What is CoolSculpting? Is it Safe? Learn Everything You Need to Know in Our CoolSculpting Review
Freezing fat cells to remove exercise-resistant fat is a fairly new concept. The commercials show someone reclining at an office while a wand is moved over their belly or other problem areas, and the fat is “magically” dissolved.
CoolSculpting has caught the attention of many people not wanting to undergo the surgical procedure of liposuction. This fat reduction procedure doesn’t require anesthetic or surgery.
CoolSculpting Review
But, it kind of sounds too good to be true and begs the questions, “Does CoolSculpting work?” and “Is CoolSculpting safe?”.
Can you really just freeze the fat away, and are there any problems with CoolSculpting that make it risky to try? Any type of medical procedure should be checked with scrutiny, even if it’s not invasive, and that includes a CoolSculpting treatment as well.
So, if you’ve ever seen a CoolSculpting ad or commercial that’s showing before and after photos, you must have wondered whether the procedure was right for you. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this new fat-freezing treatment.
We’ll answer your more burning questions such as, “What is CoolSculpting exactly?”, How much does CoolSculpting cost?”, “Are there any CoolSculpting risks to health?”, and “Does CoolSculpting really work?”
You’ll also hear from those who’ve done the CoolSculpting treatment to find out what they have to say. Were they happy with their CoolSculpting results or not? How does this company rate overall in CoolSculpting reviews from people that have tried it?
You’re about to find out all that and more in this AdvisoryHQ News CoolSculpting Review!
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AdvisoryHQ CoolSculpting Reviews | The Company Behind the Method
CoolSculpting is a registered trademark of ZELTIQ® Aesthetics, Inc., based in Pleasanton, CA. In 2017, ZELTIQ® Aesthetics was acquired by Allergan plc, an international biopharmaceutical company based in Dublin, Ireland.
Allergan describes the CoolSculpting treatment as a “proprietary controlled-cooling fat reducing treatment.”
While ZELTIQ® Aesthetics was first founded in 2005, it took them about five to seven years to earn the FDA clearance needed for marketing CoolSculpting, initially for love handles and belly areas.
After body sculpting reviews of the product, it really began to take off in 2011/2012 as it was also promoted for other areas like:
- CoolSculpting arms
- CoolSculpting neck
- CoolSculpting thighs
What is CoolSculpting’s geographical market? This fat-freezing procedure is performed in the U.S. and around the world.
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
The genesis of the CoolSculpting treatment began with kids eating popsicles. Scientists at Harvard University observed that dimples would form in the cheeks of children eating these frozen treats.
The doctors realized that the popsicles were freezing and eliminating very small pockets of fat cells. So of course, they thought it could be helpful to bring this to a larger scale to help people get rid of unwanted fat in other areas of their body.
What is Cool Sculpting | Overview
- A device is used over the skin to safely deliver controlled cooling.
- This cooling targets fat cells beneath the skin.
- The fat cells are crystalized (frozen), causing them to die.
- The body naturally eliminates the dead fat cells over time.
Does CoolSculpting really work? The company answers this with over 100 peer-reviewed publications. There are also several clinical studies you can request from their website, after entering some information. You can also request the Proof of Concept for cryolipolysis, the procedure upon which CoolSculpting is based.
We’ll mention some of these studies in the CoolSculpting results section of this CoolSculpting body sculpting review.
What Is Cool Sculpting?
What Can You Expect from a Fat Freezing Treatment?
Your initial step is a consultation with a doctor to see if CoolSculpting is right for you. Once cleared for the procedure, it will go something like this:
- A gel pad and applicator is applied to the targeted area.
- The applicator will deliver controlled cooling to the fat area.
- You can read, nap, or hang out on your smartphone during the treatment.
- CoolSculpting risks are minimal and most patients can return immediately to normal activities.
- CoolSculpting results are typically seen within 1 to 3 months.
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How Much Does CoolSculpting Cost?
After understanding how this fat freezing thing works, the next biggest question is about the CoolSculpting price. Since it’s a non-invasive procedure is it more affordable? How much is CoolSculpting for a typical fat treatment?
Since the procedure is performed by many different physician offices, we’ve looked into the average CoolSculpting cost from many of them.
In answer to the FAQ, “How much does CoolSculpting Cost?” that the average procedure is between $2,000 – $4,000, and will vary according to individual needs and areas being treated.
In a CoolSculpting cost review from around the web, we found the following range of CoolSculpting prices.
Average CoolSculpting Price per Area:
- CoolSculpting arms: $650-$1,300
- CoolSculpting stomach: $1,500
- CoolSculpting thighs: $750-$1,500 per leg/per area
- CoolSculpting neck: $1,475
Is the CoolSculpting Cost Covered by Insurance?
Cosmetic procedures are not typically covered by insurance. However, after you find out how much it costs for your desired area, you may wish to contact your carrier just to double-check.
CoolSculpting Results | Before & After
If you’re looking for CoolSculpting before and after images, you won’t be disappointed. The company has several photos and videos on their website, illustrating side bulge reduction, CoolSculpting neck fat being removed, and body sculpting of thighs, back fat, and other popular areas.
CoolSculpting Before and After
However, it’s important to understand that you’re not going to walk into the doctor’s office with lower belly fat and walk out with it magically gone, expecting to fit into a smaller pant size that same day.
How long does it usually take for the CoolSculpting before and after transformation? The company says that some lucky patients can see results in as little as 3 weeks, but for most, it’s 2 months before they see the most dramatic results.
Let’s look at a few common areas of CoolSculpting for men and women.
CoolSculpting Waist/Belly
One of the most popular areas for this fat reduction procedure on the waist and lower belly. As we age, these are prime areas of fat collection that are most often resistant to diet and exercise.
In one of the fat freezing reviews by clinical scientists, 32 patients were studied for the reduction of fat around the waist (aka those stubborn love handles). Both photographic and ultrasound results showed a visible contour change in 84% of the subjects.
CoolSculpting Arms
Reducing that flabby “chicken arm” fat can also be done with this fat freezing technique. CoolSculpting before and after photos show a visible reduction of upper arm fat with the treatment.
Does CoolSculpting work alone? CoolSculpting arms can make a visible difference by itself, but some physicians also recommend exercising the arms as well for even better results.
CoolSculpting Thighs
Getting rid of fat on inner and outer thighs with CoolSculpting can make a big difference for many. If you’re researching, “How much does CoolSculpting cost?”, it’s important to know that the pricing is typically listed per one leg and per one area (inner or outer thigh).
So, if you’re considering CoolSculpting thighs, be sure to ask for the pricing both legs.
CoolSculpting Neck
Some faces can be showing a double-chin look even if the person’s body weight is at a healthy level. Extra fat can also gather at the neck as we age. This is an area were CoolSculpting neck treatments can help remove that fat for a slimmer neck profile.
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CoolSculpting Reviews | Frequently Asked Questions
Any type of medical procedure prompts questions, as it should. We’ve picked some of the most frequently asked questions, such as, “Does CoolSculpting work for everyone?” and “Is CoolSculpting safe?” and answered those for you below.
Q: Are there any CoolSculpting side effects?
A: The company states that some CoolSculpting side effects you may experience are temporary and generally are gone within days or weeks.
Potential CoolSculpting side effects during the treatment include sensations of:
- Aching
- Cramping
- Intense cold
- Mild pinching
- Pulling
- Stinging
- Tingling
- Tugging
Potential CoolSculpting side effects after the treatment:
- Aching
- Blanching
- Bruising
- Cramping
- Firmness
- Itching
- Sensation of fullness at the back of the throat
- Skin Sensitivity
- Swelling
- Stinging
- Temporary redness
- Tenderness
- Tingling
If you think you might have problems with CoolSculpting side effects, it’s best to speak with your physician about it before you schedule the procedure.
Q. Is CoolSculpting safe?
A: In the US, CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental area (beneath the chin), thigh, abdomen, and flank, along with bra fat, back fat, upper arm, and under the buttocks.
To achieve CoolSculpting results, you do not have to undergo surgery or anesthesia, which reduces multiple treatment risks. The treatment has been safely performed on over 7 million people worldwide and is non-invasive.
CoolSculpting Side Effects
Q. Are CoolSculpting results permanent?
A. Once the fat cells are frozen and naturally eliminated from the body, they are gone for good so those particular results are permanent – unless you gain weight.
How does CoolSculpting work if you gain weight after your treatment? If you put on weight after the treatment, you can gain fat back in the treatment areas as well as everywhere on your body (the extra weight won’t just target the treated areas).
Q. Is CoolSculpting painful?
A. One of the clinical studies performed on patients asked about their comfort and is CoolSculpting painful for them.
Results from feedback about pain or discomfort showed that 30 of 32 study participants (94%) said they either had no discomfort or they felt a level that they expected. Of the two that if asked, “Is CoolSculpting painful” said they did experience some discomfort, both said that even so, they would have the procedure again.
Q. What are the CoolSculpting risks?
A. Are there any CoolSculpting risks for your health you need to consider? While many physicians agree that CoolSculpting is safe for most people, beyond the side effects from CoolSculpting mentioned above, there is a very rare issue that can occur.
One rare potential problem with CoolSculpting is the development of Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia at the treatment site, where fat cells grow larger instead of smaller. It’s a cosmetic effect rather than a dangerous physical side effect. However, it’s definitely something that should be taken into consideration.
Q. Does CoolSculpting work for everyone?
A. Once you’ve answered, “How does CoolSculpting work” you need to consider that it’s not meant as a weight-loss procedure. It’s for sculpting fat from particular areas, but not meant to help people lose large amounts of weight.
In a patient quiz provided at CoolSculpting.com, the company suggests that you should be within 30 pounds of your ideal weight.
At Healthline they recommend those with the following conditions not to do this treatment:
- cryoglobulinemia
- cold agglutinin disease
- paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria
Q. Is there CoolSculpting for men?
A. Although fat can develop differently in male and female bodies, both sexes can benefit from CoolSculpting for fat reduction in problem areas. CoolSculpting for men is just as popular, and you can see many male photos in CoolSculpting’s before and after testimonials.
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CoolSculpting Reviews from Real Patients
What’s the scoop from patients who’ve had this fat freezing treatment done? Does CoolSculpting really work as good as the photos suggest?
After a deep dive into multiple body sculpting reviews for CoolSculpting, we’ve uncovered the answers.
First, we’ll see how reviewers rated the procedure overall in combined CoolSculpting reviews.
We’ll also hear from both positive and negative CoolSculpting reviews to find out what people are saying about this new freezing treatment for fat.
Overall CoolSculpting Reviews
Here are ratings from 3 of the sites that host CoolSculpting reviews. Since many different physician offices around the country and world perform the procedure, your experience can vary, so we suggest searching CoolSculpting reviews for your particular doctor’s office.
- Facebook (860 CoolSculpting reviews) – 3.8 out of 5
- HighYa (59 CoolSculpting reviews) – 1.5 out of 5
- RealPatientRatings™ (1,982 CoolSculpting reviews) – 4.5 out of 5
CoolSculpting Review Highlights | Positive Feedback
- A very pleased client said the procedure went smoothly and was fast. They were thrilled with the results and in their CoolSculpting review, they’ve noted that the doctor’s office they worked with was very friendly and helpful.
- In one of the CoolSculpting reviews on Facebook, a reviewer said she was pleased with the treatment she had on her stomach and the results were so good she was planning to do her “love handles” next.
- In a CoolSculpting for men review, the review said they would definitely recommend the treatment to others. They were initially worried that CoolSculpting wouldn’t work, but couldn’t be happier with the results after removing excess fat from their waist.
- A patient that had their flanks and back done said that despite being skeptical at first, their CoolSculpting results were excellent. If asked, “Is CoolSculpting Painful?” they would say no. They noted it was a pain-free and stress-free experience.
CoolSculpting Review Highlights | Negative Feedback
- In a 2-star CoolSculpting review at HighYa, a patient was very disappointed with the results and said they’d wished they just used the money to spend more time at the gym instead.
- Another patient experienced the rare side effect mentioned earlier in this article. In their CoolSculpting review, they said their fat didn’t disappear but instead got bigger and deformed, giving them horrible CoolSculpting results.
- An 80-year old customer spent $1,000 on CoolSculpting to remove belly fat that had settled in over the years. After 11 weeks, they saw no CoolSculpting results and felt it was a waste of money.
- If asked, “How much does CoolSculpting cost?” this reviewer would say it was too expensive. In their 1-star review, they said the results do not last and they didn’t appreciate finding out too late that more sessions are suggested for best results.
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AdvisoryHQ’s CoolSculpting Review Conclusion
Freezing fat cells away from problem areas is definitely a novel idea and one that looks to be revolutionizing the “body sculpting” industry. Without needing to go under a needle or scalpel, this non-invasive procedure offers a less risky option for many than liposuction.
It is important to understand clearly when to expect CoolSculpting results and what the risks are. You’re going to have to wait about 2 months for the frozen fat cells to naturally make their way out of your body and see the most dramatic results. And the procedure isn’t completely risk-free.
Besides the localized and short-term CoolSculpting side effects, in rare cases, you could end up looking lumpier than sculpted. Though this side effect is rare, it’s best to have a thorough discussion with your doctor about any potential risks before taking that risk.
On a positive note, we did not find any CoolSculpting fat freezing reviews that discussed serious health-related side effects and the FDA has cleared the procedure.
The CoolSculpting price ($2,000-$4,000 on average) is not cheap, but not overly expensive either. When getting a consultation, be sure to ask how many sessions may be needed for the CoolSculpting results you’re looking for so you don’t end up with unexpected costs down the road.
Overall, CoolSculpting looks to be a fairly safe and low-risk way to tackle small, stubborn patches of fat in problem areas to give you a little more control over the body and help you reach your image goals.
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Image sources:
- https://www.coolsculpting.com/what-is-coolsculpting/what-to-expect/
- https://www.coolsculpting.com/before-and-after/
- https://www.coolsculpting.com
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