How does CoolSculpting by ZELTIQ Boston work?

When fat is made very cold (just above the freezing point), fat cells become crystallized and irreparably damaged. CoolSculpting is a novel technology that selectively makes fat cells cold, in turn causing effective fat cell loss. Once the fat cells are treated, the body clears them through a natural process over a span of two to four months.

What kind of results should I expect with the ZELTIQ CoolSculpting procedure?

Scientific testing has found an average reduction of the thickness of the treated fat layer of approximately 23%. If your treatment plan calls for an additional procedure to get rid of love handles or back fat, this will be done after two to four months. Final losses may be more or less, depending on the case. Please keep in mind that the fat reduction will not be as dramatic or rapid as can be achieved bySmartlipo™ or VASER® liposuction.

What areas can I treat with CoolSculpting?

At the present time, we are able to treat the flanks (love handles), hips, upper and lower abdomen, male chest, inner thighs, banana roll, arms, and the bra bulge.

How quickly will I see results after the CoolSculpting by ZELTIQ procedure?

You may start to see changes as quickly as six weeks after the treatment, and will experience the most dramatic results after three months, but your body is still flushing fat cells and will continue doing so for up to four months. You may elect to have a second treatment to eliminate more fat. Results are cumulative.

Does the CoolSculpting procedure hurt?

As the panels go to work in the first few minutes, you will feel a sensation of intense cold. This soon dissipates. You are seated comfortably or lying down during the one- to three-hour procedure. You can spend this time reading, listening to music, working on your laptop, or even taking a nap.

Can I return to normal activities right after the CoolSculpting by ZELTIQ procedure?

Yes. The CoolSculpting procedure is completely non-invasive, so you can return to normal activities immediately.

What does it feel like after the ZELTIQ procedure?

When the applicator is taken off, your skin will be red and your fat in the treated area may have the appearance of a “cold stick of butter.” As the area returns to its normal temperature, you may experience a tingling sensation. Your skin can continue to remain numb for up to four weeks (or even longer, in rare cases) and you may experience mild bruising in the treated area. As your body mounts an inflammatory reaction to metabolize the dead fat cells, you may experience mild cramping, soreness, itchiness, a “pins and needles” and / or a burning sensation in the treated area. Be assured that these side effects are temporary.

Are the results permanent?

With the CoolSculpting procedure, the treated fat cells are eliminated. As long as you maintain your weight with diet and exercise, long-term results should remain stable.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for CoolSculpting?

The ZELTIQ™ treatment works best if you have a mild to moderate amount of extra fat that you would like to have removed. Small to medium sized specific areas of fat on the abdomen, love handles, or back are ideal. The procedure also will benefit you if you would like to be a little smaller, but do not have enough fat to warrant a liposuction procedure or you want to remove fat but are against having surgery. It is not a treatment for obesity or weight loss.