You’ve seen the before-and-afters—slim waists, contoured curves, and zero love handles. But does CoolSculpting® really work, or is it just another beauty trend that doesn’t live up to the hype? The short answer: Yes, it works. CoolSculpting® is FDA-approved, clinically proven, and eliminates fat cells using controlled cooling.
But what is CoolSculpting® exactly for? Is it for weight loss or fat loss? How well does it work and is it safe? Let’s get into the details.
What is CoolSculpting®?
CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical fat reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate fat cells. It’s FDA-cleared and designed to target stubborn fat that won’t budge with diet and exercise.
Unlike weight loss, which shrinks fat cells, CoolSculpting® destroys them. Once treated fat cells are gone, they don’t come back. Your body naturally processes and eliminates them over time, leaving you with a more sculpted look.
It’s commonly used to tone areas like the abdomen, flanks (love handles), thighs, arms, back, and under the chin. CoolSculpting® is completely non-surgical—no needles, no incisions, and no downtime, so you can get back to work or daily life right away.
Is CoolSculpting® for Fat Loss or Weight Loss?
CoolSculpting® is for fat reduction, not weight loss. If you step on the scale after treatment, you might not see a dramatic change, but that’s not the goal. The purpose of CoolSculpting® is to target and reduce stubborn fat pockets that don’t respond to diet or exercise, helping you achieve a more sculpted, slimmer look.
When you lose weight, your fat cells shrink, but they’re still there. If you gain weight again, they expand. CoolSculpting® works differently. It eliminates fat cells in the treated area for good. Your body naturally processes and removes these dead fat cells over the course of a few months, leading to visible fat reduction and a more contoured appearance.
This makes CoolSculpting® ideal for fat reduction in localized areas like the love handles, belly fat, inner thighs, arms, or even under the chin. It’s not meant for weight loss or treating obesity. If weight loss is your goal and you don’t want to commit to surgery, our Semaglutide Weight Loss Program might be a better solution for you.
Clinical studies have shown that CoolSculpting® can reduce fat in treated areas by an average of 15% to 28% at around four months after the initial treatment. In a study involving 518 patients, 73% reported satisfaction with their results, and 82% were willing to recommend cryolipolysis to a friend.
However, results take time. Most people start noticing changes around three weeks, with full results appearing after two to three months as the body gradually eliminates the dead fat cells. The key to success is being the right candidate and having realistic expectations.
CoolSculpting® is best for people who are already at or near their ideal weight but struggle with stubborn fat in areas like the abdomen, thighs, flanks, arms, or under the chin. It’s not a weight-loss procedure and won’t remove large amounts of fat like liposuction.
Most people see great results with one to three sessions per area, depending on how much fat reduction they want. Once the fat cells are gone, they’re permanently gone, but gaining weight can still cause the remaining fat cells to expand.
CoolSculpting® Before and After — After completing two rounds of CoolSculpting®, this lovely patient achieved a noticeably slimmer and more contoured lower abdomen.
Is CoolSculpting® Safe?
Yes, CoolSculpting® is safe when performed by a trained provider like Dr. Young at Young Medical Spa. It’s FDA-cleared for fat reduction in areas like the abdomen, thighs, flanks, arms, and under the chin. Since it’s non-surgical and non-invasive, there’s no anesthesia, incisions, or downtime.
That said, like any procedure, CoolSculpting® comes with some potential side effects. Most are mild and temporary, including:
- Redness, swelling, or bruising in the treated area
- Numbness or tingling, which can last a few weeks
- Mild discomfort or sensitivity as the fat cells break down
A rare side effect called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) can occur in 0.0051% to 2% of cases, according to recent studies. This happens when fat cells in the treated area grow instead of shrink, requiring additional treatment—such as liposuction—to correct.
The best way to have a safe and effective CoolSculpting® experience is to choose a qualified provider like Dr. Young who understands proper treatment techniques. When done correctly, CoolSculpting® is a low-risk, highly effective way to reduce stubborn fat and tone your body without surgery.
How Much Does CoolSculpting® Cost?
CoolSculpting® costs vary based on where you go, how many sessions you need, and the areas you want to treat. On average, CoolSculpting® costs between $2,000 and $4,000 per area, but pricing can also differ depending on location. CoolSculpting® treatments are highly personalized so it’s best to schedule a consultation with a qualified provider.
Is CoolSculpting® Worth It?
If you’re struggling with stubborn fat that won’t go away with diet and exercise, CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical, no-downtime way to sculpt and contour your body. The fat cells it removes are gone for good as long as you maintain a stable weight.
If you’re looking for expert CoolSculpting® treatments in Pennsylvania, book a consultation at Young Medical Spa. Our clinic is a certified CoolSculpting®® practice and is one of the top destinations for CoolSculpting® in the country.
With summer just around the corner, there’s no better time to experience the power of CoolSculpting®. Right now, we are also giving 35% OFF your CoolSculpting® treatments! Getting ready for the summer has never been easier.
Call us to book your appointment now and claim your exclusive discount today. We have three locations to serve you: Center Valley, Lansdale, and Wilkes-Barre, PA.
CoolSculpting® Before and After
See real CoolSculpting® transformations from our patients. Check out these before-and-after results:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CoolSculpting® painful?
Most patients don’t feel anything while some patients feel a slight tugging sensation. These sensations fade after a few minutes. After treatment, you might have some tingling or soreness, but nothing major.
Is CoolSculpting® permanent?
Yes. CoolSculpting® permanently eliminates fat cells in treated areas. But if you gain weight, the remaining fat cells can expand. Stay consistent with diet and exercise to maintain your results.
How long does a CoolSculpting® session take?
Sessions last 35–75 minutes per area, depending on the treatment size. You can treat multiple areas in one visit.
How many CoolSculpting® sessions do I need?
Most people need 1–3 sessions per area for the best results. It depends on how much fat you want to reduce.
Can CoolSculpting® tighten loose skin?
CoolSculpting® only reduces fat, not loose skin. If skin laxity is your concern, our BodyTite and FaceTite treatments may be a better option for you.