If you’re on a weight loss journey or trying to get rid of those stubborn fat bulges that just won’t budge, you’ve probably heard about CoolSculpting. 

This popular non-invasive procedure is making waves as a fat-freezing treatment that promises to sculpt and tone specific areas of your body. But how much weight can you actually lose from a CoolSculpting treatment? 

Spoiler alert: it’s not quite the weight-loss treatment some people think it is.

In this post, I’m breaking down my experience with the treatment, exactly how CoolSculpting works, what kind of results you can expect, and why it might not be the best way to lose pounds but could be your answer for stubborn fat.

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a fat-freezing procedure (also known as cryolipolysis) that targets stubborn fat cells in specific areas of your body. 

During the CoolSculpting process, cold temperatures are applied to the treatment area, which leads to cell death of fat cells without damaging your skin cells. These destroyed fat cells are then naturally processed and eliminated by your lymphatic system over time.

It’s important to note that CoolSculpting isn’t designed to be a weight-loss treatment. Instead, it’s a cosmetic procedure meant to help contour trouble areas where stubborn fat tends to hang around, even after diet and exercise. 

Think of areas like the love handles, upper arms, or subcutaneous fat around your stomach.

CoolSculpting vs. Traditional Weight Loss

So, how is CoolSculpting different from your typical weight loss program? Here’s the key: traditional weight loss through diet and regular exercise reduces the size of your fat cells but doesn’t remove them. 

CoolSculpting, on the other hand, actually reduces the number of fat cells in a targeted area by freezing and eliminating them.

But here’s the catch – CoolSculpting won’t drastically change the number on the scale. While you’re losing fewer fat cells in the treated area, you’re not losing enough body fat overall to notice a significant drop in weight. 

The focus is more on changing your clothing size and improving the shape of parts of the body where stubborn pockets of fat tend to linger, even when you’re at your goal weight.

How Much Fat Can CoolSculpting Remove?

When you go in for a CoolSculpting session, the procedure typically reduces up to 25% of the fat deposits in the treatment area. This might not sound like much, but for smaller areas like the love handles or upper arms, that’s a noticeable difference. 

Keep in mind that CoolSculpting works best on areas of stubborn fat that don’t respond well to diet or exercise.

CoolSculpting is not about dropping 20 pounds in a month, but it’s great for sculpting problem areas and getting rid of stubborn fat cells that don’t seem to budge. Depending on the number of areas you want to treat and the amount of fat reduction desired, you may need multiple treatment sessions for the best results.

Factors That Influence Your CoolSculpting Results

Not everyone’s body reacts the same way to the CoolSculpting procedure, and a lot depends on factors like your medical history, body goals, and lifestyle choices. For instance, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet and regular exercise will help you keep those CoolSculpting results for the long haul. 

You might see final results after just one single session, but for larger areas or more dramatic contouring, you may need additional treatments. It’s always a good idea to discuss your treatment plan with a professional during your initial consultation to get a sense of how many sessions will work for you.

Also, keep in mind that CoolSculpting targets subcutaneous fat, which is the type of fat right under the skin. It doesn’t do much for visceral fat (the deeper fat around your organs), so it’s not a solution for those looking to lose a lot of weight or improve overall health markers.

CoolSculpting Side Effects and Considerations

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive treatment, so there’s little to no recovery time. That said, you might experience some minor side effects like redness, swelling, or bruising in the treatment site. These generally go away within a few days, but it’s worth noting that there’s a rare side effect called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, where the fat cells in the treated area expand rather than shrink. It’s rare, but something to discuss with your provider.

For me, I was numb in my lower belly area for weeks. I didn’t like it. After two treatments, I stopped going because the feeling was so uncomfortable for me.

It’s also important to remember that CoolSculpting doesn’t prevent weight gain in untreated areas. If you gain weight after the procedure, you could end up with new fat deposits in different parts of the body. To maintain your CoolSculpting results, it’s crucial to stick to a healthy lifestyle and avoid gaining excess fat.

Is CoolSculpting Right for You?

The best candidate for this fat reduction treatment is someone who’s already close to their ideal weight but has stubborn areas of unwanted fat cells that won’t respond to diet or exercise. It’s also great for people looking to contour specific areas like the thighs, abdomen, or back, rather than those looking for a full-body weight loss treatment.

If you’re looking to lose a significant amount of weight or have larger areas of excess fat, CoolSculpting might not be the best option for you. However, if you’ve hit a plateau in your fitness routine and just want to fine-tune your look, this could be the effective treatment you’ve been searching for.

If you’re considering CoolSculpting, be sure to do your research, ask questions during your initial consultation, and work with a professional to create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your body goals.