 minutes, but if you choose to address multiple areas in one session, it will naturally take longer. The CoolSculpting® machines are equipped with dual applicators, enabling patients to address multiple areas simultaneously. This innovative feature reduces the time spent in the office compared to using a single CoolSculpting applicator.

After a single session, there can be a fat reduction of up to 20-25% in the treated area, but the results vary depending on the individual and the specific area treated. Your healthcare provider will assess your progress and collaborate with you to decide whether additional treatments are needed to achieve your desired outcome.

You’ll start to see changes as soon as 1-3 months posttreatment. Final results may take 6 months or more.

CoolSculpting® employs cryolipolysis, a technical term for fat freezing. When fat cells are frozen, they undergo cell death and are naturally removed by the body's processes. Rest assured, this occurs gradually, so you won't typically notice any changes in your daily routine.

CoolSculpting® has been cleared by the FDA to safely and effectively treat 9 different areas of the body (see the FDA-cleared areas below).

The CoolSculpting® treatment is not for everyone. You should not have it done if you suffer from cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. The CoolSculpting® procedure is not a weight loss treatment. As with any medical procedure, ask your physician if CoolSculpting® is right for you.

After the procedure, common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, paleness, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, or heightened skin sensitivity. In the submental or submandibular area, there might be a feeling of fullness in the back of the throat. Rare side effects are also possible. Paradoxical hyperplasia, which is a visible increase in tissue volume in the treated area, might occur 2 to 5 months after the treatment and requires surgical correction. Like any medical procedure, it's important to consult your physician to determine if CoolSculpting® is suitable for you.

The CoolSculpting® treatment helps eliminate stubborn pockets of fat. But, since CoolSculpting® is not a weight loss treatment, it is possible to gain weight posttreatment if you don’t keep up your healthy habits. This kind of weight gain will most likely happen evenly throughout your body, not just in treatment areas.

Changes may be visible as early as three weeks after your treatment. You will continue to see results as your body continues to flush out fat cells and this may continue for 4-6 months after the treatment.