Since CoolSculpting Freezes Fat to Kill It, Why Not Just Repeatedly Apply Ice Bags?

The CoolSculpting device has been engineered to provide controlled and precise cooling at a consistent temperature for a period of time necessary to cause a natural death of the fat cells without damaging the surrounded skin, nerves, blood vessels, tissues, etc. This is what makes the treatment so safe. There is no way that this can be accomplished by applying ice bags. Ice bags will cause inconsistent freezing at an inconsistent temperature. This will lead to the same clinical manifestations as frost bite, with damage to the skin and surrounding tissues. Please do not try anything like that.

Thank you for your question! The CoolSculpting device is engineered to provide controlled and accurate cooling at a consistent temperature for a period of time necessary to cause a natural death of the fat cells without damaging the surrounded skin, nerves, blood vessels, tissues, etc. This is what makes the treatment so safe. Do it your self treatments are dangerous and unpredictable and there is no way that this can be accomplished by applying ice bags. 

Definitely a thoughtful question.  Coolsculpting has a very high safety profile.  The reason for this is the applicator has multiple sensors that regulate the temperature on the skin.  Fortunately, fat freezes at a higher temp than skin does.  The coolsculpting device can monitor skin temperature, maintain a consistent temperature for 30-60 min, and can turn off if any damage to the skin is possible.  

We have learned that fat cells are susceptible to freezing, which is why Cool Sculpting came into existence and is the #1 largest non-invasive technology in the world. One of the reasons why Cool Sculpting is so popular is because of it’s FDA-clearance along with internal safety measures.  Fat cells have to be brought to a certain maintained for a certain amount of time for the apoptosis to occur.  Gel pads are placed on the skin to protect it from frostbite (which would occur if attempted at home with ice cubes).  

I echo the sentiments of my colleagues. You ask a bright + innovative question! However, fat freezes more quickly than water, and you don't want to jeopardize your skin integrity by applying ice bags on yourself at home. Zeltiq has done the hard work of researching and developing a safe + effective way to remove heat from your body without compromising your skin. We always encourage multiple treatments to have satisfied patients (and results take at least 6 weeks after each cycle), but we have seen very good results. Best of luck.

Medical devices that are FDA approved, have been extensively studied for our protection. Through a series of studies, the peak temperatures, times and treatments were found for Coolsculpting. Sometimes people try to replicate many different types treatments at home with homemade remedies that lead to poor results or side effects. Chose your provider carefully and ask about their experiences with a device. Good question and best of luck to you.