“Getting work done” is no longer the secret it once was. But if you’re considering going under the knife or needle, you deserve to be informed. In our series, Life in Plastic, we’re breaking down everything you need to know, from injectables to invasive treatments. Choose to change your looks or don’t—the point is, the choice is yours.
Let’s just get this out there: procedures targeting fat are divisive. As the movement to reclaim the word fat—and abolish the stigma around it—grows, so too does the increasing interest in cosmetic procedures and injectables. (According to the most recent data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of liposuction procedures rose 5% in the last year, while non-invasive fat reduction treatments rose 6%.) The relationships we have with our bodies are complicated and rarely fall perfectly into one belief system.
It’s no wonder then that Coolsculpting, an FDA-approved nonsurgical fat-freezing procedure, has become one of the most popular treatments people ask me about on social media. I’ve worked as an on-camera beauty expert for the past eight years, and while it’s a misconception that everyone who gets procedures is hypercritical of their appearance or trying to adhere to idealistic beauty standards—I don’t feel compelled to look “perfect”—the reality is I had a lot of curiosity around it. I, like others, wanted to know if fat-freezing hurt, and mostly about the results. So when the opportunity to try Coolsculpting arose, I was willing to give it a go. And if it sculpted my body a little in the process? Cool.
What is Coolsculpting?
First things first: Coolsculpting is described as a “fat-freezing fat reduction” procedure. It’s non-invasive and has very little downtime, so doctors often position it as an alternative to liposuction. Scientifically known as cryolipolysis, the process involves using a vacuum-like applicator to suction targeted areas of fat. Then it deep-freezes your fat cells, which eventually causes them to die and be naturally expelled via your lymphatic system. (Yep, that’s exactly as it sounds.)
It’s cleared to work on the following areas: under your chin and jawline; on your thighs, abdomen, and flanks (i.e., “love handles”); for bra fat; and underneath your buttocks and upper arms. The caveat is that you have to have enough fat for the applicator to adhere to. Appointments are about 45 minutes long, and—at least in my experience—the procedure wasn’t painful.
The sensation when the applicator suctions on to your skin is extremely cold at first, but your skin numbs, almost like when your foot falls asleep. After they remove the machine, they quickly massage out the frozen area of fat, which most agree is the worst part. Before you know it, it’s over. I did my sessions with cosmetic surgeon Ashkan Ghavami, M.D. in Beverly Hills, CA. In total, we did three appointments: one for my chin and two for my abdomen, spaced six weeks apart.
It’s now been two years since I had Coolsculpting, and to this day, I am constantly asked whether or not I would do it again. The short answer is yes, and I would probably get my stomach and flanks treated as well. While I loved my Coolsculpting results, there are a few things I wish I had known beforehand to keep expectations in check. Below, here are eight things you should know before booking your own appointment.
Coolsculpting Doesn’t Guarantee to Keep Off Fat
Coolsculpting might be FDA-approved, but it doesn’t mean that your fat will disappear forever. If you gain weight, you may see the areas you treated gain weight as well. “The fat that died isn’t coming back, but fat can still grow,” says board-certified dermatologist Nancy Samolitis, M.D. of Facile Dermatology Boutique in West Hollywood. The protocol for Coolsculpting includes weighing you in before the first treatment in the event you gain weight afterwards. “If you’ve gained 10 pounds, it might even out, so you may look the same as your before picture,” she says. For the record, I have gained 10 pounds, and while I had more sculpted results after I got the treatments, new fat has since grown back in those areas.
Plan to Get at Least Two Treatments
In theory, you can see a reduction in fat on areas like your stomach, flanks, and chin in as little as one session. But Ghavami told me that two sessions are ideal for more permanent results. You might even want to book three sessions for larger areas like your abdomen.
It Takes a Few Months to See Results
I remember thinking I was going to walk out of the treatment with my fat magically gone, but that didn’t happen. Ghavami explained that I would see the best results after my second round. “Twenty to 25% of fat reduction is expected after two sessions,” he says. “Three to six months after the second session is when you’ll really see the best results.” He was right; one morning, I looked in the mirror and noticed that my chin and stomach were both noticeably slimmer. But you have to have patience.
