CoolSculpting® (Cryolipolysis) Body Contouring
Non-Surgical Reduction of Localized fat bulges
Midwest Laser Centre has the Coolsculpting Elite
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.
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
-
Pricing depends on how many areas you're treating and how many cycles are needed.
Your consultation includes a personalized quote with no obligation.
-
CoolSculpting works best for people who are close to their goal weight and have pinchable pockets of fat that haven't responded to diet and exercise. It is a contouring treatment, not a weight-loss treatment, and it won't address loose skin or visceral fat around the organs.
You may not be a candidate if you have cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, or if you are pregnant or nursing. We'll go over your full health history at your consultation.
-
The fat cells treated are permanently eliminated, your body does not regenerate them. However, the fat cells that remain can still enlarge if you gain weight.
Maintaining a stable weight with balanced nutrition and regular activity is what keeps your results looking their best long-term.
-
The fat cells that are frozen and eliminated during treatment are gone for good. You still have fat cells in the treated area and elsewhere in your body. Those remaining cells can grow larger if you gain weight. Maintaining a stable weight with healthy eating and regular exercise is the best way to keep your results.
-
Most clients describe it as very tolerable. You'll feel intense cold and a pulling or suction sensation for the first five to ten minutes, after which the area typically goes numb. Many people read, work, or nap through the rest of the session. At the end, we massage the treated area for a couple of minutes to help break down the crystallized fat cells, this part can be briefly uncomfortable but passes quickly.
-
Yes. CoolSculpting is both FDA and Health Canada cleared for visible fat reduction in several areas, including the abdomen, flanks (“love handles”), inner and outer thighs, under the chin and jawline, upper arms, bra and back fat, and the area under the buttocks.
-
No medical treatment can guarantee results, and CoolSculpting is no exception. On average, each treatment reduces fat in the treated area by about 20 to 25 percent. Results vary from person to person, and some clients will require several treatments on the same area for additional reduction. We will give you an honest assessment of your expected results at your consultation.
-
Each applicator cycle runs roughly 35 to 75 minutes. Most people treat two or more areas in one visit, so plan for anywhere from 60 minutes to a couple of hours depending on your plan. We'll give you an exact estimate once we map out your treatment areas.
-
You can return to work, the gym, and normal activity the same day. Some patients will notice swelling to the treatment area. There is a risk of bruising due to the vacuum suction. You may experience tenderness to touch on the treatment area.
-
Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising, tingling, itching, or numbness in the treated area are all common. Most of this resolves within a few days to a couple of weeks, though numbness can occasionally linger a bit longer.
-
Some people notice changes as early as three weeks. The most dramatic results typically appear around one to four months after treatment, and your body continues clearing treated fat cells for up to six months.
-
Clinical studies show an average reduction of roughly 20 to 25 percent of the fat in a treated area per session. Many clients choose three+ sessions in the same area, spaced several weeks apart, to reach their goal.
-
It depends on the area, the amount of fat present, and your goals. Some clients are happy after one session; most plan for two. We'll build a realistic plan at your consultation rather than guessing.
-
Probably not in any meaningful way on the scale. CoolSculpting reshapes, it doesn't shrink the number. Clients are usually surprised by how much better clothing fits even when their weight hasn't changed.
-
Beyond the common temporary side effects listed above, there is a rare condition called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), in which the treated area gradually becomes firmer and larger instead of smaller. It is uncommon, more frequently reported in men, and typically appears a few months after treatment. It is not dangerous, but it does not resolve on its own and usually requires surgical correction. We discuss this openly with every client before treatment so you can make a fully informed decision.
-
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that physically removes fat through small incisions, usually under anesthesia, with real recovery time. It removes more fat in a single session and gives faster results. CoolSculpting is non-invasive, requires no anesthesia or downtime, and produces more gradual, subtle changes. Neither is “better”, they suit different goals and different people.
-
Eat beforehand, wear comfortable clothing, and bring something to occupy yourself. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications and blood thinners beforehand if your physician approves, as these can increase bruising.
-
Coolsculpting requires our technicians to do an in-person assessment. This allows us to decide what applicators will best cover the areas of concern and how many treatments are required. To book a free consultation connect with us click HERE