FAQs

Am I a Good Candidate for the CoolSculpting Procedure?

The CoolSculpting fat-reduction procedure is specially designed for those who have unwanted fat in targeted areas. Unlike weight-loss surgery (e.g., gastric bypass), the CoolSculpting procedure is not a weight-loss solution for people who are obese. Good candidates for the CoolSculpting procedure have noticeable bulges in certain areas they’d like to get rid of. Many people want a non-surgical alternative to liposuction.

Take our “Am I a Candidate?” Quiz or request a one-on-one consultation with a CoolSculpting provider who will determine if the CoolSculpting procedure is right for you.

How Much Does the CoolSculpting Procedure Cost?

The price for CoolSculpting procedures varies depending on your areas of concern, the number of treatments needed, and your ultimate goals. Most patients opt to receive treatments in multiple body areas in order to achieve their goals. The cost typically ranges between $2,000-$4,000 for their personalized treatment plan depending on the number of areas treated.

For more information on CoolSculpting cost, click here.

Create a customized treatment plan, in person, with your CoolSculpting provider that’s tailored to your body, your goals, and your budget. Many CoolSculpting practices even offer flexible payment plans to help patients achieve their goals.

How Long Is Each Treatment? How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Your CoolSculpting physician will help you create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. The length of your CoolSculpting treatment will vary depending on the number of areas being treated during one visit. The latest technology of CoolSculpting can treat a patient in 35-60 minutes, some patients have more than one treatment during the same office visit. Some practices even have multiple CoolSculpting systems and applicators, so it’s possible for a patient to have multiple areas treated at once. You and your provider may also schedule additional treatments or office visits in order to meet your goals.

Many people read, check email, or even take a nap during their treatments. Still curious? Hear about the CoolSculpting experience from people just like you.

Can the CoolSculpting Procedure Reduce Fat Anywhere on My Body?

In the U.S., the CoolSculpting procedure is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental area, thigh, abdomen and flank, along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll), and upper arm. In China, the cryolipolysis system is used for fat layer reduction of the abdomen and flanks. In Taiwan, the CoolSculpting procedure is cleared for the breakdown of fat in the flank (love handle), abdomen, and thigh. Outside the U.S., China and Taiwan, the CoolSculpting procedure for non-invasive fat reduction is available worldwide. See What Is CoolSculpting? for more details.

I Don’t Like My Double Chin. Can the CoolSculpting Procedure Help Me Lose It?

Yes! The CoolSculpting procedure can treat visible fat bulges under the chin and contour the neck. Freezing away fat from a double chin is as easy and tolerable as using the CoolSculpting procedure in other parts of the body (e.g., abdomen, flank/side, thighs). With CoolSculpting treatment for a double chin, patients see results after just 1 to 2 visits. And with no surgery, no needles, and with little to no downtime. See Lose Your Double Chin for more details.

Where Does the Fat Go? Are the Results Permanent?

Once the treated fat cells are crystallized (frozen), they die and are naturally processed and eliminated from the body. Check out the How It Works of the CoolSculpting procedure to learn more.

What Does It Feel Like?

As the cooling begins during the first few minutes, you typically feel intense cold. This soon dissipates. With some applicators, you’ll feel some pulling as suction is applied. The area generally goes numb within 5 to 10 minutes during treatment. Many people read, watch videos, work on their laptop, or even take a nap during their CoolSculpting treatment.

After the treatment, you may feel some tingling as the area is massaged for 2 or 3 minutes. Patients are usually able to return to normal activities following their appointment. What to Expect has more information about what happens before, during, and after your CoolSculpting procedure.

Is the CoolSculpting Procedure Safe?

In the US, the CoolSculpting® procedure is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental area, thigh, abdomen and flank, along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll), and upper arm. It is also FDA-cleared to affect the appearance of lax tissue with submental area treatments. Read more on CoolSculpting’s safety by clicking here.

Who Should Not Have the CoolSculpting Procedure?

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

Are There Any Side Effects?

During the procedure you may experience sensations of pulling, tugging, mild pinching, intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching, and cramping at the treatment site. These sensations subside as the area becomes numb. Following the procedure, typical side effects include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, or skin sensitivity. Sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after submental area treatment. These effects are temporary and generally resolve within days or weeks. Though rare, some additional side effects may occur. As with any medical procedure, ask your physician if the CoolSculpting procedure is right for you.

Can I Return to Normal Activities After My Treatment?

Yes, you can. The CoolSculpting procedure is completely non-surgical, so typically you can return to normal activities immediately. Patients often return to work on the same day after a CoolSculpting treatment is completed.

I’ve had my CoolSculpting Procedure. Now What?

Always be sure to schedule a follow-up assessment with your CoolSculpting provider to review your results and discuss the option of additional treatments. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A healthy body is a happy one. And we want you to be happy with your results!

When Will I See Results?

You may start to see changes as quickly as 3 weeks after your treatment, and will experience the most dramatic results after 2 months. Your body will still continue to flush out fat cells for up to 4 to 6 months after treatment. The Before & After gallery shows what results look like several weeks after CoolSculpting treatment.

Do I Need To Take Special Supplements Or Follow A Strict Diet And Exercise Program?

No supplements are required after your CoolSculpting treatment. It’s not a diet and exercise program, so you won’t need to change any of your lifestyle habits. Many patients do feel more motivated to take care of themselves after a CoolSculpting treatment. It’s as if they got a second lease on their body! They want to take even better care of themselves.

What Happens If I Gain Weight After My CoolSculpting Procedure?

Many people, after seeing the results from their CoolSculpting procedure, feel even more motivated to stay close to their ideal weight. However, if you do gain weight, you may gain it evenly all over your body, not just in the treated areas*. Learn more about fat cells and weight loss.

*Data on file. CoolSculpting®.