CoolSculpting Safety & Side Effects

As nonsurgical fat reduction with CoolSculpting increases in popularity, more and more people are curious about the treatment. Many of our patients in Atlanta are wondering how safe CoolSculpting is and what side effects they should expect from treatment.

Is CoolSculpting Safe?

CoolSculpting is among one of the safest fat reduction procedures available. Developed by Harvard scientists, this exciting treatment was FDA approved in 2010 and was practiced safely in Europe for many years prior. Because fat freezes at a higher temperature than skin, CoolSculpting is able to selectively target and destroy fat cells without causing harm or damage to surrounding skin or tissue.

Some patients ask why CoolSculpting does not damage surrounding areas. As many are aware, applying an ice pack directly to your skin for long periods of time or exposing your skin to extreme cold would result in skin damage, development of blood vessels, frostbite, or permanent loss of sensation. Although CoolSculpting is associated with “freezing” and that is, in fact, what inevitably happens to the fat, the process actually involves a controlled super cooling of the fat that prompts the natural fat cell destruction process. Rather than delivering freezing temperatures, CoolSculpting actually works to extract heat from the fat and cool the tissue. Because of this process, CoolSculpting causes no extraneous damage.

Because there are no needles or surgery involved, risks typically associated with plastic surgery procedures, such as bleeding and infection, are nonexistent with CoolSculpting.

Does CoolSculpting Hurt?

While everyone is unique and has a different threshold for discomfort, the majority of our CoolSculpting patients report that treatment is mostly pain-free. After the CoolSculpting applicator is applied, the first 10 minutes may feel strange, with patients experiencing a cool tingling in the treatment area. As the CoolSculpting machine suctions the area being treated, you may feel a slightly uncomfortable pulling for the first few minutes. Because cold is being applied, the area typically starts feeling numb and the remainder of treatment is comfortable. The abdomen may be more sensitive to treatment than other areas.

What Are the Side Effects of CoolSculpting?

Immediately after treatment, the treated area will be red, cold, and firm. We will massage the area to help bring back feeling and flatten it out, though you may experience swelling, redness, and some bruising for a couple days. Other side effects include temporary firmness, numbness, or tingling, and in very rare cases, a patient may experience prolonged discomfort after treatment. Most side effects resolve within a matter of days, and patients can resume normal activity almost immediately.

Want to Learn More?

If you have additional questions about CoolSculpting, feel free to contact us today! We’ll be happy to listen to your questions and concerns, help you understand your options, and assist in designing a treatment plan that suits your needs.