To help answer some of the most common questions about stubborn fat and nonsurgical fat reduction, we spoke with Dr. Janet Allenby, a dermatologist, and Nadja Appleby, a body contouring specialist. Together, they explain what CoolSculpting® is, who it’s for, and what patients should know before considering treatment.
Meet the Experts
- Janet Allenby, founder of Allenby Cosmetic Dermatology and BodySquad, is a nationally recognized dermatologist and leading expert in nonsurgical aesthetic medicine.
- Nadja Appleby is a highly experienced CoolSculpting® provider at BodySquad and Allenby Cosmetic Dermatology.
Q: I feel like I’m doing everything “right” and still have stubborn fat. What’s going on?
Dr. Allenby: “Even with consistent exercise and a healthy diet, some fat cells are simply more resistant. That’s why people often notice that fat in areas like the abdomen, flanks, or under the chin doesn’t seem to budge, even as the number on the scale goes down.”
Q: What are my options exactly? What’s CoolSculpting and how does it work?
Appleby: “CoolSculpting® is an FDA-cleared, nonsurgical treatment that uses a process called cryolipolysis — essentially, controlled cooling that freezes fat cells so your body can naturally eliminate them over time.”
Q: What happens to the fat cells? Do they ever grow back?
Dr. Allenby: “After your treatment, the fat cells in the treated area start to break down and die. Your body then naturally clears them out through the lymphatic system over time. You can expect up to a 20- to 25-percent reduction* of fat in the area.
Appleby: “While the treated fat cells are gone for good, maintaining results requires a healthy lifestyle.”
Q: What can I expect during the treatment?
Appleby: “At the start of your treatment, you’ll feel a light vacuum-like suction and cold sensation. The area being treated will become temporarily numb after several minutes. Most patients use the time to relax, scroll through their phone, or watch a show. Afterward, we do a quick two-minute massage to enhance results, which may be briefly uncomfortable. The provider will be by your side the entire time to ensure you’re comfortable.”
Q: How do I know if I’m a good candidate for CoolSculpting®?
Dr. Allenby: “CoolSculpting® is ideal for people who are close to their ideal weight but have stubborn pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. It’s not a weight-loss solution, but if you’re looking for targeted contouring without surgery, it can be a strong option. A consultation with a certified provider is the best way to know if it’s right for you.”
Q: When can I expect to see results?
Appleby: “Some people notice changes as early as one month after their first treatment, as the body begins to naturally eliminate the treated fat cells. Most patients need at least two visits to achieve their ideal results.”
Q: Is it safe? What should I expect?
Dr. Allenby: “CoolSculpting® is FDA-cleared and widely studied, but like any procedure, it has potential side effects. Most — like redness, swelling, or bruising — are temporary. There are also rare but serious risks, such as paradoxical hyperplasia (PH), which your provider should review with you during a consultation.”
See additional important safety information below.
So, is it worth it?
For the right candidate — someone near their ideal weight but looking for subtle refinement — it can be an empowering next step. But it’s not a magic fix or a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.
According to Dr. Allenby, the best results come from setting realistic goals, working with someone you trust, and staying consistent — not just with treatments, but with how you care for your body overall.
*In a clinical study of 10 subjects, up to 20 to 25 percent of fat layer reduction was seen at two and six months (n=6).
CoolSculpting® and CoolSculpting® Elite Uses and Important Safety Information
Uses
CoolSculpting® and CoolSculpting® Elite are FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental (under the chin) and submandibular (under the jawline) areas, thigh, abdomen, and flank, along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll), and upper arm. It is also FDA-cleared to affect the appearance of lax tissue with submental area treatments. CoolSculpting® and CoolSculpting® Elite are not treatments for weight loss.
Important Safety Information
This procedure is not for everyone. You should not be treated with CoolSculpting® or CoolSculpting® Elite if you suffer from cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or have any medical conditions including recent surgery, pre-existing hernia, and any known sensitivities or allergies.
During the procedure you may experience sensations of pulling, tugging, mild pinching, intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching, cramping and discomfort at the treatment site. These sensations lessen as the area becomes numb. Following the procedure, typical side effects include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, stinging, tenderness, cramping, skin inflammation and aching. Sensory alteration (itching, skin sensitivity, tingling, and numbness) can persist up to several weeks after treatment. You may also experience throat discomfort/soreness and sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after submental or submandibular area treatment.
Rare side effects may happen in 1 to 10 out of 10,000 CoolSculpting® and CoolSculpting® Elite treatments (between 0.01% to 0.1%). One such rare side effect is a visible enlargement in the treated area, which may develop 2 to 5 months after treatment, will not resolve on its own, and may require surgical intervention for correction.
Please see full Important Safety Information for CoolSculpting® and CoolSculpting® Elite on CoolSculpting.com.
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