Will the CoolSculpting Also Damage the Tissue Around the Treated Area?

The reason the skin surrounding the treated fat in CoolSculpting is spared, is that fat cells are more sensitive to cold temperature than skin. The fat cells die when frozen but the skin is more protected.  Certainly there can be temporary bruising and sensitivity or numbness. Discuss the side effects with your doctor.

The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.

CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared for the flanks (love handles) and abdomen and is proven to be a safe and effective treatment. Typically, there is minimal to no downtime after the treatment though patients may experience temporary pain or discomfort. CoolSculpting doesn’t burn, shatter or extract any cells. Developed by Harvard scientists,the procedure uses a targeted cooling process that kills the fat cells underneath the skin, literally freezing them to the point of elimination. Only fat cells are frozen. 

CoolSculpting was designed to target the fat cells exclusively and not to damage surrounding tissue