Ask the experts

Browse by topic

Considering CoolSculpting®

Is CoolSculpting® for me?

If you have unwanted fat, it could be. It’s not a weight-loss solution, but rather for those who have stubborn, hard to shift fat. Think of it as a non-surgical alternative to liposuction.1-5

Unfortunately, if you suffer from some autoimmune conditions, you won’t be able to receive CoolSculpting®. First, speak to a CoolSculpting® physician to see if it’s a suitable procedure for you.1

Can CoolSculpting® reduce fat anywhere on my body?

CoolSculpting® treats the visible fat bulges in the upper arm, bra fat, back fat, banana roll, submental and submandibular areas, thigh, abdomen and flank.9 Your physician will create a bespoke treatment plan that’s tailored to your individual goals.1

Can CoolSculpting® treat my chin area?

Yes. Freezing away fat from a chin can be as tolerable as using the CoolSculpting® procedure in other parts of the body (e.g., abdomen, waist, thighs). With CoolSculpting® treatment on the chin, patients may see results after just 2 visits.8

Where does the fat go? Are the results permanent?

Once the treated fat cells are crystallised (frozen), they are naturally processed and removed from the body. Once the treated fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good.1-5 See How it Works to learn more.

Is the CoolSculpting® procedure safe?

As the leading non-invasive fat-reduction treatment worldwide,*6 CoolSculpting® has a well-established safety and efficacy profile.2 Our controlled cooling devices have built-in safety measures with sensors that detect when the skin is getting too cold. The system then shuts itself down automatically.1

*Average fat reduction seen at 6 months follow-up in body sites including brasserie rolls (20%), lumbar rolls (22%), hip rolls (25%), inner thighs (17%) and medial knees (18%). The average fat reduction at 6 months across all sites was 21.5% (n=55).1

Key information

CoolSculpting® targets different problem areas around the body.2

Fat cells are naturally processed and permanently removed.2-5

CoolSculpting® has built-in safety measures.1

The treatment process

What does it feel like?

As the cooling begins, you’ll feel a sudden cold which soon dissipates. With certain applicators, you may feel some pulling as suction is applied.1 After the treatment, you may feel tingling where the area is massaged for approximately 2 minutes.1 Patients can usually return to normal activities following their appointment.5,7 For more information about what happens before, during, and after your CoolSculpting® procedure, see What to Expect.

What should I tell my physician?

During your initial consultation, you and your physician will discuss your medical history to see if CoolSculpting® is right for you. It's important to tell them if you have cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease or paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria, as you shouldn’t have CoolSculpting® if you suffer from any of these conditions.1

How long is the treatment?

Your physician will work with you to create a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. The length of your CoolSculpting® treatment will vary depending on the number of areas being treated during one visit. The CoolSculpting® technology can treat a patient within 60 minutes.5,7

Key information

Expect cold sensations and suction on application.

Discuss medical history and suitability with your physician.

Create a tailored plan with multiple treatments included.

After your treatment

Are there any side effects during the procedure?

You may experience sensations of pulling, tugging, mild pinching, intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching, and cramping at the treatment site. These sensations may subside as the area becomes numb.1

Are there any side effects following the procedure?

Typical side effects can include redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, skin sensitivity and numbness. Numbness can persist for up to several weeks. There may be a sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after submental treatment. These effects are temporary and usually resolve within days or weeks.1

For a full list of side effects, please see the CoolSculpting® Manual. 

Can I return to normal activities after my treatment?

The CoolSculpting® procedure is completely non-surgical, so patients can typically return to normal activities almost immediately. Patients often return to work directly after their CoolSculpting® treatment. This varies between people and may be dependent on your treatment area.5,7

I’ve had my CoolSculpting® procedure. Now what?

Make sure to schedule a follow-up assessment with your CoolSculpting® physician to review your results.

When will I see results?

CoolSculpting® has demonstrated fat layer reductions of up to 27% at 6 months, across multiple treatment areas.2 See the Before & After Gallery for results several weeks after CoolSculpting® treatment.

*Average 27% fat reduction seen at 6 months follow-up in n=55 patients treated on the lower abdomen. Other body sites evaluated included brasserie rolls (20%), lumbar rolls (22%), hip rolls (25%), inner thighs (17%) and medial knees (18%). The average fat reduction at 6 months across all sites was 21.5%.2

Key information

Side effects during treatment include tingling/cramping.1

Side effects after treatment include redness and numbness.1

You can return to normal activities almost immediately.5,7

Everything else

How much does the CoolSculpting® procedure cost?

The price for CoolSculpting® varies depending on your areas of concern, the number of treatments needed, and your ultimate goals.

Create a customised treatment plan, in person, with your CoolSculpting® physician that’s tailored to your body, your goals, and your budget.

Important safety information

During the procedure patients may experience sensations of pulling, tugging, mild pinching, intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching and cramping at the treatment site.1 These sensations subside as the area becomes numb.1 Following the procedure, typical side effects include redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, skin sensitivity and numbness. Numbness can persist for up to several weeks. A sensation of fullness in the back of the throat may occur after submental treatment. The following rare and very rare side effects have the following reported rates (approximate occurrences per number of treatments): paradoxical hyperplasia (1/3000 [0.033%]); late-onset pain (1/6000 [0.017%]); severe pain (1/6000 [0.017%]); hyperpigmentation (1/11000 [0.009%]); freeze burn (1/15000 [0.006%]); treatment area demarcation (1/20000 [0.005%]); vasovagal symptoms (1/30000 [0.003%]); subcutaneous induration (1/30000 [0.003%]); cold panniculitis (1/60000 [0.002%]) and hernia (1/185000 [0.001%]).1,11 The CoolSculpting® procedure is not for everyone. Patients should not have the CoolSculpting® procedure if they suffer from cryoglobulinaemia, cold agglutinin disease or paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria.1 The CoolSculpting® procedure is not a treatment for obesity.10 CoolSculpting® is not a weight loss procedure and should not replace a healthy diet and active lifestyle.10 

The suitability of CoolSculpting® treatment on an individual patient basis should always be considered as part of the assessment and consultation process. CoolSculpting® is not suitable for all patients. Please consult the ‘Directions for use’ prior to the procedure. Patient results may vary. Models have been treated with CoolSculpting®. To learn more about CoolSculpting please visit [insert local country website URL] for further information. Images are for illustrative purposes only. Promotional material provided by Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company. This content is intended for [insert country] adult (>18yrs) audience only. 

Adverse events should be reported to Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company [insert local contact details for AE reporting]. 

[Please populate trademark and CE/ UKCA mark statements locally] ©2023 AbbVie. All rights reserved.

  1. Allergan Inc. CoolSculpting® System user manual. BRZ-101-TUM-EN4-K 2020.
  2. Sasaki GH, et al. Aesthet Surg J 2014; 34:420-31.
  3. Klein KB et al. Lasers Surg Med 2009; 41:785–90.
  4. Lewis J. Journal of Aesthetic Nursing. 2016; 5(7): 337-338.
  5. Krueger N et al. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2014; 7: 201-5.
  6. Allergan. Data on file. Coolsculpting® leading device in body contouring category. June 2021.
  7. Avram MM, Harry RS. Lasers Surg Med 2009; 41 703-9.
  8. Kilmer SL, et al. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 2016; 48:3–13.
  9. FDA 510(K) Summary Document. Jan 2020. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf19/K193566.pdf [Accessed April 2023].
  10. Allergan Inc. CoolSculpting® Important Safety Information (ISI) November 2021. Available at: https://www.coolsculpting.com/important-safety-information/ [Accessed April 2023].

ALL-CSC-230050. June 2023