10 Tips About CoolSculpting You Won't Hear on Talk Shows

A. Foley on 20 Dec 2012 at 9:00am

Since its media splash in late 2010, CoolSculpting by Zeltiq has taken the body-contouring world by storm. It’s non-invasive, cheaper than lipo, and is said to be almost painless - though the length of results remain a question mark.

It’s making more and more appearances in the media lately, so we rounded up some of the discoveries our community has made during their frolics with fat-freezing.

The top 10 things about CoolSculpting you might not hear on TV:

7/10 people would do it again, according to the RealSelf Worth It Rating .
"CoolSculpting is not a procedure to improve skin laxity." - Dr. Leyda Bowes
- Meaning, if your skin is already saggy, it will not be improved. In fact, fat removal could make it more noticeable.
It can be uncomfortable
- “CoolSculpting by Zeltiq can be uncomfortable during the first 5 to 15 minutes when the vacuum grabs the skin and fat.” - Dr. Michael Persky
It’s really a two hour procedure.
- It’s marketed to only be an hour, but that’s for “one area.” Each love handle is a separate area, and the lower abdomen counts as two. Who wants to be lopsided?
Right after the procedure, the treated area will look like it’s got a stick of butter underneath, or as one RealSelf member wrote, “it looked like I had a 1lb piece of salmon under my skin...it was weird but they massaged it right down.”
Only one treatment is needed to see 20-25% fat reduction in that area. But if you opt for more, doctors say you can see an additional 20-25% each time.
Some patients don’t see success in round one, but find the “Second time’s a charm” to get visible results.
Doctors and patients agree that “recovery”could involve a few days of soreness (“similar to the day after you've done a hard work out”), and lingering tingling in treated area (“pins and needles and bee stings were VERY uncomfortable”).
Full results take an average of 2-3 months to show. Some people will show within weeks, some will take 4-6 months.
It's not a "license to eat." If you gain weight, the remaining fat will get larger and lessen the results." - Dr. Steven Weiner. Doctors recommend maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regime for lasting results.

What do you think about CoolSculpting? Would you try it? Have you? Let us know in the comments below.

Photo credits: RealSelf member RavenandTim;

Comments (8)

Michael Law, MD 31 Jan 2013

I appreciate the post and the comments. Many physicians, myself included, use two CoolSculpting systems simultaneously in order to provide treatment to both "love handles" at the same time. This is an advantage to the prctice and the person receiving treatment. We provide a reduced fee for the second area being treated. There can be discomfort for some following a CoolSculpting procedure. We have found that proving compression garments for our patients to wear immediately following a CoolSculpting procedure seems to make patients feel more comfortable.

View answers from Michael Law, MD

T_BBL 15 Jan 2013

I had one treatment of cool scuplting and didnt really see significant results. The nerve pain (tingling sensation) was VERY uncomfortable and lasted at least a week. Treatment was not worth in my opinion.

Andy Castillo 20 Dec 2012

We're seeing great results when we "Treat to Transformation," which generally involves treating the same area up to three times. It isn't typically worthwhile treating the same area more than three times, though, as you'll see diminishing results.

SolomonKane 22 Jun 2012

In response to Mackenzie's comment, though I of course agree that watching what we eat will in most cases result in becoming slimmer, nonetheless, sometimes we benefit from a shortcut; boosts the motivation. Also, there can be areas where no matter what we do we just can't seem to shift the fat.

Perhaps the advice from the doctor about BNF2012's friend watching what she eats is more related to keeping the fat off. As the tips point out, CoolSculpting is definitely not a way to keep the fat off. If I were not where I am now I would never consider CoolSculpting as a viable option.

About three and a half years ago I was nudging 130kg. Taking a good long hard look at how I ended up there, and realizing where I was headed, I set a five year plan to achieve 20% or lower body fat content. Though it isn't about weight but rather size - look at boxers - as a guide to my success, I am currently 97kg. Taking the long term approach, working at altering my eating patterns, and developing an exercise habit has definitely worked for me.

Now I am thinking of trying CoolSculpting - hence the research I am doing. There is a Deal Offer going at the moment $295 (normally $1,020) for four sessions. If it will cut a CM or two off my waist that would be a great shortcut in reaching my ultimate goal.

I've got some messages up on other boards and blogs. If I get independent confirmations that this is truly effective then I will definitely give it a go.

Solomon Kane.

Makenzie 22 Jun 2012

Hey SolomonKane, thanks for sharing your story. Congrats on how far you've come in your mission to get fit!

Have you checked out the CoolSculpting reviews in our community yet? Of nearly 400 reviews, 77% say CoolSculpting was worth it for them. I think you'll be able to get some independent confirmation there (with pictures!).

If you do choose to try CS, please come back and let us know how it went!

(P.S. Check out our tips for evaluating group coupons for cosmetic procedures)

BNF2012 23 Feb 2012

I dont think I will consider cool sculpting. It is half the price of lipo with faint results and longer time to see a change. I have a friend who tried it and I am still waiting to see the change. I was the freezer burns but that was all. Her doctor told her to get another treatment and really watch what she eats.

Makenzie 23 Feb 2012

Hmm that does sound a little questionable... obviously if she watches what she eats she'll slim down! Can't attribute that to the CoolSculpting :