Does CoolSculpting Have Any Side Effects?

When patients learn about CoolSculpting, they are excited. They want to learn more about how it can help shape and contour their bodies, particularly the way it helps eliminate stubborn fat. But they have other questions as well. They want to know whether the procedure has any risks or negative side effects: a sensible concern. The good news is that CoolSculpting has no long-term side effects. Most side effects fade within a few days or a few weeks following the procedure

How CoolSculpting Works

CoolSculpting eliminates fat through cryolipolysis, a phenomenon that occurs whenever fat cells are subjected to freezing temperatures for long periods of time. The cold causes the fat cells to crystallize, which causes cellular death. This process occurs naturally and the cells are broken down by the body’s metabolism.  Since fat cells are more susceptible to cold than muscle, nerve, or skin cells, this allows CoolSculpting to target unwanted fat without harming any of the surrounding tissues.

CoolSculpting Side Effects

The primary side effects of CoolSculpting are numbness, redness, and tingling –common in people exposed to cold temperatures. All these effects are temporary. Once the procedure is finished, they fade quickly as the body heats up again and generally disappear after a few hours. Most patients experience little to no discomfort and are able to resume normal activities the very same day.

CoolSculpting is a noninvasive procedure, which means it requires no cuts or incisions, the main source of risk in an operation. As an added layer of protection, specially designed pads are placed against the skin during the procedure. If you have any further questions, consult one of our board-certified providers. We and our staff are held to extremely rigorous standards by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and understand the procedure and its effects better than anyone.