Does Coolsculpting® Hurt?

You love your body, take excellent care of it, and engage in healthy habits like moving frequently and exercising. However, it feels like there are some areas that just are not getting fit like the rest. 

Stubborn fat can be frustrating. While we're all about loving your body, sometimes, you just need a little help to get you where you want to be.

That’s where CoolSculpting® could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Its targeted approach can help treat these stubborn areas without surgery or any other invasive procedure that may not even have lasting results! 

Of course, though, with any procedure, you might have some questions about pain or discomfort. Does CoolSculpting® hurt? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what CoolSculpting® feels like as well as what you can expect after treatment. 

First, let’s look into how it works! 

How CoolSculpting® Works

CoolSculpting® is a revolutionary fat-freezing technology. It's designed to safely target and reduce fat cells in specific areas of your body. The treatment uses controlled cooling to eliminate unwanted fat cells without surgery or downtime.

You can use CoolSculpting® for arms, under your chin, around your abdomen, on your legs, and virtually anywhere else that you want to target. Your provider will review your goals with you and develop a targeted treatment that helps to remove the excess fat exactly where you want it gone. 

CoolSculpting® treatments typically last between 30 and 75 minutes depending on the area.

Although you won’t see results immediately, you can feel good knowing that each CoolSculpting® treatment can reduce fat in a specific area by 20% on average! You can see results from CoolSculpting® in as little as a few weeks, but it typically takes approximately 3 months to fully see your results.

Learn more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20123423/

The process involves applying a special device to your skin, which then lowers the temperature of the fat cells beneath. This process, known as cryolipolysis, causes the fat cells to crystallize and eventually die. Over time, your body naturally processes and eliminates these cells, resulting in a more sculpted you.

What Does CoolSculpting® Feel Like? 

As the CoolSculpting® process begins, you'll likely feel a cold sensation in the treated area. This feeling usually subsides within a few minutes as the area becomes numb. It's similar to the sensation of applying an ice pack to your skin.

Once numb, most people find the procedure quite comfortable. You might feel a mild tugging or pulling sensation as the device adheres to your body, but this is generally not painful. It's more about feeling something unusual than experiencing discomfort.

Is CoolSculpting® Permanent? 

One question you may want to know above all else: How long does CoolSculpting® last?

Like any aesthetic treatment, CoolSculpting® is not 100% permanent on its own. It is designed to give you the extra push that you’re looking for when trying to shape your body the way that you want it.  

However, CoolSculpting® works by freezing fat cells for the body to remove. In turn, this produces longer-lasting results compared to other types of fat reduction treatments. 

With this in mind, you can extend and maintain your results from CoolSculpting® by engaging in exercise, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and following any aftercare advice given by your provider. 

The Post-Treatment Experience 

After the treatment, as the numbness wears off, you may experience tingling or slight sensitivity. This is a normal reaction as your body adjusts back to its regular temperature. The treated area might also appear red or feel a bit firm, but these symptoms are temporary.

In the days following your CoolSculpting® session, you might notice some swelling, bruising, or sensitivity in the treated area. These side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own. It's important to follow any aftercare advice that you’re given to ensure a smooth recovery.

What to Expect with CoolSculpting

Potential Mild Sensation 

Let's get real about what you might feel during CoolSculpting®. It's true that it isn't a procedure known for pain, but it's not a completely sensation-free experience either. 

People often wonder what they'll feel during the treatment - is it like a pinch, a pull, or just a strange sensation? Well, it's a bit of all of that. The key to remember is that everyone's tolerance levels are different, so experiences can vary. Most clients, however, report minimal discomfort.

Some people find the sensation of an ice pack on their skin mildly uncomfortable, while others hardly notice it. CoolSculpting® can be similar. During the treatment, as the cooling action kicks in, you might feel a bit of pressure and intense cold. This sensation typically subsides quickly as the area becomes numb. 

If you're someone who gets fidgety or feels a bit anxious during treatments, don’t worry - most individuals find they can relax, read a book, or even scroll through their phone during the session.

How Long Until I See Coolsculpting® Results? 

Now, about those results. We all wish we could snap our fingers and see instant changes, but CoolSculpting® requires a bit of patience. It's not an instant fix. 

The process is more like a gradual transformation. After your session, your body gets to work, slowly freezing and breaking down the fat cells.

Most people start to notice a change as early as three weeks post-treatment. This is when the excitement really begins. You might catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and notice something different - a bit more definition here, a smoother contour there. 

However, the most dramatic results are usually visible after about two months. This is when you can truly appreciate the changes in your body.

But the transformation doesn't stop there. Your body continues to process out the dead fat cells for up to four to six months after the treatment. So, while you might be eager to see the final results, give your body the time it needs to show off the full effects of the CoolSculpting® magic. 

Keep in mind that maintaining a healthy lifestyle during this period can also enhance and sustain your results. So, while you wait for the full transformation, stick with your good habits - eat well, stay hydrated, and keep moving!

Get CoolSculpting® in Eden Prairie, MN 

Now that we’ve answered whether or not CoolSculpting® hurts, are you interested in trying it for yourself? If you live in or near Eden Prairie, MN, schedule an appointment with us today at Chapter Aesthetic Studio Eden Prairie! Our team will also happily answer any questions you have before your appointment and provide a welcoming and calming atmosphere during your visit.