Does Fat Freezing Hurt?

We break down every step of the CoolSculpting® process to eliminate stubborn fat.

Fat freezing? Yes, fat freezing! It’s called CoolSculpting®, and it’s as real as real gets. An FDA-cleared procedure, CoolSculpting® targets stubborn fat pockets using a controlled cooling device to reduce and eliminate area fat cells. In just one session, which only takes about an hour, 25 percent of the fat cells treated can not only be reduced but also eventually eliminated.

The procedure is completely safe and delivers the cooling effect in precisely controlled targeted areas. These can include your chin, chest, arms, love handles, thighs, upper back and more. Those treated fat cells are crystalized — frozen! — and then die. Over time, your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates these dead cells, creating a more sculpted you.

What Happens During the Procedure?

As its name suggests, the CoolSculpting® procedure will feel a little chilly. In general, the first five to 10 minutes will produce a pretty intense cold as the treated area becomes numb. But that will subside within another five or so minutes — don’t worry, we’ll provide blankets.

As the applicator uses a vacuum to draw fatty tissue in, you may feel some tugging, pulling and/or mild pinching. The entire treatment lasts only 30-40 minutes, depending on the treated area, and we even suggest you multitask during your CoolSculpting® treatment! Read, check emails, take a nap. After the procedure, the registered nurse will perform a light massage on the treated area, which has been proven to increase treatment efficacy by 68 percent.

Is there downtime or pain post-procedure?

After your treatment, you are free to resume all regular activity, including work. Although side effects might include temporary redness/skin sensitivity, swelling, bruising, tenderness or itching, all of these are temporary and should resolve within days or weeks.

When it comes to results though, those will be visible within one to three months. With CoolSculpting®, most patients see results after a series of two or more treatments on a specific area, and we suggest spacing these procedures out by several weeks so progress can be assessed.

How can I get started?

Everyone (and body!) is different! Which means your CoolSculpting® plan will be personalized entirely based on your needs and targeted areas. You’ll schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Majewski, who will ask about your overall health, goals and expectations, as well as which problem areas you'd like tackle. Dr Majewski will determine if you are a good candidate and will create a customized treatment plan for you that begins with the area of greatest concern. This is a time for you to ask questions too!

Remember, most patients see results after two or more treatments on a specific area, so if you’re planning on CoolSculpting® before an event or summer season, plan ahead. Schedule your consultation today!