Sometimes, diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to achieve the body you worked so hard for. After undergoing major physical changes such as weight loss or childbirth, you may be left with stubborn deposits of excess fat that you can’t eliminate, no matter how hard you try.
You don’t have to live with that, though. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive, non-surgical fat removal treatment that can reduce targeted areas of fat without anesthesia or downtime. At Farrell Laser & Aesthetic Medicine Center, certified CoolSculpting providers perform these treatments with comfort and consistency, while Dr. Deborah M. Farrell, M.D., oversees care. The practice serves Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania. Call (717) 732-9000 to schedule a consultation.
What is CoolSculpting?
While liposuction removes fat by sucking it out using surgical instruments, CoolSculpting uses a process called cryolipolysis to freeze and destroy fat cells. After they’re frozen and destroyed, the fat cells are naturally filtered out of your body through your lymphatic system.
CoolSculpting treatments last about one hour. You may feel some slight pressure and a cold sensation at the beginning of the procedure, but that usually subsides after about 10 minutes. Many of our patients relax during their treatment by reading, working on their laptop, or even napping. CoolSculpting has no recovery period, and many patients can resume their routine immediately after their procedure.
What can CoolSculpting Treat?
CoolSculpting can address stubborn deposits of excess fat in any of these areas:
Am I a Candidate for CoolSculpting?
Ideal candidates for CoolSculpting:
It’s important to note that CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss procedure. You should have a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and be able to maintain your target weight before you undergo CoolSculpting. If you’ve reached that point but still have fatty deposits that your diet and exercise can’t get rid of, CoolSculpting could be the cosmetic culmination of your lifestyle transformation.
How CoolSculpting Works
The CoolSculpting process follows a series of simple steps:
- Consultation and treatment planning: Our certified CoolSculpting staff member evaluates your areas of concern and creates a personalized treatment plan based on your goals.
- Applicator placement: A specialized applicator is placed on the targeted area to deliver controlled cooling beneath the skin.
- Fat freezing process: The cooling technology freezes fat cells without harming surrounding tissue. You may feel pressure and cold at first, but this typically subsides within several minutes.
- Post-treatment process: The frozen fat cells gradually break down and are naturally eliminated by your body over time. They are then “gone for good!”You can return to your normal routine immediately after your session.
What to Expect After Treatment
After your CoolSculpting session, it’s normal to experience mild side effects in the treated area. These may include temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, or numbness. These effects are typically short-lived and resolve on their own over time.
Some patients notice a firm or slightly swollen feeling in the area for a few days, while others may experience reduced sensation that gradually returns to normal over several weeks. A brief massage of the treated area may be performed immediately after the procedure to help enhance results.
Because CoolSculpting does not require downtime, most patients return to their daily activities right after their appointment.
Benefits of CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting offers a convenient way to reduce stubborn fat long term without the need for surgery. Patients choose this treatment for several key reasons:
- No surgery or anesthesia required
- Minimal to no downtime after treatment
- Gradual fat reduction that develops over time
- Long-lasting results when paired with a healthy lifestyle
When Will I Notice CoolSculpting Results?
It takes time for your lymphatic system to filter dead fat cells out of your body after they’ve been destroyed. You should start to notice an improvement after about three weeks. The most dramatic results will materialize in about three months.
Fat cells never return once they’ve been eliminated, so you’ll never regain fat in the areas that were treated. However, you can still gain fat in other parts of your body, which could lead to uneven body contours. For that reason, it’s critical to maintain your healthy diet and regular exercise routine after your CoolSculpting treatment.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
While it is possible to see results after one treatment, most patients will require at least two CoolSculpting treatments to see the desired results. In some cases, it may be recommended to have additional treatment rounds, depending on the amount of fat tissue in the targeted area.
Why Choose Farrell Laser & Aesthetic Medicine Center?
Farrell Laser & Aesthetic Medicine Center is led by Dr. Deborah M. Farrell, M.D., a specialist in Laser and Aesthetic Medicine serving patients in Mechanicsburg and the surrounding Central Pennsylvania area. As a Fellow of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, she brings clinical insight to every treatment offered at the practice. Dr. Farrell oversees all care and ensures that each treatment plan reflects high standards.
CoolSculpting treatments are performed by our certified CoolSculpting staff members who are trained in this specialized technology. Their focused experience allows them to deliver consistent treatments tailored to your goals. Our team takes the time to understand your concerns and help you feel comfortable from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Areas Can Be Treated During a Single Appointment?
Multiple areas can often be treated during the same visit, depending on your treatment plan and the areas being addressed. In some cases, two applicators may be used at once to treat different areas simultaneously. Our CoolSculpting specialists will determine the most efficient approach based on your goals and the amount of fat in each area.
Is CoolSculpting Safe for All Skin Types and Body Types?
CoolSculpting is considered safe for a wide range of skin types and body types. Because the treatment targets fat cells beneath the skin without affecting the surface, it does not rely on skin tone or pigment. However, it is best suited for individuals who are near their target weight and looking to reduce specific areas of stubborn fat.
Can CoolSculpting Help With Loose or Sagging Skin?
CoolSculpting is designed to reduce fat, not tighten skin. While some patients notice mild firmness as the area improves, it is not a skin-tightening treatment. If loose or sagging skin is a primary concern, other treatments may be recommended to better support your goals.
What Happens If I Gain Weight After CoolSculpting?
The fat cells treated during CoolSculpting are permanently eliminated. However, remaining fat cells in your body can still expand if you gain weight. This may affect your overall results or lead to changes in body contours. Maintaining a stable weight with a healthy lifestyle helps preserve your outcome.
Are There Any Rare or Serious Side Effects I Should Know About?
CoolSculpting is generally well-tolerated, but as with any medical treatment, there are potential risks. A rare side effect known as paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) can cause the treated area to become firmer or increase in size instead of shrinking. This is uncommon, and your provider will review all potential risks with you during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.
Schedule Your CoolSculpting Consultation Today
Dr. Farrell is one of Pennsylvania’s premier practitioners of laser and aesthetic medicine. She serves Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania, leading our team of certified CoolSculpting providers. Call (717) 732-9000 today to set up a consultation. You can also fill out the appointment request form on our contact page, and our staff will help you set up your consult.