What is Coolsculpting?
Coolsculpting is a non-surgical body contouring procedure that utilizes a specialized process called cryolipolysis to target and reduce localized pockets of fat. During the treatment, a precisely controlled cooling device is applied to the skin, lowering the temperature of the underlying fat cells to a point where they crystallize and break down.
Because fat cells freeze at higher temperatures than surrounding skin and nerve tissues, the surface remains unharmed while the targeted fat cells are naturally processed and eliminated by the body’s metabolic system over several weeks.
What makes a suitable candidate for Coolsculpting?
A suitable candidate for Coolsculpting is typically an adult at or near their ideal body weight who struggles with distinct, pinchable bulges of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise. Good candidates must have adequate skin elasticity, as the procedure reduces fat volume but does not tighten loose skin.
It is essential that patients understand this is not a weight-loss solution, but rather a contouring tool, and they must undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure no contraindicating conditions, such as cold agglutinin disease, are present.
What are the Coolsculpting options?
When considering Coolsculpting, the primary options revolve around the specific applicator sizes and shapes used to treat different areas of the body, such as the submental area (under the chin), abdomen, flanks, or thighs.
Alternatively, patients exploring non-surgical fat reduction may also consider other treatment modalities, such as fat dissolving injections (deoxycholic acid) for smaller submental areas, or radiofrequency treatments. During your consultation, these non-surgical options are evaluated against your specific presentation to determine the most appropriate clinical pathway.
Before & Afters
Disclaimer: All surgeries before & afters shown on this website are performed by Dr Mirkazemi and are published with consent by our patients. They are not guarantees that your results will be the same or similar as results will vary between individuals. The content on our page is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Any surgery or invasive procedure carries risks and has a recovery time. Before proceeding, please seek medical advice from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner. During your consultation, Dr Mirkazemi will carefully evaluate each individual and provide an honest and realistic assessment of what can be expected from the procedure.
Coolsculpting techniques
While Coolsculpting is strictly a non-surgical procedure, it is frequently compared to its surgical counterparts when discussing localized fat reduction.
For patients whose anatomical needs exceed the capabilities of cryolipolysis, or who require simultaneous skin excision, surgical techniques are evaluated.
These surgical techniques include Tumescent Liposuction, which involves injecting a sterile saline solution with local anesthetic into the fat layer before manually aspirating the fat cells through small incisions, and Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL), where a specialized cannula uses subtle vibrations to break up denser fat deposits for easier surgical removal.
Recovery after Coolsculpting
Recovery after Coolsculpting is generally minimal, with most patients returning to their normal daily activities immediately after the clinic visit.
During week one, it is common to experience temporary localized effects such as redness, swelling, bruising, and a feeling of numbness or tingling in the treated area.
By month one, these initial inflammatory responses typically subside, and the body continues its internal process of clearing the affected fat cells. By month three, the gradual alterations in body contour usually become clinically apparent, though the metabolic processing of fat cells can continue for several months, with individual timelines varying.
How much does Coolsculpting cost?
The cost of Coolsculpting in Melbourne depends largely on the individual patient’s treatment plan and the specific areas requiring attention. Pricing is determined on a case-by-case basis, influenced heavily by the number of treatment cycles (applicator placements) needed to achieve the desired contouring effect. Because anatomical size and the volume of localized fat differ for every individual, a formal clinical assessment at our practice is required to provide a tailored and accurate financial estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions for Coolsculpting
Specific Risks and Complications For Coolsculpting
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure that utilizes cryolipolysis—controlled cooling—to modify the volume of localized fat deposits. While this treatment does not involve surgical incisions, it is a medical procedure that carries specific clinical risks and potential side effects. Patients should be accurately informed about these possibilities before deciding to proceed with treatment.
The following list outlines the clinical risks associated with cryolipolysis. These outcomes are not exhaustive, and individual healing responses vary.
Common Post-Treatment Side Effects
During the procedure and immediately following, patients may experience:
- Sensory Changes: Temporary redness, swelling, blanching, and skin sensitivity at the treatment site are common.
- Localized Discomfort: A sensation of intense cold, tingling, stinging, or aching may occur during the cooling process.
- Bruising and Tenderness: Physical bruising, firmness, and localized tenderness can develop and typically resolve within several days or weeks.
- Tugging or Pulling: The vacuum applicator used in the procedure may cause a sensation of pressure or pulling during the session.
Significant Clinical Risks and Complications
- Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH): A rare but serious complication where the fat cells in the treatment area enlarge rather than reduce. This results in a visible, firm, and often well-defined mass of fat. PAH does not resolve on its own and typically requires surgical intervention, such as liposuction, to address the change in contour.
- Late-Onset Pain: Some patients experience significant nerve-related pain or discomfort several days after the treatment. This is usually temporary but may require clinical management.
- Severe Numbness: While sensory changes are expected, some individuals may experience prolonged or more intense numbness in the treated area.
- Skin Integrity Issues: In very rare instances, the cooling process can affect the skin surface, leading to freeze burns or changes in skin pigmentation.
- Vasovagal Symptoms: Some patients may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea during or immediately after the application of the cooling technology.
Long-Term Considerations and Expectations
- Contour Irregularities: There is a possibility of uneven fat reduction, which may lead to visible irregularities or asymmetry in the anatomical area treated.
- Requirement for Multiple Sessions: The clinical outcome is cumulative. Many patients find that multiple sessions are necessary to address their specific anatomical goals.
- Individual Variability: The degree of fat volume reduction varies significantly between patients based on metabolic factors and the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer.
- Lifestyle Dependency: The results of cryolipolysis can be affected by subsequent weight changes. Maintaining a stable weight is necessary for the long-term maintenance of the modified contour.
General Risks & Complications of Non-Surgical Treatments
While non-surgical cosmetic treatments are minimally invasive and typically involve less downtime than surgery, they are still medical procedures and carry potential risks.
These may include swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, infection, allergic reactions, asymmetry, skin discoloration, vascular compromise (in rare cases), and unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes. Certain treatments such as injectables, lasers, and energy-based devices also carry procedure-specific risks depending on the area treated and the product or technology used. Individual factors including medical history, medications, autoimmune conditions, and smoking can influence healing and outcomes.
A thorough consultation and adherence to aftercare instructions are essential to minimise complications and ensure safe, optimal results.
