If you, like most people, have experienced frustration with the rounder areas of your body, you’ll be delighted to know there is a solution. And, one that doesn’t involve anesthesia, incisions or recovery time, either.

What is it? Coolsculpting.

Your first query, naturally, is…“What is Coolsculpting?”

This relatively new, scientifically based procedure is fast, painless and extremely effective. Today, we’ll discuss how it works, who’s a good candidate, how much it costs and if there are any risks. (Spoiler alert: Not really.)

If you are tired of being frustrated and ready for a solution that works, it’s time to dig in to the science of this FDA-cleared, non-surgical, fat-eliminating procedure.

What Is Coolsculpting?

Decades ago, scientists noticed something strange and miraculous…Fat cells seem to die off at different temperatures than other tissues in the body. The application of cold to the body caused them to wither away, after which they were broken down by the liver and passed out of the body entirely.

Thus was Coolsculpting born. It is more properly known as cryolipolysis. With it, you can target stubborn patches of fat in the body that don’t seem to respond to other normal weight-loss or toning measures, such as diet or exercise.

How Does It Work?

The process is a fairly simple one, with physicians using a device to target fat cells under the skin without affecting your skin, muscles or connective tissues in the slightest.

Over the weeks following the procedure, you’ll notice a gradual reduction in the fat cells in the area as they die off and the body funnels them out.

The best part about Coolsculpting is that once fat cells are killed, they leave the body for good. This is important, because your fat cells don’t change in number throughout your life. Rather, you store more and more lipids inside them, which results in weight gain. Therefore, when you kill off fat cells, you have less places to store fat, making Coolsculpting a great long-term solution.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Coolsculpting?

Given that most of us have a few trouble spots, most people could similarly benefit from a bit of Coolsculpting. You are a good candidate if you have been dealing with unwanted fat in your:

• Stomach or general abdominal area
• Thighs
• Under the armpit
• The back of the arms
• Under the chin or on your upper neck
• Your hips or “love handles”
• Your bra line or back in general
• Your buttocks
• Under the buttocks

 You can target multiple areas of the body in a single visit, although note that multiple areas will not be covered under the same cost.

What Is the Average Cost for the Procedure?

While different plastic surgeons do charge different rates, and they also vary by area, Coolsculpting generally runs approximately $600 per application. Trouble areas, such as the stomach, may need 1 to 4 applications to cover the treatment area.

That’s because most parts of the body respond better to two or three treatments than just one, spaced a few months apart. Typically, practitioners will tell you that each treatment will reduce body fat in that area by 20 to 25 percent. If you’re looking for full results, plan on multiple treatments for each area.

Are There Risks Associated with Coolsculpting?

The risks of Coolsculpting are very minimal. They include a bit of redness and swelling at the treatment site for a day or two afterward. You may also feel a pinching sensation during the treatment itself, or a feeling of firmness and tenderness afterward. However, no real risks have been recorded.

As Medical News Today points out, Coolsculpting is much less invasive than many other fat-reduction procedures: “As the procedure does not involve any cutting, tissue manipulation, or anesthesia, most people do not need any recovery time and can immediately resume normal activities.”

Plus, they add, “The only noticeable side effects of the procedure tend to be minor and occur only around the area of treatment. Most minor side effects reduce or go away within a few days to weeks after the procedure.”

You may notice a bit of unusual diarrhea for a few days as well, because the body’s waste mechanisms are taxed by having to remove so much extra tissue. Don’t worry – that’s a good thing!

The Takeaway: Coolsculpting Is Quick, Easy and Affordable

At the end of the day, Coolsculpting is a simple, painless and safe option to help you get the body you’ve been looking for. While your health and physique will certainly benefit from diet and exercise as well, adding Coolsculpting to your beauty plan is bound to make the difference you crave.