We break down the nonsurgical, fat-freezing procedure and one writer shares her experience and results.
Each body part takes about an hour to treat and it’s done right in a doctor’s office.
A slimmer stomach just a few weeks later?
But what is CoolSculpting and does CoolSculpting work?
What Is CoolSculpting?
The process involves freezing fat and is intended to naturally eliminates dead, frozen fat cells throughout your body.
How Safe and Effective Is CoolSculpting?
The procedure provides a reduction in localized fat and has limited side effects.
How Much Does CoolSculpting Cost?
Theaverage cost of the CoolSculpting procedure is $3,200.
The price may vary depending on geographic location and the number of treatments.
What Is the Recovery Time After CoolSculpting?
As reported in theAesthetic Surgery Journal, the recovery time after CoolSculpting is minimal.
Patients should be aware that adverse reactions can occur up tosix months post-treatment.
CoolSculpting: A Personal Experience
My stomach hasalwaysbeen my trouble area.
As an avid runner with a penchant for pizza, I figured I had nothing to lose.
I wouldn’t need to take any time off work either-and would hopefully soon be gifted with firmer abdominals.
So I crept into a sleek Tribeca medispa on a quiet Saturday morning.
(They were really glam.)
This roll is the perfect pop in of fat for CoolSculpting."
Not quite something you’re excited to hear while someone holds onto your stomach roll.
But that was before she pulled out the marker (yes, a marker).
OK, maybe I should have expected that at a fat-freezing treatment.
What I wasn’t expecting: to feel as crushed by her assessment of my stomach as I did.
We picked my lower abs and I hopped in the chair, not quite ready for what was next.
This would then be clamped down on by the CoolSculpting gear.
All-in-all, this would total to two hours time.
A bit faster than a gazillion crunches, right?
The rest of the hour is a blur of Mariska, chilly temps, and intermittent pain.
I watched the countdown clock second by second on the CoolSculpting machine.
As for that two-minute massage?
(So much for any future cozy connotation with the word “massage.")
With tears streaming down my face, I told her the pain was too great.
I’d have to come back another day to do the other side, I told her.
Was this really worth it for the promise of a “flat belly”?
Even more: Another possible side effect of CoolSculpting is lingering, tingling nerve pain.
The nerve pain, which can last up to six weeks, was random, stabby, and anxiety-inducing.
Thankfully, the pain and bruising subsided after about three weeks.
I did have another set of major bruises, though.
My Takeaway
CoolSculpting is said to be a non-invasive treatment with no downtime.
I was hyper-aware of my stomach fat and somehow felt more self-conscious than ever.
Which brings me to the results: the slimmer stomach I was after.
Did I get it?
Three months later, I’ll admit it: My stomach is seriously flatter.
The familiar old curvature of my belly reappeared.
And remember, just a few weeks off completely derailed project six-pack.
No one needs their fat peaks highlighted with Sharpies ever.
