What Is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive body contouring treatment developed to target and reduce areas of unwanted fat. It is commonly used to address specific zones that may not align with a patient’s aesthetic goals, helping refine and sculpt the body’s natural shape. This treatment has become a widely trusted option in aesthetic dermatology due to its precision and ability to deliver gradual, visible improvement without surgery or extended downtime.
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
CoolSculpting uses a science-backed process called cryolipolysis, which works by applying cold temperatures to fat cells beneath the skin. These fat cells freeze at a higher temperature than surrounding tissues, so while skin, nerves, and muscles remain unaffected, the fat cells crystallize and die.
Over several weeks, your lymphatic system naturally eliminates these dead fat cells from your body. The result is a more refined, contoured appearance—achieved without needles, surgery, or prolonged recovery.
What Are the Benefits of CoolSculpting?
Non-Surgical and Non-Invasive
CoolSculpting requires no incisions, anesthesia, or needles. It offers a way to reduce fat without the risks or recovery associated with surgery.
Minimal to No Downtime
Most patients return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. There’s no required rest or recovery period.
Targets Stubborn Fat Areas
CoolSculpting treats fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. It can focus on specific zones like the abdomen, thighs, flanks, and under the chin.
Gradual, Natural-Looking Results
Results appear over several weeks as your body naturally eliminates treated fat cells. This gradual change makes your transformation look more seamless.
Customizable Treatment Plans
We tailor each CoolSculpting treatment plan to your individual goals and body type. CoolSculpting can address any body area based on your priorities.
Clinically Proven and FDA-Cleared
CoolSculpting has been studied in clinical trials and is FDA-cleared for use on various body parts. It’s a trusted option used in medical practices across the country.
CoolSculpting vs. Other Body Contouring Methods
When considering body contouring, it’s important to understand your options. While several non-invasive and surgical treatments exist, each method works differently, using various technologies, techniques, and approaches to reduce fat or tone the body.
CoolSculpting vs. SculpSure
SculpSure uses laser heat to destroy fat cells, while CoolSculpting uses cold temperatures.
- Comfort: CoolSculpting causes temporary numbness, while SculpSure can feel warm or even painful.
- Downtime: Both offer minimal downtime, but many patients report less post-treatment tenderness with CoolSculpting.
CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that physically removes fat through small incisions using a suction device. In contrast, CoolSculpting is a non-invasive alternative that gradually eliminates fat by freezing fat cells, without anesthesia or recovery time.
- Invasiveness: Liposuction requires incisions and anesthesia and carries the risk of complications like infection or scarring. CoolSculpting is non-surgical and poses fewer risks.
- Recovery: Patients undergoing liposuction need days to weeks to fully recover. CoolSculpting allows you to return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
CoolSculpting vs. EmSculpt
While CoolSculpting focuses on fat reduction, EmSculpt is designed primarily for muscle toning. EmSculpt uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy to stimulate muscle contractions, build strength, and define fat while burning a small amount of fat.
- Treatment Goals: CoolSculpting targets visible fat in areas like the abdomen, flanks, and thighs. EmSculpt is best for those looking to enhance muscle tone in areas like the abs and glutes.
- Technology: CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis to freeze and destroy fat cells. EmSculpt induces supramaximal muscle contractions to increase muscle mass and strength.
CoolSculpting Elite: Our Treatment Choice
At Bellaire Dermatology, we use CoolSculpting Elite, the most advanced version of the CoolSculpting platform. While it’s built on the same proven fat-freezing technology, CoolSculpting Elite introduces several key upgrades that improve comfort, efficiency, and results. This next-generation system offers a more streamlined and effective treatment experience, from redesigned applicators to enhanced coverage and dual-sculpting capabilities.
Improved Applicator Design
CoolSculpting Elite applicators are sleeker and more ergonomic than the original version. Their curved shape fits the body’s natural contours more comfortably and securely.
Increased Surface Coverage
CoolSculpting Elite covers up to 18% more surface area per treatment. This allows for better fat reduction in less time compared to the original CoolSculpting system.
Dual Applicator Capability
CoolSculpting Elite can treat two areas at once using dual applicators. This makes targeting multiple zones in a single session easier and reduces overall treatment time.
More Consistent Results
With better skin contact and enhanced suction, CoolSculpting Elite delivers more even cooling across the treatment area. This leads to improved precision and more uniform fat reduction.
What to Expect from CoolSculpting Elite Treatments
Before
You will meet with our team for a one-on-one consultation to determine if CoolSculpting Elite aligns with your treatment goals. During this visit, you will review your target areas, discuss your medical history, ask questions, and receive a personalized treatment plan.
During
At your appointment, we will apply the CoolSculpting Elite applicators to the selected area. You’ll feel a firm suction as the applicator draws in the tissue, followed by an intense cooling sensation that usually fades within the first few minutes as the area becomes numb.
Most treatments take 35 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and number of treated areas. You can relax, check your phone, read, or even nap during the session.
After
Once the applicator is removed, we may briefly massage the area to help break up the treated fat cells and enhance results. You may notice temporary redness, swelling, firmness, numbness, or tingling in the treated area—these effects are typically mild and subside within a few days.
No downtime is required, so that you can return to work or daily activities immediately. Results develop gradually as your body eliminates the treated fat cells, with most patients seeing noticeable changes within three to four weeks and full results around two to three months after treatment.
How Do You Maintain Your Results?
While CoolSculpting Elite permanently eliminates treated fat cells, maintaining your results over time depends on your lifestyle. Here are a few tips we share with patients to help preserve their body contouring outcomes:
Follow a Balanced Diet
Choosing nutrient-rich foods and limiting processed items helps support long-term results. A balanced diet can prevent weight gain in untreated areas.
Stay Consistent with Physical Activity
Incorporating regular movement into your routine helps maintain fat reduction. Even low-impact activities like walking or stretching contribute to long-term success.
Maintain a Stable Weight
While CoolSculpting removes targeted fat cells, remaining fat cells can still expand with weight gain. Keeping your weight steady helps ensure long-lasting results.
Stay Hydrated and Get Quality Sleep
Hydration and rest are key in your body’s natural elimination of fat cells. Prioritizing sleep and water intake supports overall metabolic health.
Schedule Follow-Up Treatments if Needed
Some patients choose additional sessions for new areas or touch-ups. We can discuss this during your follow-up at our Bellaire office.
CoolSculpting Elite is designed to be a long-term solution, but it works best when combined with habits that support your overall health. We’ll provide you with aftercare guidance based on your goals and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions About CoolSculpting and CoolSculpting Elite
Does CoolSculpting Elite hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as tolerable rather than painful. At the start of the treatment, you may feel intense cold, pulling, or tingling in the targeted area, but this typically resolves itself within the first few minutes as the area becomes numb.
After treatment, it’s common to experience temporary side effects like mild soreness, tingling, firmness, itching, or numbness in the treated area. Depending on individual sensitivity and the treatment area, these effects usually resolve independently within a few days to a few weeks.
Can CoolSculpting help me lose weight?
CoolSculpting is not a weight loss treatment or a solution for obesity. Instead, it is a body contouring treatment intended to reduce visible pockets of fat in targeted areas like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, upper arms, and under the chin.
Are the results permanent?
CoolSculpting permanently eliminates the fat cells it targets during each treatment. Once those fat cells are frozen and processed by the body, they do not return.
However, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The remaining fat cells in untreated areas can still expand if you gain weight, which may affect your overall contour. Staying active and following a healthy and balanced diet helps you maintain your long-term results.
Can I treat multiple areas at once?
CoolSculpting Elite is equipped with dual applicators designed to treat two areas simultaneously. This allows multiple zones, such as both flanks or thighs, to be addressed in a single session, reducing overall treatment time and improving efficiency.
We will evaluate your treatment goals and determine whether multiple areas can be treated in the same session or if treatments should be spaced out. The process is entirely customizable based on your body and comfort level.
Why Choose Bellaire Dermatology?
At Bellaire Dermatology, we combine advanced dermatologic care with decades of experience and a patient-first approach. Known for our clinical excellence and personalized treatments, we are proud to be a leading destination for medical and cosmetic dermatology in Houston.
Over 27 Years of Dermatology Excellence
Since opening our doors, Bellaire Dermatology has been dedicated to delivering high-quality care grounded in medical expertise and innovation. Our long-standing presence reflects our commitment to exceptional outcomes and trusted patient relationships.
Board-Certified Specialists, Personalized Care
Our team includes board-certified dermatologists and experienced providers who are deeply committed to individualized treatment. We take the time to understand your skin concerns and tailor every recommendation to meet your unique needs.
Full-Spectrum Dermatologic Services
From acne to skin cancer, eczema to advanced laser treatments, we offer comprehensive care for patients of all ages. Whether you’re seeking medical treatment or aesthetic improvement, our integrated approach ensures continuity and quality at every step.
Get Started with CoolSculpting Elite at Bellaire Dermatology in Houston, TX
If you’re considering a non-surgical solution for reducing stubborn fat, we provide advanced CoolSculpting Elite treatments tailored to your goals. With experienced providers and the latest technology, we deliver safe, efficient, and clinically proven results you can trust. Bellaire Dermatology proudly serves patients across Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding areas. Our modern, welcoming clinic offers convenient access and a professional environment where every detail is designed with your comfort in mind.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us online or call (713) 661-4383 to schedule your consultation. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you through your treatment options.
CoolSculpting Before & Afters
