What it is:

  • CoolSculpting is a patented nonsurgical cooling technique used to reduce fat in targeted areas.
  • It’s based on the science of cryolipolysis. Cryolipolysis uses cold temperatures to freeze and destroy fat cells.
  • The procedure was designed to target specific areas of stubborn fat that are not responsive to diet and exercise.

Safety:

  • CoolSculpting is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on the thighs.
  • The procedure is noninvasive and doesn’t require anesthesia.
  • You may experience temporary side effects, which should go away within a few days following treatment. Side effects may include swelling, bruising, and sensitivity.
  • CoolSculpting may not be right for you if you have a history of Raynaud’s disease or severe sensitivity to cold temperatures.

Procedure:

  • The procedure takes about 35 minutes for each thigh.
  • Expect minimal recovery time. You can resume normal day-to-day activities almost immediately after the procedure.
  • A plastic surgeon, physician, or healthcare professional who is trained in CoolSculpting will carry out the procedure.

Cost:

  • The cost ranges from an average of about $750 for each inner thigh, totaling approximately $1,500.

CoolSculpting for the inner thighs is a noninvasive fat reduction procedure that involves no anesthesia, needles, or incisions.

It’s based on the principle of cooling subcutaneous fat to the point that the fat cells are destroyed by the cooling process and absorbed by the body. Subcutaneous fat is the layer of fat just under the skin.

CoolSculpting is recommended as a treatment for individuals who have already reached their ideal weight, rather than as a weight loss measure. The aim is to target packets of resistant fat without the need for surgery.

Inner thigh treatment with CoolSculpting only requires one session. Your provider will treat both thighs during the session, and each will take about 35 minutes, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. While some patients may only require one session, treatments are individualized and most patients need at least two treatment sessions.

Each inner thigh costs about $750. You will likely treat both thighs at once, which will average out to a total of $1,500.

CoolSculpting uses a process called cryolipolysis, which uses the cellular response to cold to break down fatty tissue.

By extracting energy from fat layers, the process causes the fat cells to die gradually while leaving surrounding nerves, muscle, and other tissues unaffected.

After treatment, the digested fat cells are sent to the lymphatic system, where they are filtered out as waste over several months.

A trained healthcare professional or doctor performs the procedure using a handheld applicator. The device resembles the nozzles of a vacuum cleaner.

During the treatment, the doctor applies a gel pad and an applicator to the inner thighs, one at a time. The applicator delivers controlled cooling to the targeted fat. The device is moved over your skin while administering suction and cooling technology to the target area. Some offices have multiple machines so that they can treat several target areas during a single visit.

You may experience feelings of pulling and pinching during the procedure. However, pain is typically minimal.

Your practitioner will typically massage the treated areas immediately after treatment to break up any frozen deep tissue. This helps your body begin to absorb the destroyed fat cells. Some have said that this massage is uncomfortable. The massage may cause some discomfort, but speak with your practitioner so you know what to expect.

Each treatment can take about 35 minutes per thigh. You may be able to listen to music or read during the procedure.

CoolSculpting has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating certain areas of the body.

During the procedure, pain and discomfort should be minimal. You might feel a numbing sensation in the inner thighs from the freezing process, along with minor pressure from the squeezing of the vacuum applicator.

As the freezing process happens, you might experience some discomfort, especially if you have a sensitivity to cold temperatures.

Common side effects during the procedure include:

  • sensations of intense cold
  • tingling
  • stinging
  • pulling
  • cramping

An experienced CoolSculpting provider will be familiar with specific techniques that are crucial to achieving the best results in a single session. For the inner thighs, your provider should slightly squeeze the areas of fat to promote better removal.

A few days after CoolSculpting for the inner thighs, you might feel minor pain and numbness. This should subside in a matter of weeks. You might also experience redness, swelling, and bruising.

A rare side effect is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, which is where fat cell size increases rather than decreases. This is not generally harmful, but it is a potential cosmetic side effect.

As with any other medical procedure, consult your primary care physician to see if CoolSculpting is right for you. You should also discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure if you have Raynaud’s disease or severe sensitivity to cold temperatures.

There is little to no recovery time after a CoolSculpting procedure. Most people can resume routine activity immediately after. In some cases, minor redness or soreness may occur in the inner thighs, but this typically subsides within a few weeks.

If you experience side effects, get back in touch with your practitioner or contact your doctor.

Results in the treated areas may be noticeable within three weeks of the procedure. Typical results are reached after two to three months, and the fat-flushing process continues for up to six months after the initial treatment.

However, non-surgical treatments like CoolSculpting may have limited results and require multiple treatments.

It’s important to note that CoolSculpting does not treat obesity and should not replace a healthy lifestyle. Continuing to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly is crucial to maintaining results.

CoolSculpting doesn’t require much preparation. However, ensure your body is healthy and close to your ideal weight. An ideal candidate is healthy, fit, and looking for a tool to eliminate body bulges.

The treatment is generally not suitable for those with severe overweight or obesity.

Although bruising from the suction of the applicator is common after CoolSculpting, it is advisable to avoid anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin, before the procedure. This will help reduce any bruising that may occur.