Coolsculpting FAQs

Coolsculpting Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of people get the body they love with CoolSculpting. In this article we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about CoolSculpting!

However, the best way to learn about the CoolSculpting nonsurgical “fat freezing” process is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali – and have him discuss how you can personally benefit from CoolSculpting treatments, and achieve your fat loss goals.

How long does a CoolSculpting treatment take?

The typical CoolSculpting procedure in our Birmingham medical office lasts from 35 to 60 minutes. Some patients have only one area to target, while others may want to treat multiple areas during the same office visit. The length of your CoolSculpting visit will vary depending on the number of areas being treated during one visit.

Because no anesthetic is needed, you are welcome to read, text, check email, listen to music or even take a nap during your treatments.

Can CoolSculpting reduce fat from anywhere on my body?

CoolSculpting works well for fat removal from almost all areas of the body. In the United States, CoolSculpting is FDA-approved for the treatment of visible fat in the thighs, abdomen (belly fat), flanks (love handles), back (bra rolls), underneath the buttocks, upper arms and submental area (neck / double chin).

In some cases CoolSculpting may also remove fat from male breasts. However, if breast tissue needs to be removed (for a male or female breast reduction) other procedures such as liposuction or surgery may be more appropriate.

How many CoolSculpting treatments will I need?

Smaller amounts of fat in isolated areas can sometimes be removed with just one CoolSculpting treatment. For large areas of fat or treatment of multiple areas of the body, more treatments may be needed. An average number of treatments would be around 3 – with some patients requiring up o to 5.

Dr. Ali will offer you a consultation to meet with you, and help you create an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific goals.

Are CoolSculpting results permanent?

Yes! Once the fat cells are frozen (“crystallized”), they die and are gradually eliminated from the body. And once the fat cells are gone, they are gone for good and cannot come back.   The CoolSculpting fat-freezing process actually reduces the number of fat cells in treated areas up to 25%. Even if you gain weight after CoolSculopting, you will not gain new fat cells in the treated area.

When will I see the results of Coolsculpting?

Most patients start to see changes as soon as 3 weeks after your treatment. The most dramatic results are typically visible after 2 months. But your body will still continue to naturally flush out the dead fat cells for up to 4 to 6 month – at which point you will see the final results.

Does CoolSculpting hurt?

CoolSculpting is non-surgical and non-invasive, so there is no incision and no need for anesthetic. You may feel intense cold on the target area initially. But as the area becomes numb (within 5 to 10 minutes), this feeling generally subsides.

You may also feel some slight pulling, tugging, or mild pinching from the vacuum of the CoolSculpting. While slightly uncomfortable, most patients do not report any pain. Reading, texting, checking email, listening to music or napping is a good distraction that makes the time fly.

Following the procedure, some temporary redness, swelling, blanching (whiteness), bruising, tingling, stinging, or tenderness is possible. A minority of patients experience cramping, aching, itching, skin firmness or sensitivity. All of these after-effects are normal and temporary and will go away within a couple of days – or a week or two at most.

Birmingham’s Best CoolSculpting

Have more questions? Dr. Ali will be happy to offer you a consultation to help you understand your options and decide if CoolSculpting is right for you. He has helped hundreds of women and men across Oakland County lose the fat, and get the body they want with CoolSculpting in his Birmingham medical office and MedSpa.

And remember, financing options are also available!

Call Birmingham Surgeon Dr. Ali for a Coolsculpting Consultation: 248-335-7200