Is CoolSculpting Worth It? Glamour Says Yes!

Improved fitness is on many a mind at the start of the new year, with increased gym memberships, hundreds of clean eating article round-ups, and tips for shedding a few pounds. But even the most dedicated gym-goer may still have areas of their body where stubborn fat just won’t go away.

We know you’ve heard us talk about CoolSculpting quite a bit over the last years—and there’s a good reason for that! We love that we are able to help patients reduce areas of persistent fat without the downtime or discomfort of surgery, and our patients love that a few, quick treatments can create a slimmer, more sculpted look.

Despite its growing popularity, some are still unconvinced that something seemingly so perfect could actually yield the promised results, leaving many wondering, “Does CoolSculpting really work?” We loved this recent piece on Glamour by on-camera beauty expert Kirbie Johnson, where she shared some honest reflections about her CoolSculpting experience. Here are a few takeaways we loved from her piece.

CoolSculpting doesn’t hurt, but it’s not exactly comfortable

We’ll admit that many websites and the makers of CoolSculpting themselves can split hairs when it comes to the comfort level of CoolSculpting treatment. Here at Granite Bay Cosmetic, most of us have taken turns in the CoolSculpting chair ourselves, so we know that the process isn’t exactly like getting a relaxing massage. While it doesn’t hurt, it can feel a bit weird at both the beginning and end of treatment.

The CoolSculpting machine is literally freezing the fat cells, so the area will begin to feel numb after a few moments of intense cold, leaving you about half an hour of relative comfort to read, catch up on work, or even watch an episode of your favorite show. Once the applicator is removed, the frozen cells are massaged, and Johnson describes this as the most uncomfortable part. But once again, it is not painful, just some pressure and tingling—and your individual pain threshold will play a part.

Fat can come back after CoolSculpting

While CoolSculpting results can be long-lasting if you continue to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine and maintain your weight, results are not guaranteed to last forever. If you gain weight, new fat cells may grow where you had treatment and counteract the effects. Johnson gained 10 pounds in the two years after her CoolSculpting and noticed that her abdomen was not as sculpted as before. Maintaining a stable weight can support longer-lasting results.

CoolSculpting results take time

Good things come to those who wait—and that’s particularly true of CoolSculpting. Your final results can take up to three months after treatment to appear. Johnson received one treatment on her chin and two on her abdomen. While her chin showed more immediate results because there was less fat to begin with, it took a few months for her stomach to appear slimmer.

“In theory, you can see a reduction in fat on areas like your stomach, flanks, and chin in as little as one session. But […] two sessions are ideal for more permanent results. You might even want to book three sessions for larger areas like your abdomen.”Kirbie Johnson

Don’t dismay if you need more than one treatment. In fact, here at Granite Bay Cosmetic, we won’t treat with fewer than two sessions spaced at least 45 days apart because most patients get the optimal results after a series of sessions.

The cost of your CoolSculpting treatment may vary

Many people wonder, “How much does CoolSculpting cost?”, but there are many factors that will determine your price. Most practices charge per CoolSculpting applicator or area, not per session. Larger areas may cost more if additional applicators are necessary, whereas smaller areas such as the chin typically only require one applicator so may be less expensive. It all depends on what areas you are targeting and how fat is distributed in those areas.

“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.”Kirbie Johnson

CoolSculpting does work (as long as you know what to expect)

As Johnson discovered, CoolSculpting really does work, and she says she would do it again, especially knowing what she knows now. Anyone interested in Granite Bay CoolSculpting procedures should take the time to read first-person accounts of the process to better understand what to expect before undergoing treatment to maximize results. You’re also welcome to speak with us about our experiences with CoolSculpting; we’re happy to answer any questions you may have to help you make more informed decisions about what is right for your body.

If you want to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat through a non-invasive procedure with little down time, contact us today to schedule your CoolSculpting consult.