The CoolSculpting technique, developed by Harvard scientists, works by targeting fat cells underneath the skin and freezing them to the point of crystallization. During this patented Cryolipolysis™ procedure, a non-invasive applicator delivers precisely controlled cooling to targeted fat cells in specific areas of your body. Because fat cells are more vulnerable to cooling than surrounding tissues, this kills the fat cells without harming the skin, nerves, muscles and other tissue.

The treated fat cells undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) and are eliminated naturally, gradually reducing the thickness of the fat layer. The result is decreased fat bulges, visible in most patients within two months. Skin is left unblemished and there is no scarring, in contrast to traditional methods of fat removal. There is no lengthy recovery period.

Clinical studies involving hundreds of patients (in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia) show that CoolSculpting is an effective way to reduce fat without the pain, risk, and recovery time of surgical procedures. The result is noticeable, natural-looking fat reduction in the treated areas.

Yes, CoolSculpting is FDA-approved in the U.S. for non-invasive fat reduction in the flank.

The cost varies based on the number of sessions in your individual treatment plan.

CoolSculpting has been available since 2009 in Canada, Europe and Asia, marketed in some regions as the ZELTIQ™ Procedure. Clinical studies on the process date from 2006. There have been more than one million treatments with the device worldwide.

CoolSculpting is safe, and well tolerated by most patients. Typically, you’ll be comfortable enough to read, watch television, work on your laptop, listen to music, or just relax during the procedure. Occasionally, some patients experience redness, tingling, bruising or numbness in the treated areas, but these are temporary.

In approximately 50 reported cases out of 115,000 treatments, patients experienced more severe pain during and/or after treatment. If your discomfort is severe, contact your Esthetix clinician immediately. You may be prescribed an oral medication or topical anesthetic to help ease the symptoms until they go away naturally. Rest assured, in 100 percent of cases, such pain has naturally subsided with no long-term effects.

CoolSculpting is safe, and well tolerated by most patients. Typically, you’ll be comfortable enough to read, watch television, work on your laptop, listen to music, or just relax during the procedure. Occasionally, some patients experience redness, tingling, bruising or numbness in the treated areas, but these are temporary.

In all CoolSculpting cases, patients will experience an undeniable reduction in fat in the area treated. However, visible results can vary based on your initial fat deposits.

An ice pack does not reach temperatures cold enough to effectively kill fat cells. Moreover, the tool used in the cooling technology does not affect surrounding tissues, which can be damaged by prolonged icing.

One of the many benefits of CoolSculpting is its convenience. Each treatment lasts one to two hours or more, depending on the size of the area to be treated. You’ll know in advance how much time to allot for your visit, following an initial consultation. Most likely, you’ll be positioned comfortably enough to read, work, or watch your favorite show. And because it’s non-invasive, there’s no downtime after your appointment.

Fat cells are reduced with every treatment. Because every patient is different, we recommend a follow-up visit with your clinician post-procedure, to assess the cosmetic improvement and determine if additional CoolSculpting is warranted, to achieve more fat reduction.

The fats that are released from cells as a result of the treatment are processed by the liver, an organ in the body designed to perform that function. The dead fat cells themselves are broken down and digested by immune cells in the body.

No recovery time is required. You may resume normal activities the same day, including work and exercise. While uncommon, a small percentage of patients may experience pain related to treatment. Pain subsides over time.

CoolSculpting is very selective in killing fat cells without affecting other structures. Clinical studies indicate that the procedure does not cause nerve damage or permanent numbness. A small number of patients may experience temporary symptoms including skin sensitivity, stinging and/or pain.

Fat cells killed from CoolSculpting are eliminated from the body, and fat will never deposit again in the treated area. There is no risk of fat from other areas moving over to the treated area to compensate.

In clinical research, CoolSculpting was not noted to cause any change in skin tone or color, nor any rippling or dimpling.

Experience with the procedure shows it to be safe for all skin types.

It varies, depending on your specific goals. Some patients find the results they are after following one procedure. If more than one session is scheduled to ensure the best outcome, you’ll typically wait four to eight weeks between treatments. Your Esthetix clinician will discuss this as part of your treatment plan.

Cellulite is comprised of several types of tissue including fat. Since CoolSculpting selectively treats fat, the procedure does not do a thorough job treating cellulite, although some patients report temporary reductions in cellulite appearance immediately after the procedure.

The results of CoolSculpting are not as rapid or dramatic as invasive procedures such as liposuction or a tummy tuck. It’s an effective alternative for those who want to avoid the higher cost, pain, risk and recovery time associated with such surgical procedures.