Why does it take 4-8 weeks for the results from cool sculpting to be noticed? What is happening internally until then?

As others have mentioned, the fat cells are crystallized, die, are absorbed and eliminated by the body over time. This process results in a gradual improvement in appearance without others immediately noticing you've had "work done." I can't speak for all, but in my practice, patients have noticed clothing fitting looser in the first 3 weeks. As they improve and feel better over the next 2-3 months, they have been inspired to treat other areas. Studies have found no harm to liver or cholesterol levels, so numerous areas can safely be treated.

It takes a few weeks to months to see results because the body has to clear the damaged fat cells through the lymphatics and the inflammation has to go down after treatment.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Thank you for your question. It takes a few weeks for the fat cells to die and be removed from our lymphatic system. If you would like more information, please ensure that you see a board certified plastic surgeon. Regards, 

Fat cells that are frozen undergo apoptosis and die a natural death.  Those cells are removed through a natural process that occurs over 2-3 months.

Thanks for your question. When an area is treated, through a process called cyrolipolysis, the fat cells are crystalized and gradually die. Over time your body processes the fat and eliminates these cells from your body using the body's natural processes. Thus it takes several weeks to fully realize your results. We recommend a minimum of two CoolSculpting treatments per area for great results. Some patients desire more than two treatments. 

It can actually take 12 weeks and sometimes a bit more to see the full results after a CoolSculpting treatment.  Once the treatment is completed, the lymphatic system in the body slowly takes up the destroyed fat cells, but this does take a few months for the entire process to be completed.  

Coolsculpting freezes fat cells without disturbing nerves or muscles or skin.  When the fat cells react to the cold temperatures, they cannot survive.  Over the next 2-3 months the lymph system carries away the nonfunctioning fat cells, permanently reducing the number of fat cells in the treated area.  The advantage of Coolsculpting is that the results are permanent as long as you do not gain wait.  Thanks for your question and hope this helps.

CoolSculpting uses a patented technique called cryolipolysis to trigger apoptosis (cell death) in fat cells. Once the cells begin to die, they break down and the components are gradually eliminated through the body's lymph system until they are excreted through the urine. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist to find out if you are a candidate for CoolSculpting.

CoolSculpting targets unwanted fat cells by freezing the cells leading to a natural cell death. Once the cells have died, they are released naturally from your body. Once the body recovers from the treatment and starts the apoptosis cycle, the patient begins seeing results.

Thank you for your question.  Coolsculpting works by using freezing temperatures to cause a natural death of the fat cell called apoptosis.  Once this occurs, the cell walls break down, are consumed by immune system cells and free fatty acids are absorbed into the lymphatic system and processed by the gastrointestinal system including the liver.   As you can imagine, this complex system takes time to be activated and to do its work.  Additionally, any injury to tissues causes swelling which usually takes weeks to months to completely resovle.  This combination of factors contributes significantly to the delay in results.  Further, slight nuances in applicator placement, massage, and anatomy also affect the results.  Not everyone is a good candidate for coolsculpting and multiple treatments are usually necessary to get a noticeable result due to the limited effectiveness of this non-invasive treatment.  As long as you are well informed and manage your expectations appropriately, this treatment can be helpful.  In its current form, a replacement for surgery it is not.  Hope this helps.  All the best!