How long does it take to get CoolSculpting results? Depending on your treatment, the results can be seen in three to six weeks, though most patients see dramatic results within two months of the initial treatment. And the good news is that you can expect your results to last for four to six months. In addition to these timelines, you can take steps to enhance your results. If you’re nearing your body goal, you can decrease the number of CoolSculpting treatments you need, ensuring that you get the best results in a short amount of time.
Treatment takes between 1 to 6 months
While CoolSculpting is known for its remarkable results, it can cause discomfort and side effects. Patients may feel a pinching, tugging, or mild tingling sensation when the device is applied to the treatment area. Patients may also feel some freezing, or numbness. Patients should be prepared for some minor discomfort, including mild numbness, but the sensation is not harmful. Once the procedure is completed, the body will absorb the fat cells.
CoolSculpting can be done in nine different areas. The treatment will last approximately 35 minutes per area. Patients may opt to have more than one area treated at once, which will extend the overall treatment time. This procedure can remove submental fat, as well as make the chin and neck slender and defined. Larger treatment areas may take 45-60 minutes. While the CoolSculpting procedure can be effective on a range of body areas, patients who are near their target weight may have to wait longer between sessions.
Results should last indefinitely
Typically, CoolSculpting is performed to eliminate stubborn fat, and the results should begin to appear in 4 to 8 weeks. Although it may take up to six months before you see the full results, most patients see a visible improvement within three weeks. Patients may need additional CoolSculpting sessions to see the desired results. But if you are a good candidate, and have consulted with your doctor beforehand, the results should last indefinitely.
CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved procedure that permanently eliminates a portion of your fat cells. However, the fat cells that remain will expand and swell to form a heavier shape if you gain weight in the future. That’s why it’s best to get a full consultation before you decide to undergo the procedure. But before you get a CoolSculpting treatment, make sure you weigh yourself before and after the first treatment. Gaining just a few pounds after the procedure may even out your results.
Side effects
Among the most common side effects of CoolSculpting is the potential for a hernia. A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall and forms a visible bulge. Because CoolSculpting uses cooling technology to freeze fat cells, they should die and be absorbed by the body naturally. Unfortunately, PAH can occur and may lead to a permanent bulge.
The procedure may also cause temporary bruising and a swelling in the treated area. Patients also report feeling lightheaded, sweaty, and aching. Some people also experience a cool, pale, or tingly feeling after the treatment. While the FDA hasn’t confirmed that CoolSculpting causes any permanent side effects, the manufacturer has provided a comprehensive list of possible complications. The side effects can range from persistent pain to hernia formation or paradoxical fat growth.
Recovery
The recovery time after CoolSculpting varies from patient to patient. Immediately after CoolSculpting, patients may experience numbness, pulling, tingling, aching, and intense cold. After a few minutes, the area will be numb. The doctor will massage the treated area to increase healing time and promote results. For best results, patients should avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine for at least two days following CoolSculpting.
As a result of CoolSculpting, the treated area may experience temporary whitening, redness, swelling, and bruising. Some patients experience a slight dulling of sensation after the procedure. Afterwards, the patient may have to wait several weeks before feeling completely back to normal. However, most patients can return to work or other normal activities immediately. Bruising is mild and often fades within a few days, though more severe bruising may take one week to completely disappear.