Does CoolSculpting Elite Hurt? And Other Concerns About the Procedure

When regular diet and exercise do little to nothing in targeting trouble zones with fat, you can get help from non-invasive procedures. CoolSculpting Elite is one of them; it uses Cryolipolysis or fat freezing which is ideal for stubborn or pinchable fat bulges in different areas of the body.  

While CoolSculpting Elite in Singapore can help you achieve your desired figure, many are concerned about the pain or discomfort associated with the procedure. Continue reading as we explain how the procedure works and answer the most common concerns about CoolSculpting Elite. 

The basics of CoolSculpting Elite

CoolSculpting Elite is a US FDA-cleared procedure for treating visible fat bulges in the different stubborn areas of the body. It can reduce fat layer thickness in trouble zones or areas that don’t respond well to diet and exercise. It can shape and sculpt your body but it is not a substitute for regular diet, exercise, or liposuction.

Here are a few more basic facts about CoolSculpting Elite: 

• Uses controlled cooling to target and freeze fat cells under the skin.
• Weeks after the treatment, the body starts to process and remove the frozen fat cells, which reduces the thickness of the fat bulge.
• Results can be seen as early as three/four weeks, but significant results show after 3 to 6 months.
• US FDA-approved to treat the abdomen, thighs, flank, bra and back fat, beneath the buttocks, upper arms, and under the chin and jawline areas.

How does CoolSculpting Elite differ from the original CoolSculpting?

The elite system is the updated version of the first CoolSculpting machine. The features that make it different include:

• Dual sculpting – the revamped system comes with two cooling panels that can be used at the same time. This enables the treatment of multiple areas in a single session, reducing overall procedure time.
• C-shaped applicators – (from original’s U-shaped applicators) the C-shaped ones complement the body’s curve for increased comfort and easier treatment of trickier areas.
• Increased fat reduction – CoolSculpting Elite can reduce up to 27% of stubborn fat in the area of concern, compared to the old system’s 20 to 25%
• 18% more area coverage – the applicators can cover 18% more skin surface, allowing treatment of more fat cells. This reduces the overall number of sessions needed.

For further reading: 5 Reasons to Love CoolSculpting® Elite

Top 3 concerns about CoolSculpting

Does CoolSculpting Elite hurt?

This is one of the main concerns about CoolSculpting and other in-office skin/body treatments. One important thing to remember is that since CoolSculpting freezes unwanted fat cells, you will feel an intense cold sensation with light suction or sensations of pressure. The area will then start to feel numb after a few minutes. 

Common sensations include stinging, pulling, tugging, tingling, and cramping, but these subside as the area becomes numb. During the treatment, a gel or gel pad is applied to the target area, followed by the delivery of controlled cooling. After the removal of applicators, the provider may massage the area manually or using another device. 

The treatment can take between 30 and 45 minutes. When it comes to the number of sessions needed, it will still depend on the area. Smaller regions like under the chin may need two to three sessions, but bigger areas may require more. 

How visible and long-lasting are the results?

CoolSculpting Elite is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss treatment. It is helpful to consider it as an aid in reducing diet- and resistant-fat bulges. The ideal candidate is a person who engages in a healthy lifestyle but still has flabby areas that they want to shape or contour. 

As previously mentioned, it can reduce up to 27% stubborn fat in the treatment area. In about three or four weeks, you can expect to start seeing results that will continue to improve over the next few months. As frozen fat cells die and get naturally expelled, the area will start to look smaller or more contoured. 

It is also worth noting that the results are lasting and meant to be permanent. The treated fat cells are gone and will not migrate to other areas of the body. Just take note that remaining fat cells in your body can expand with weight gain. If you fail to maintain healthy habits after your fat freezing, you’ll gain what you lost in the procedure.  

What is the possibility of rare side effects occurring?

The most common side effects after the treatment include redness and firmness, mild bruising, tenderness, tingling, and numbness. These are temporary and usually resolve within days or weeks. It is also good to know that these are not disruptive and patients can go back to their normal routines, including work. 

When it comes to rare side effects, paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) is what most are concerned about. PAH is a complication that leads to the growth or enlargement of fatty tissue in the treated area. This, however, is incredibly rare and only happens in about one per 4,000 cycles. 

The elite system has improved the safety of the original fat freezing machine. This makes CoolSculpting Elite a good choice for targeting stubborn fat bulges that won’t budge down despite diet and exercise. It also works well when you pair it with healthy habits, especially in maintaining your new shape or the results of the treatment. 

Schedule a consultation

If you have more questions about CoolSculpting Elite or fat freezing, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore to learn more or book a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors.