Body Contouring

Does CoolSculpting Hurt?

Is CoolSculpting Painful?

CoolSculpting is really catching on as a no-surgery way to lose stubborn fat. If you’re thinking about trying it out, you might be wondering: Does it hurt? Knowing what it feels like and what to expect can really help you get ready, both in your head and your body, for what’s coming.

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a popular noninvasive body contouring treatment that uses a cool approach—literally—to get rid of stubborn fat without surgery. It’s all about chilling the fat cells right under your skin until they freeze, but don’t worry—it doesn’t harm the area around them. This technique is called cryolipolysis. Your body then naturally gets rid of these frozen fat cells, and gradually, you’ll see a more sculpted shape emerge. Best of all, results are permanent. 

How Painful is CoolSculpting?

Pain is a personal thing and can feel different for everyone. Most people say CoolSculpting feels more uncomfortable than actually painful. At the start, you might feel a strong chill and some tugging or slight pinching from the vacuum applicator that pulls your fat close to the cool panels.

Usually, the area being treated goes numb within 5 to 10 minutes as it cools down. You might still feel a bit uncomfortable, but this usually eases off as the numbness sets in. After the treatment, it’s normal to see some redness, swelling, bruising, tingling, or stinging where you were treated, but these are mild side effects, and they typically go away on their own after a few days.

Does CoolSculpting Hurt Less the Second Time?

Many people notice that CoolSculpting feels easier after the first session. Once you know what to expect—the initial chill and the suction from the vacuum aren’t as startling—things tend to feel more comfortable. Plus, seeing positive results from your first treatment can make any minor discomfort later on feel more manageable. It’s helpful to remember that any discomfort is only temporary and that the procedure doesn’t require anesthesia or downtime, which can really help ease your mind about the whole process.

What’s a CoolSculpting Treatment Like?

Heading into a CoolSculpting session is pretty simple and doesn’t need much prep. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

  • Consultation: First off, you’ll chat with one of our treatment specialists about what you’re hoping to achieve and whether this treatment is right for you. You’ll look at the areas where you want to lose fat and plan out your session.
  • Treatment Setup: When it’s time for the actual treatment, they’ll put a gel pad and an applicator on the target area. This applicator cools the fat cells right under your skin but keeps the surface safe.
  • During the Procedure: You’ll probably feel a pulling sensation as the applicator sticks to your body, and then a cold feeling that soon numbs the area, letting you chill out for the rest of the session. Each treatment area takes about 35 to 60 minutes, so you can catch up on your reading, scroll through your phone, or even take a quick nap.
  • Post-Procedure: Right after the session, your clinician will massage the treated spots to break up  the frozen fat cells, helping your body start to get rid of those dead fat cells. This might feel ticklish or slightly uncomfortable as the numbness starts to wear off, but this only lasts a few minutes. The best part? You can usually get right back to your day without any downtime.

CoolSculpting Is Totally Manageable 

While CoolSculpting does come with a bit of discomfort, most people find it pretty easy to handle, especially once they know what to expect. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting to shape up without going under the knife. If you’re thinking about giving CoolSculpting a try, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with one of our treatment specialists, who will be able to answer any questions you might have. They can give you the lowdown on how it all works and if it’s right for you. 

References

  1. “Assessment of the Efficacy of Cryolipolysis on Abdominal Fat Deposits: A Prospective Study,” Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, May 3, 2023.
  2. “Assessing the Benefits and Drawbacks of Cryolipolysis as a Noninvasive Body Sculpting Technique: Risks, Side Effects, and Future Research,” International Journal of Surgery Global Health, September 2023.