Is CoolSculpting Painful? What You Need to Know About Fat Freezing

Is the cold touch of CoolSculpting a painful one? Here’s what you should know before booking your session.

When we talk about CoolSculpting to our clients, it instinctively triggers the question: Is it painful? It’s perfectly reasonable if the thought of CoolSculpting makes you imagine an icy ordeal. We’re here to clear any misconceptions about the CoolSculpting experience and ease your concerns. Read on. 

What Is CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive, FDA-approved procedure that freezes fat away from multiple areas of the body: no needles, no incisions, and no downtime. Through a process called cryolipolysis, it uses controlled cooling to target fat cells without affecting the skin or surrounding tissue. Over time, the body naturally processes the dead fat cells, reducing the extra bulges. 

During a CoolSculpting session, a trained professional applies the CoolSculpting device to the area of concern. This device pulls the fat pocket up between two panels and cools it to a temperature that destroys fat cells but leaves other cells intact. The procedure typically lasts about an hour per treatment area.

What CoolSculpting Is Not

At SculptMe, we always stress that CoolSculpting is NOT a weight-loss solution. It does not treat obesity and is not a substitute for the weight-loss results achieved through diet and exercise. Rather, it’s designed for those who are relatively close to their ideal weight but struggle with isolated fat bulges that do not respond to lifestyle changes.

Is CoolSculpting Painful?

Now, let’s talk about the heart of the matter – does CoolSculpting hurt? Most of our clients do not describe CoolSculpting as a painful procedure. 

As the cooling begins, individuals often experience sensations of pulling, tugging, and mild pinching, followed by the cold, which can cause tingling or stinging. Typically, the area becomes numb within a few minutes, which greatly diminishes discomfort.

CoolSculpting is generally well-tolerated, with many of our clients reading or using their smartphones during their sessions. Pain, when reported, is often described as minor and temporary. 

One study found that delayed post-treatment pain is not uncommon, but it is self-limited and does not cause any long-term problems. The study also pointed out that this is more common in younger women who have the procedure done on their abdomen. The pain usually lasts 3-11 days and goes away on its own.

Furthermore, a review of clinical data on CoolSculpting revealed that pain during the procedure was generally nonexistent to tolerable 96% of the time. Another study also highlights that is a safe and effective way to reduce fat without surgery. 

However, it’s important to remember that pain tolerance can vary from person to person. If you have very low pain tolerance, you may describe the pinching sensation as painful. 

If you’re afraid of the discomfort or pain that may be involved during your CoolSculpting treatment, don’t worry. Your practitioner at SculptMe will use a cool numbing gel to help ease any discomfort you might feel during the procedure. 

Catch a Glimpse of SculptMe’s State-of-the-Art CoolSculpting Facility. 

How Effective Is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is an effective way to reduce localized fats. In clinical studies, CoolSculpting has been shown to reduce fat by an average of 25%. However, as we said, it is important to note that CoolSculpting is not a weight loss treatment. It is designed to reduce stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.

What Are the Side Effects?

Like any other procedure, CoolSculpting has its own side effects. Post-treatment, you may experience some temporary: 

• Redness
• Swelling
• Blanching
• Bruising
• Firmness
• Tingling
• Tenderness
• Cramping
• Aching
• itching or skin sensitivity
• sensation of fullness (in the back of the throat after submental or submandibular area treatment).

These symptoms are typically short-lived and resolve on their own after a few days to a week. 

When Will I See the Results?

You can start to see results from CoolSculpting as early as 3 weeks after your treatment. However, the most noticeable results are typically seen within 2-3 months. Your body will continue to metabolize fat cells for up to 6 months after treatment, so you may continue to see results even after this time period.

Cost of CoolSculpting Boston

The total cost of treatment can vary significantly depending depending on a number of factors, including: 

• Size and number of treatment areas: Larger treatment areas, such as the abdomen or flanks, require larger applicators and more treatment time, which can increase the cost. Additionally, treating multiple areas will also increase the cost.
• Type of applicators used: CoolSculpting offers a variety of applicators to treat different areas of the body. Some applicators are more expensive than others, depending on their size and complexity.
• Number of sessions needed: Most people need 1 to 3 easy CoolSculpting sessions to achieve their desired results. However, some people may need more or fewer sessions, depending on the amount of fat they want to reduce and their individual response to treatment.
• Provider’s experience and expertise: Providers with more experience and expertise in CoolSculpting tend to charge more for their services.

Submental CoolSculpting

If you have achieved your ideal body but still struggle to get rid of the double chin, we’ll freeze it away for you with our CoolMini treatment. 

The CoolMini applicator is specifically designed to fit the contours of the chin area for maximum effectiveness. Once it’s attached, it cools your chin area, without affecting the surrounding tissue. Over the next few weeks, the treated fat cells crystallize, die, and are naturally eliminated by your body. This leaves you with a more refined chin profile.

Related Article: CoolMini – The Best Nonsurgical Treatment for Double Chin 

Your CoolSculpting Experts in Boston. 

When it comes to all things CoolSculpting in Boston, SculptMe by Laser MD Medspa is the place to go. Our certified practitioners at SculptMe have performed thousands of CoolSculpting treatments and have consistently produced beautiful and stunning results every time. 

Call us to book a consultation. We serve customers all over Boston and surrounding areas including Acton, Burlington, Braintree, Danvers, Marlborough, and the greater Massachusetts area. 

CoolSculpting Before and After Photos