Is CoolSculpting safe? What FDA-approved really means

In recent years, CoolSculpting has emerged as a leading method for targeting problem areas of fat that simply will not go away, even with months of diet and exercise.

Scientifically known as cryolipolysis, CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved method of nonsurgical fat reduction that deep-freezes fat cells and eliminates them from the body. It is, in fact, the only FDA-approved method of cryolipolysis in the U.S.

But what does this approval really mean? Is CoolSculpting safe? Here is a closer look at the safety behind cryolipolysis to help determine if it is a viable option for you.

Side effects of CoolSculpting

While CoolSculpting is extremely safe and has a high patient satisfaction rate, it is not without the occasional side effect. Thankfully, most side effects are minimal, temporary, and requiring of no intervention to do away with.

In a sample of 850,000 procedures, only 850 adverse events were found to be reported – a mere .1% of cases.

Here is a look at a few CoolSculpting side effects one might encounter.

Skin discomfort

Treatment may cause stinging or aching in the targeted area(s) either immediately following a session or within a couple weeks afterward. Discomfort is not long-term, however, with one study finding pain to typically dissipate within 3-11 days.

Skin irritation

Because CoolSculpting uses freezing temperatures to destroy fat cells, it is not uncommon for the treated areas to experience redness, swelling, or increased sensitivity following treatment. As with the previous side effect, irritation does not typically endure for longer than a couple weeks.

Increased risk of side effects

CoolSculpting is a safe body contouring option for all skin types, but you may be at a higher risk if you have underlying medical conditions, including:

Cold agglutinin disease
Cryoglobulinemia
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria

Discuss with your physician prior to undergoing CoolSculpting treatment to ensure it is safe to do so.

Who is CoolSculpting best for?

While safe for nearly all candidates, there are some for whom CoolSculpting will be better-suited.

It is not effective in treating obesity or high amounts of deeply rooted fat. It is not a weight loss treatment, but is instead a method of fat freezing intended to treat trouble areas of surface-level fat that will not go away otherwise.

CoolSculpting is not as immediate as liposuction, but it is much lower-risk and is noninvasive. It works best for those with an active and healthy lifestyle looking to target areas like flanks, thighs, stomach, arms, and chin.

Effective CoolSculpting typically requires 1-4 sessions for best results depending on treatment area. A session can often be completed within and hour and requires no downtime. Best of all, when cells are gone, they’re gone. CoolSculpting entirely eliminates fat cells from the body.

Eliminate stubborn fat cells with Sculptify Me

Sculptify Me has invested heavily in the latest in CoolSculpting technology to provide a better, shorter, and more comfortable experience for our patients. You will be able to relax during treatment and return to your normal, everyday activities the minute you leave our office.

Book a free consultation with us today. We will explain how CoolSculpting will work for your unique situation and will even create a custom treatment protocol tailored to your specific goals.

Contact Sculptify Me to start experiencing the world with a greater sense of confidence.