How Effective is CoolSculpting? Breaking Down the Results and Success Rates

CoolSculpting by Afzal Clinics PA in Edina, MN

CoolSculpting has become an effective, non-invasive solution for targeting stubborn fat. But what exactly is CoolSculpting, and how does it work? Developed as a safe and innovative way to reduce unwanted fat, CoolSculpting utilizes controlled cooling technology to freeze fat cells, permanently reducing fat in treated areas.

CoolSculpting targets fat cells by exposing them to low temperatures, which causes these cells to crystallize and die. Because fat cells are more sensitive to cold than surrounding tissues, CoolSculpting selectively damages only the fat cells, which the body then gradually clears out naturally. 

While diet and exercise play an essential part in overall weight management, many people find that some areas of fat don’t respond as well, making CoolSculpting a useful option for sculpting a leaner appearance.

Introducing CoolSculpting Elite

CoolSculpting Elite is the latest evolved version of CoolSculpting technology. This results from advancement over previous treatment with CoolSculpting and is relatively faster as it encompasses a larger area of treatment and hugs the body’s natural curves much more tightly.

This subsequently enables most patients to achieve their desired results in much less time, and it is among the best alternatives for busy people looking forward to transforming their bodies without surgery.

CoolSculpting Elite utilizes a more advanced applicator that can treat greater amounts of fat during one session and can be modified to help shape various body types. This newer device can also go as low as -11°C, thus treating many layers of fat cells altogether.

Does CoolSculpting Work?

For most patients, the answer is yes: it does. CoolSculpting reduces resistant fat areas that do not respond to diet and exercise in most patients. Typically, a CoolSculpting session will result in a 20-25% decrease in the fat of the area targeted. 

While not everyone experiences the same degree of response to CoolSculpting, many describe positive improvements. Still, some may need more than one treatment to achieve the body contouring they desire.

It is worth noting that CoolSculpting is not a weight loss solution (and answer) but rather a body contouring procedure. That makes it more suited to people within their ideal weight but still harbor several unwanted bulges at certain places in the body.

This section includes the abdomens, thighs, or under the chin. Results may take up to a few weeks to become visible. It takes that long for the body to metabolize and eliminate the crystallized fat cells naturally.

CoolSculpting vs. CoolSculpting Elite: What’s the Difference?

If you have finally decided on CoolSculpting, you should know the difference between the classic CoolSculpting and the new CoolSculpting Elite. Though both procedures work based on fat freezing, CoolSculpting Elite has a couple of advancements over the classic:

1. Better Applicators

CoolSculpting Elite uses newly designed applicators that closely resemble the body’s natural contours. Therefore, it achieves better coverage of the treatment area. In other words, it has a more consistent and effective removal of the existing fat.

2. Better Coverage

With the Elite, the applicator can treat more surface area; thus, patients can have several or larger areas treated in one sitting, resulting in fewer total sessions.

3. Advanced Cooling Technology

CoolSculpting Elite achieves -11° Celsius. This enhances the depth and penetration it makes to target and damage fat cells more than with CoolSculpting.

This combination of improvements makes CoolSculpting Elite a faster and often more effective option for individuals who want to see results more quickly. 

For individuals in Fridley or Edina, Minnesota, Afzal Clinics offers both traditional CoolSculpting and CoolSculpting Elite, allowing patients to choose the option that best fits their needs and goals.

The CoolSculpting Process

The CoolSculpting procedure is relatively straightforward, making it an appealing choice for those looking to avoid surgery and downtime. Here’s what you can expect from a CoolSculpting treatment:

1. Initial Consultation

Your doctor will assess your body type and discuss how best to approach the matter. Dr. Kamran Afzal of Afzal Clinics will work with you, having gained knowledge about supporting patients in tailoring treatments for them.

2. Preparation and Treatment

During the treatment, gel pads and an applicator are applied to a specific area. The applicator works through vacuum-like suctioning, pulling all the skin and fat into the device and exposing it to controlled cooling. 

This section of the treatment could feel intense initially, but it is tolerable with subsequent numbness due to the cold.

3. Preparation and Treatment

The provider will follow through with a gel pad and applicator to the main area during the procedure. The applicator uses a vacuum-like suction to pull the skin and fat into the device, exposing it to controlled cooling. This part of the process may feel intense initially, but it usually becomes more tolerable as the area numbs from the cold.

4. CoolSculpting in Action

As the applicator cools the targeted fat cells, they begin to crystallize. While surrounding tissues remain unaffected, the fat cells are damaged in a way that allows the body to gradually eliminate them. Sessions typically last about 35–60 minutes, depending on the size and number of treated areas.

5. Recovery and Aftercare

CoolSculpting is known for having minimal recovery time. Most patients can return to regular activities immediately after treatment. Some mild side effects, like redness, numbness, or tingling in the treated area, are normal and usually subside within a few days.

CoolSculpting Before and After: What Results Can You Expect?

Many people have key questions about CoolSculpting’s effectiveness and what results they can expect. Generally, patients start to see changes in as little as three weeks, with full results appearing within two to three months. 

This process continues with the body washing away dead fat cells, improving body contours for six months, before and after CoolSculpting pictures often exhibit significant alterations in body contours, especially in areas where it is especially hard to remove stubborn fat.

Patients will have a slim, more chiseled body without any invasive procedures. Moreover, while the fat cells that CoolSculpting kills are gone for good, a normal and healthy lifestyle must also be maintained to prevent new gains in other body parts that may fill up fat cells elsewhere.

CoolSculpting Success Rates: Is It Right for You?

CoolSculpting has a high success rate among patients who fit the ideal profile—generally, individuals close to their target weight who want to contour specific areas. Studies have shown that CoolSculpting can reduce targeted fat by 20-25% with each session, leading to a noticeable difference in appearance for most people.

However, CoolSculpting is not a replacement for weight loss. Patients with significant weight loss may need a different approach or a combination of treatments. 

Afzal Clinics also offers Kybella for patients who need additional solutions for different areas of concern. Depending on the patient’s goals, combining CoolSculpting with other treatments can provide optimal results.

Frequently Asked Questions About CoolSculpting

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies by individual and depends on the size of the treatment area and desired results. Many patients find one to three sessions per area sufficient to achieve their body contouring goals.

Is CoolSculpting safe?

CoolSculpting is FDA-approved and considered safe when performed by a trained professional. Since it’s noninvasive, it carries fewer risks than surgical options, and any side effects are mild and temporary.

Does CoolSculpting work for everyone?

While CoolSculpting works well for many, it’s best suited for individuals with specific fat pockets resistant to diet and exercise. It may not be as effective for those with loose skin or high body fat levels.

Choosing the Right CoolSculpting Provider

A qualified practitioner must administer this procedure to avoid side effects and achieve the expected outcomes. At Afzal Clinics, Dr. Kamran Afzal administers CoolSculpting under the supervision of experienced practitioners. 


Caitlyn Gresko and Meghan Lang are some of the well-experienced practitioners working under Dr. Kamran Afzal. Due to their experience and individualized care, Afzal Clinics has already been a first choice for several people looking forward to CoolSculpting in Fridley and Edina, Minnesota.

An excellent provider will tailor the treatment to your specific needs and goals to ensure the best results. The consultation will give you an idea of how to discuss your body contouring goals, have your questions answered, and understand what you may expect.

Transform Your Body with CoolSculpting

For those looking for a non-surgical option to tackle stubborn fat, CoolSculpting offers a safe, effective solution with proven results. Whether you’re exploring traditional CoolSculpting or CoolSculpting Elite, this treatment can help you achieve a more sculpted look with minimal downtime.

If you’re ready to see the transformation, consider scheduling a consultation to discuss how CoolSculpting can fit into your journey to a better body. Transform your body with CoolSculpting – schedule your consultation today!

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