Frank J. Baron, MD (retired)

Zeltiq recommends that people wait 4-6 weeks between treatments because most patients want to see the result of one treatment before deciding if they need to treat again. There is no harm in treating at a two and-a-half week time frame; it would enable you to see a more dramatic result in a shorter period of time. Always consult with your CoolSculpting technician for the best assessment of your particular situation; every patient has different needs and expectations.

Coolsculpting permanently removes body fat. The process “grabs and holds” bulges of body fat with a suction applicator then cools the deep tissue to temperatures that result in death of fat cells which are far more sensitive to the low temperatures than the other tissues of the body.Skin, blood vessels, and healthy muscle fibers are preserved.The term for this specific programed cell death is “cryolipolysis” from the prefix “cryo” that means “cold” and the word “lypolysis” which means “breakdown of fat”. All destroyed components of the cell are taken up and eliminated through the lymph system and permanently eliminated.Fat is not reabsorbed. The treatment results in fat reduction in targeted areas and the re-sculpting of the anatomy.

The Venus treatments are not at all intended to add volume to the treated areas. This device is a radio frequency machine that heats up the tissue and causes the collagen under the skin to reform. The result of this is that the skin contracts and becomes tighter over a series of consecutive treatments. Along with tightening the skin- a fat reduction process may take place if the temperatures are consistently hot enough, so you may actually be losing volume in the face- not adding it. Be sure to discuss your goals with your technician so they know if you want tightening alone or added fat loss.

Itching after a Coolsculpting procedure is a common side effect. The itchy feeling comes from the inflammatory response to the treatment. Your body is working hard to clean up those “frozen” fat cells and when that is happening, you will experience itching deep inside the tissue and sometimes even sporadic sharp pains. This period of discomfort usually lasts from 3-7 days following a Coolsculpting treatment and in most patients resolves within one week. It is also common to have lingering numbness and tingling that can be apparent for 2 -4 weeks. Compression garments can be helpful following Coolsculpting because they hold the treated area firmly in place and protects clothing from rubbing.

Abdominal swelling after a Coolsculpting procedure is totally normal and to be expected in most patients. The cooling process causes inflammation and this reaction is what helps the body get rid of the unwanted fat cells.Immediately after the Coolsculpting procedure, the area will look red and feel tender from the suction and the majority of the swelling will usually be in the first 5 to 7 days. Tenderness and numbness are also associated with treating the abdomen and these symptoms can last up to 3-4 weeks. Consult your Physician or Coolsculpting Technician if your symptoms persist.