How Cold Is CoolSculpting? (Solved & Explained)

CoolSculpting is a popular non-invasive fat reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat cells.

How cold is coolsculpting?

Coolsculpting temperature ranges between 39 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit, or 3-4 degrees Celcius. Most people feel cold during the initial 10 minutes of the treatment. Once the treatment area goes numb, the chilly feeling often goes away. CoolScupting treatments can last up to 60 minutes per session.

In this short article, you’ll learn everything you need to know to answer the question, “How cold is coolsculpting?”

Does CoolSculpting Feel Cold?

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Woman getting coolsculpting - How Cold Is Coolsculpting
Image by the author via Canva—How Cold Is Coolsculpting?

Yes, CoolSculpting feels cold.

CoolSculpting is a treatment that uses cold temperatures to freeze and eliminate fat cells from the body. CoolSculpting can be done on the thighs, love handles, stomach, arms, and other areas of the body.

A gel pad and applicator are placed on the skin.

The applicator delivers controlled cooling to the target area. You may feel an intense cold at first, but this goes away as the area numbs.

Some people read, work on their laptops, or take a nap during their CoolSculpting session. Each session lasts about 35-60 minutes. You may need 1-3 (or more) sessions to get your desired results.

One of my friends had CoolSculpting done on her stomach and she was very happy with the results.

She said the cold sensation was tolerable and she was able to relax during the treatment. She noticed a difference in her stomach after a few weeks.

Does CoolSculpting Feel Cold Every Time?

The short answer is, yes, CoolSculpting feels cold every time—but there’s a reason for that.

During the procedure, a special applicator is placed on the treatment area each time. This applicator delivers controlled cooling to the area, causing the fat cells to freeze.

The sensation of cold is normal and actually indicates that the treatment is working.

Patients often compare the feeling to an ice pack or a very frozen drink. Some patients find it uncomfortable at first, but the sensation typically subsides after a few minutes as the area becomes desensitized.

In rare cases, patients may experience more intense discomfort that requires shifting or removing the applicator.

Overall, most patients tolerate CoolSculpting well and find that any discomfort is tolerable for the sake of achieving their desired results.

How Cold Does Fat Freezing Get?

CoolSculpting, sometimes called Fat Freezing, gets as cold as 3 degrees Celcius.

This is just about the same cold temperature as cold laser liposuction. The truth is that CoolSculpting does not actually freeze your fat.

Instead, it damages the fat cells before your body naturally flushes them.

If you can deal with an ice pack, then you should have no problem with the temperature of a fat-freezing treatment.

Can You Get Frostbite From ColdScupting?

CoolSculpting is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves freezing fat cells to death.

The procedure is incredibly safe and effective, but there is always a risk of complications. One rare but potentially serious complication is frostbite.

Frostbite occurs when the skin and tissues are exposed to extreme cold, causing them to freeze.

In most cases, frostbite is not permanent and will eventually heal on its own. However, in severe cases, frostbite can lead to permanent nerve damage and tissue death.

So, can you get frostbite from CoolSculpting? The short answer is yes, but it is very rare.

Most treatment centers have safety protocols in place to prevent frostbite, and the risks are further reduced when the procedure is performed by a trained or licensed professional.

That being said, there is always a small risk of complications with any medical procedure.

If you have concerns about the risks of CoolSculpting, be sure to discuss them with your doctor or treatment provider before proceeding with treatment.

The risk of frostbite is higher with at-home or DIY CoolSculpting equipment.

Why Does CoolSculpting Get So Cold?

The answer lies in the science of cryolipolysis, which is the basis of how CoolSculpting works.

Here’s a quick rundown of how it works: When fat cells are exposed to extreme cold, they undergo a process called apoptosis, which causes them to shrink and eventually die.

The dead fat cells are then eliminated from the body through the lymphatic system.

Why does CoolSculpting need to be so cold?

In order for cryolipolysis to be effective, the fat cells need to be cooled to a temperature that is below freezing. By getting down to such low temperatures, CoolSculpting can effectively target and destroy unwanted fat cells.

At What Temperature Do Fat Cells Die?

Fat cells die at around 4 degrees Celsius or 39 degrees.

Here’s the thing: fat cells are more sensitive to cold than other types of cells. By targeting them with extreme cold, we can effectively destroy them without damaging the surrounding tissue.

The cold temperature damages the fat cells, which sets off an inflammatory reaction from the body.

This reaction eventually kills the fat cells. Your immune system releases white blood cells to eliminate the dead fat cells from your body.

Should I Get CoolSculpting If I Don’t Like the Cold?

If you’re considering CoolSculpting but are worried about the cold, let me put your mind at ease.

Yes, the treatment does involve cooling the skin to a temperature that can cause mild discomfort, but it’s nothing you won’t be able to handle.

The session lasts for about an hour, during which time you’ll be lying down and fully clothed, so you’ll be able to relax and even take a nap if you’d like.

And, of course, if at any point you start to feel too cold, the treatment team will make sure you’re comfortable.

Unless you have a severe sensitivity to cold, I’d say the mild discomfort is worth it for the results you’ll likely see.

Here is a video about one woman’s experience with CoolSculpting:

YouTube Video by iAmKamiAM—How Cold Is CoolSculpting?

Can You Freeze Belly Fat With Ice Packs?

If you’re seeking a way to freeze away your fat, you may be disappointed to learn that it’s not possible to ice pack away body fat.

You can, however, burn some extra calories and help reduce inflammation by using an ice pack.

Cryotherapy—the use of extremely low temperatures to destroy fat cells—is a cosmetic procedure that needs to be performed by a trained professional.

At-home DIY ice packs simply don’t have the same power or efficacy.

When applied to the skin, ice packs cause the blood vessels to constrict, which can help to reduce swelling. Ice packs can also help to numb pain and can be used as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of injury.

However, don’t expect an ice pack to magically melt away your fat. For best results, pair ice packs with healthy eating and regular exercise.

Final Thoughts: How Cold Is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is cold but not too cold to handle, especially if you want a little extra help with your body goals.

It’s always best to consult a licensed and professional medical doctor before starting any new treatment.

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Sources

National Institute of Health (CoolSculpting Research)

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