CoolSculpting FAQ

Is CoolSculpting® Right for Me? 

CoolSculpting® is ideal for patients who are unable to eliminate stubborn areas of fat deposits through diet and exercise. Most Centre for Plastic Surgery patients who choose CoolSculpting® do so because they can immediately return to their normal routine with virtually no pain or downtime. They love that it’s a clinically proven, quick, and minimally invasive way to get rid of their unwanted areas of stubborn fat. Does it sound like CoolSculpting® might be right for you? Our experts will happily discuss all aspects of the treatment process and address your individual expectations during your consultation at our Grand Rapids office.

How Much Does CoolSculpting® Cost?

CoolSculpting® cost is based on the number of “cycles,” or treatment applications, a patient requires in order to achieve their desired outcome. Most patients require two to four treatment “cycles” for each separate area, depending on the applicator that is used. These treatment “cycles” are sold in packages that are priced to reflect the number of treatments required at the best possible value. During your consultation we are able to fully evaluate your individual needs and better determine an accurate cost for your specific CoolSculpting treatment package. However, we do provide the average cost of all treatments offered in our Grand Rapids office with our general pricing estimator. Simply CLICK HERE to complete the form and receive a quote for what the average patient pays for CoolSculpting®. 

Are the Results Permanent? Where Does the Fat Go?

By the time you reach adolescence, you have developed the total number of fat cells you will ever have. They grow or shrink depending on factors such as age, lifestyle and genetics. It is completely normal to struggle with pockets of fat on your body that are resistant to diet and exercise. Once the treated fat cells are frozen through the CoolSculpting® process, they die and are naturally eliminated from the body through the lymphatic system. Your body will expel them through sweat or urine, and when they are gone, they are gone for good.

How Long Before I See Results?

Because this natural fat elimination process is gradual, the results of a CoolSculpting® treatment become visible over the course of a few weeks or months. Patients typically start to see a change in the treated area after the first four weeks, with the most dramatic results seen two months after treatment. The majority of our patients elect to undergo a minimum of two treatment sessions per targeted area to achieve the most noticeable results.

What Should I Expect in my CoolSculpting® Treatment?

CoolSculpting® employs a patented method of fat elimination called Cryolipolysis,™ using specially designed applicators to reduce fat in targeted areas of the body. Unlike liposuction, it works from the outside body and does not require any anesthesia or pain medication. A variety of applicator options allow us to treat a wide range of areas on the body including flanks (love handles), abdomen, inner and outer thighs, arms, chin, and knees. Patients are able to relax or even nap during treatment, and most find they can easily return to their normal activities the same day.

How do I know if Surgery is the Better Option?

While the CoolSculpting® procedure reduces fat in treated areas, it will not correct issues such as loose skin, deep stretch marks or muscle separation. Interested patients are encouraged to explore the before and after photo gallery on our website to see the difference in the results of a CoolSculpting® treatment compared to surgical options such as liposuction or a tummy tuck. At the Centre for Plastic Surgery, our goal is to help you to achieve the results you desire. We are fortunate to be able to offer our patients both on-site surgical and non-surgical options for the best possible outcome.

How long is the treatment? How Many Treatments will I Need?

During your consultation, your CoolSculpting® provider will help you create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. The length of your CoolSculpting® treatment will vary depending on the number of areas being treated during your session. Each of our CoolSculpting® machines can treat one area in 35-60 minutes. We also offer “DualSculpting” which means, in some cases, we are able to utilize both our CoolSculpting® machines in a single session for a quicker procedure.

What Parts of the Body Does CoolSculpting® Treat?

The CoolSculpting® procedure has been FDA approved to treat the upper and lower abdomen, flanks (love handles), inner and outer thighs, bra line fat, back fat, submental (chin) area, upper arms and underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll).

What Happens if I Gain Weight After my CoolSculpting® Procedure?

In the instance of weight gain, most gain weight evenly all over their bodies, including the CoolSculpt® treated areas. Patients who gain weight before they complete their entire CoolSculpting® treatment plan, may not receive the full potential result of their CoolSculpting® treatment. The fat cells in treated areas will be reduced, but the final results may not be as noticeable as it is for patients who have maintained their weight. We recommend that patients maintain a healthy weight through their normal diet and exercise regimen following all body contouring procedures at the Centre for Plastic Surgery, including CoolSculpting®.

Will I Experience any “Downtime” with CoolSculpting®?

The CoolSculpting® procedure is completely non-invasive, so most return to normal activities immediately. Patients often return to work the same day after a CoolSculpting® treatment is completed. Some patients may experience mild swelling and tenderness in the treated area (especially in the abdomen) for up to three weeks following the procedure. We often recommend that patients take that into consideration when scheduling their treatments.

What Does CoolSculpting® Feel Like?

During the procedure, you may experience sensations of pulling, tugging, mild pinching, intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching and cramping at the treatment site. As the cooling process begins, it feels intensely cold and is often described as “prickly”. This sensation dissipates as the treated area begins to adjust to the cold. Some patients feel a slight tugging sensation as the applicator is applied. Many people read, watch videos, work on their laptop, or even take a nap during their CoolSculpting® treatment. Once the applicator is removed, patients receive a two minute massage which some have described as uncomfortable. The massage is a vital part of the CoolSculpting® treatment, and our expert technicians make it as comfortable as possible.

Are There any Side Effects with CoolSculpting®?

According to the makers of CoolSculpting® typical side effects include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, or skin sensitivity. Patients who have their chin treated may experience a sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after treatment. The most common side effects described by patients are swelling and numbness in the treated area. These effects are temporary and generally resolve within days or weeks. During your consultation, we will discuss your medical history and possible risks or side effects associated with the CoolSculpting® procedure. As with any procedures offered here at the Centre for Plastic Surgery, patients are encouraged to contact us with any questions or concerns. We are fully committed to providing complete care and meeting the needs of our patients.