CoolSculpting® (Cryolipolysis) Body Contouring

Non-Surgical Reduction of Localized fat bulges

Midwest Laser Centre has the Coolsculpting Elite

Side-by-side comparison of a person's midsection before and after three CoolSculpting treatments, showing reduced abdominal fat.
Comparison of a forearm before and after CoolSculpting treatment showing reduction in fat and improved skin surface.
Side-by-side images of a person's abdomen, showing before and after one CoolSculpting treatment, with the after image indicating a slimmer appearance.
Side-by-side before and after photos showing the lower back and waist of a person, with noticeable reduction in fat and improved contour after a CoolSculpting session.
Side-by-side comparison of a woman's abdomen before and after CoolSculpting treatment, showing reduction in fat and improved contour.
Comparison photo showing a person's torso before and after CoolSculpting treatments, highlighting reduction in low abdomen and mid-abs area.
Comparison of a person's abdomen before and after one CoolSculpting treatment, showing reduced fat and a more toned appearance.

CoolSculpting® is a non-invasive body contouring treatment that utilizes controlled cooling technology (cryolipolysis) to selectively reduce localized subcutaneous fat deposits. The procedure is designed for patients who are near their ideal body weight but have discrete areas of adiposity that have proven resistant to diet and exercise.

At our clinic, CoolSculpting treatments are performed following a comprehensive medical assessment to determine candidacy, establish realistic treatment goals, and discuss the potential benefits and risks of treatment.

Group of women in black scrubs smiling behind medical ultrasound devices in a clinical setting.

Mechanism of Action

Cryolipolysis selectively targets adipocytes (fat cells) through controlled cooling. Adipocytes are more susceptible to cold-induced injury than surrounding tissues, including skin, muscle, nerves, and blood vessels. A precisely controlled applicator cools the treatment area to a temperature that breaks down fat cells while leaving everything around them untouched.

Following treatment:

  • Fat cells undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death).

  • The body's inflammatory and lymphatic systems gradually clear the affected adipocytes.

  • Fat layer thickness is reduced over time.

Clinical improvement develops gradually over several weeks to months as the body metabolizes the treated fat cells.

CoolSculpting may be used to address localized adiposity in the following areas:

  • Abdomen

  • Flanks "love handles"

  • Upper and lower back

  • Submental region “double chin”

  • Upper arms

  • Inner thighs

  • Outer thighs

  • Banana roll “infra-gluteal fold”

  • Axillary/bra fat region

Treatment Areas

Treatment recommendations are tailored to each patient’s body type, tissue characteristics, and goals.

 CoolSculpting results depend heavily on treatment planning — which applicators, which angles, how many cycles, in what order. That's judgment, not just equipment. If CoolSculpting isn't right for your goals, we'll tell you — and point you toward what is. You'll leave your consultation knowing exactly how many sessions you need, what it costs, and what results to expect.

Candidate Selection

Appropriate candidates generally:

  • Are close to their ideal body weight.

  • Have localized, pinchable subcutaneous fat deposits.

  • Maintain realistic expectations regarding outcomes.

  • Understand that CoolSculpting is a body contouring procedure rather than a weight-loss treatment.

  • Are committed to maintaining results through ongoing healthy lifestyle habits.

CoolSculpting is not intended for the treatment of obesity or significant weight reduction.

Eat beforehand and wear something comfortable. Each cycle runs 35 to 75 minutes, and most people treat two or more areas.

A treatment applicator is placed over the targeted area, where vacuum-assisted tissue capture and controlled cooling are delivered.

Patients commonly experience:

  • Intense cold sensation during the initial minutes

  • Pulling or tugging sensation

  • Pressure at the treatment site

  • Temporary numbness as the area cools

Treatment duration varies depending on the applicator and anatomical area being treated.

Following treatment, a brief manual massage of the treated tissue may be performed to optimize outcomes.

At Midwest Laser Centre we can “dual – sculpt” which targets two sites at the same time, reducing treatment time for many clients.

Treatment Experience

Visible improvement generally develops gradually.

Most patients begin noticing contour changes within 4–8 weeks, with maximal improvement typically observed between 8–16 weeks following treatment.

Multiple treatment cycles or sessions may be recommended depending on:

  • Baseline adiposity

  • Treatment area

  • Desired degree of contouring

  • Individual response to therapy

Clinical studies have demonstrated an average fat reduction of approximately 20–25% in the treated area after a single session, although individual results vary.

Expected Results

As with any medical aesthetic procedure, CoolSculpting carries potential risks and side effects. A thorough consultation and informed consent process are essential prior to treatment.

Common and Expected Side Effects

These effects are generally temporary and self-limited:

  • Erythema (redness)

  • Edema (swelling)

  • Bruising

  • Tenderness

  • Firmness of the treated tissue

  • Tingling

  • Numbness or altered sensation

  • Mild cramping

  • Pruritus (itching)

  • Skin sensitivity

These symptoms typically resolve over days to weeks, although sensory changes may occasionally persist for several weeks or months.

Less Common Side Effects

Less frequently reported adverse events include:

  • Delayed onset treatment-site pain

  • Prolonged numbness

  • Transient neuralgia (nerve pain)

  • Skin hyperpigmentation

  • Surface contour irregularities

  • Palpable nodules or tissue firmness

  • Vasovagal reactions (fainting at the time of treatment)

Rare but Significant Risks:

Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH)

PAH is a rare but recognized complication of cryolipolysis in which the treated fat tissue enlarges rather than decreases, reported to occur in 1/3000 client treatments.

Frostbite and Skin Injury

Although uncommon when performed appropriately, excessive cooling may contribute to:

  • Skin injury

  • Blistering

  • Ulceration

  • Scarring

Nerve-Related Symptoms – Rare cases of prolonged sensory disturbance or neuropathic discomfort have been reported.

Contraindications

CoolSculpting should generally be avoided in patients with cold-related disorders, including:

  • Cryoglobulinemia

  • Cold agglutinin disease

  • Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria

Additional medical conditions may require further assessment prior to treatment.

Clinical Considerations

CoolSculpting provides fat reduction rather than skin tightening. Patients with significant skin laxity may benefit from adjunctive treatments or alternative body contouring procedures.

Treatment outcomes depend on multiple factors, including:

  • Baseline body composition

  • Fat distribution

  • Tissue characteristics

  • Treatment parameters

  • Lifestyle habits following treatment

  • A personalized consultation allows for assessment of expected outcomes and discussion of alternative treatment options when appropriate

 

Schedule a Consultation

A comprehensive consultation at Midwest Laser Centre is the first step in determining whether CoolSculpting is an appropriate treatment option. Our experienced medical aesthetics team will evaluate your concerns, discuss expected outcomes, review potential risks and benefits, and develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your body contouring goals.

Potential Risks and Adverse Effects

Common Questions

Get in touch.