CoolSculpting is one of the latest technologies to get rid of extra, unwanted fat. It is non-invasive, doesn’t require surgery or needles, it’s painless and treatment is fast and effective. The results take 90 days to fully appear, but start to show within the first month and can be compared to the results achieved after liposuction. So, what do you think? Too good to be true? Well, lucky for you I actually tried it to see what it was all about and measured my results.
Last November after filming a launch video for CoolSculpting in Toronto (see below), I was offered to try it. With a Mexico trip and my 40th birthday creeping up on me I couldn’t say no (but also had my reservations). A technology that freezes your fat cells until they die? Sounds pretty cool to me and after speaking to few people who had done it and claimed fantastic results, I decided to go for it.
So I went in for a consultation and while I was going to ask them to do my lower belly, the nurse decided my middle needed it more. She showed me the two CoolSculpting panels and said “you’re too small for the big one.” Phew! So instead she hit my middle up with the small panel, which is used to measure how much fat needs to be removed. I have to say it’s a very humbling experience. While I know I am a voluptuous woman (blame it on my job), I work out a lot and always thought I was well proportioned. This experience made me see I can always be better in that department.
Next up was the treatment itself. Painless? No. That said, also not super painful but you should definitely expect to feel a very harsh pinch of the fat that is being treated. They basically put an applicator on the fat area and tell you to relax (I was holding my breath). Suddenly your fat is sucked into the applicator and yes, it is painful. Not cry your eyes out painful, but my pain threshold is low so if you’re anything like me don’t expect this not to be very, very uncomfortable. That said, about 5 minutes later the pain is gone and your area is being frozen for the next hour. Once the applicator is removed, the nurse needs to massage the area and again, this is painful and uncomfortable. This was actually my least favourite part of the entire process. After the massage, the nurse sends you on your way and CoolSculpting starts to do its job.
Okay… now for the results. First thing to note is that your actual weight doesn’t shift much – the results are seen in the inches lost. I did happen to diet and lose 10lbs just after I did the treatment, and in time for my Mexico trip. But since being back and enjoying the lovely winter we’ve had, I’ve gained back 7lbs… So, since the day I went in for my first treatment, I weigh three pounds less but not sure I can credit CoolSculpting for that. However, I measured myself before the treatment and my waist was 32 inches. Today, just under five months later, my waist is 30.5 inches. So I lost 1 1/2 inches around my belly. Am I pleased? Yes, because my clothes fall much better on my body. Is it equivalent to liposuction? I don’t feel that it is.
At the end of the day I would recommend this treatment to anyone who wants to “sculpt” their body. I would even do it again myself on areas that drive me nuts and are difficult to get rid of (like the saddlebag). However, I am not sure this is a solution for anyone looking to lose, say, over 40lbs. I would say it’s a compliment alongside healthy diet and exercise, as it will motivate someone to go the extra mile to achieve their desired results.
This is my personal experience and I am no expert – just a girl who’s always looking to look and feel better.
If you’ve tried CoolSculpting, did you see results? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.