Does CoolSculpting® Last?

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could make pesky areas of fat disappear forever? Unfortunately, biology doesn’t quite work that way, and most of our fat cells stay with us for good. There is an innovative way of overcoming this obstacle, however: non-surgical fat reduction. While this strategy is not designed to help people lose inches all over and won’t improve health, CoolSculpting^® results for St. Louis patients at West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University can last longer than the effects of shedding pounds through standard weight loss methods. In fact, CoolSculpting^® results last indefinitely, provided that the patient continues to stay in shape and doesn’t do anything to undo them.

There are several factors that affect the lifespan of this body-contouring technique. To understand why, here’s a basic rundown of how the CoolSculpting^® process works.

The size and number of fat cells we have determine our weight. Many people find it difficult to keep weight off by exercising and dieting, because when you slim down by creating a calorie deficit, you still hold on to the same fat cells in the tissues. They simply shrink as some of their energy reserves are used up—but they will always be capable of expanding again. Studies have shown that our body has the tendency to regain weight after it is lost, making it even more of a challenge to maintain an ideal physique.

CoolSculpting^® works differently. It lowers the temperature below the skin so that fat cells are frozen, killed, and metabolized. The nonsurgical treatment is a popular choice for targeting pinchable fat on the stomach, flanks, double chin, back, outer thighs, and other trouble areas.

Some fat cells will remain in the localized area, and they can grow in size if given the opportunity. One or two pounds may not make a difference, but if you gain a large amount of weight through an unhealthy lifestyle or poor diet, the remaining fat cells can swell and the volume of fat in the treated areas will increase. We encourage patients to continue exercising regularly to extend the lifespan of their results—as well as because it’s a healthy choice with long-term positive benefits!

Want more details on CoolSculpting^® procedures in St. Louis? Talk to our team at West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University. Residents from the area and out-of-towners alike can contact us by calling (314) 996-8800 or sending us a message to schedule a consultation.