Men often visit a medi-spa to receive CoolSculpting® for men’s belly fat. This is non-invasive FDA-approved to treat stubborn belly fat.
So when men ask us, “Does CoolSculpting® work for belly fat?” The answer is, “yes, it does!”
We hope this article helps you better understand what CoolSculpting® is and how it works. Sometimes people think it sounds “too good to be true” since they always heard you can’t “spot reduce” specific areas of body fat.
Cosmetic procedures like CoolSculpting® and liposuction make it possible to target specific areas. However, unlike Liposuction, CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical procedure requiring no significant downtime.
This article is strictly for educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon or allied professional. Since there are so many variations among people, talking with a professional is the best way to figure out which cosmetic treatment options are right for you.
How CoolSculpting® Works
CoolSculping® uses cryolipolysis, which freezes fat cells to break them down and crystallize them. The body naturally processes the dead cells and eliminates them.
In the words of the brand’s website, CoolSculpting® “freezes and kills fat cells” in the treated areas. The process permanently kills the fat cells, but weight management is important if you want to maintain the results since it is still possible to gain new body fat.`
During the treatment, your provider “vacuums” or suctions the skin just above the targeted area into an applicator that cools the fat cells to freezing temperatures. The coldness temporarily numbs the area. Fat is more sensitive to cold temperatures, so the procedure destroys some of the fat cells without causing lasting harm to your skin and other tissues.
The treatment takes around 45–60 minutes, depending on which areas you target. Usually, your provider will limit treatment to one or two areas at a time. Most people find CoolSculpting® painless though they may notice a sensation of cooling, pulling, or tugging. Some may even read a book or stream Netflix while receiving the treatment.
Patient results vary, but the treatment destroys around 20%-25% of fat cells within the treated area. Some need additional treatments to get the results they seek.
CoolSculpting® is frequently used to remove fat from the following areas:
- Belly or abdomen
- Love handles, flanks, or waist
- Back fat
- Thighs
- Upper arms
- Under the chin
- And more, talk with your provider
Opt to wear comfortable workout clothing with mild compression on the day you receive CoolSculpting® treatment and possibly for a few days longer if you can.
Who Might Benefit From CoolSculpting®?
CoolSculpting® isn’t intended as a form of weight loss surgery. It works best for people within 20 pounds of their optimal weight and who just want to remove a little extra unwanted body fat. It can permanently transform one’s physique and proportional fat distribution since the destroyed fat cells are permanently gone.
Factors beyond your control, such as genetics and hormones, partially determine where your body stores extra body fat. Someone can reach their ideal weight and be physically fit yet still have pockets of fat in places where they would prefer not to have them. For many men, the belly is one of those areas where some retain a little extra body fat even when otherwise fit and lean.
CoolSculpting® is also best for people who are generally healthy. Let your doctor know if you had other recent surgery, other health conditions such as a pre-existing hernia, or any other known allergies.
Men who are close to their ideal weight and still have belly fat they wish to lose may enjoy their results from CoolSculpting®. The procedure can only destroy subcutaneous fat, which is the pinchable fat right under the skin. It can’t treat the fat stored around the organs. Your provider will assess whether the fat you want to target is possible during your consultation.
In addition, some who seek CoolSculpting® may wish for more defined-looking abs and a more sculpted waistline. Core exercises help with muscle development, and the fat loss from diet or CoolSculpting® reveals muscle definition. Some may also opt for CoolTone™, which strengthens and “tones” muscles, including the abs, for even more definition.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Talk with your provider to learn what to expect from your CoolSculpting® treatment. The procedure is painless and non-surgical, so it doesn’t require an anesthetic. Some people experience sensations like tingling, pulling or tugging, stinging, or cramping around the treatment site.
Afterward, side effects may include temporary redness, tingling, swelling, bruising, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, or sensitivity. Talk with your provider to learn more about any risk factors that may make the symptoms more or less likely.
Your provider may also show you before and after photos to get a better sense of what kind of results are possible and likely.
Most men find that over-the-counter pain medicine relieves any discomfort in the hours or days following treatment. They resume their regular activities quickly with minimal modifications.
The results are not immediately apparent, and it may take around four to six months for the treated fat cells to leave the body. So although CoolSculpting® isn’t an overnight fix, it is effective for reducing fat in specific areas that diet and exercise alone don’t fix.
Next Steps: Schedule a Consultation
Contact a provider who offers CoolSculpting® treatment for a consultation to learn more about whether it is the right option for you.
The Skin Center by CPS proudly serves Charlotte residents who want to look their best. We are part of the Charlotte Plastic Surgery family which has transformed people’s appearances for over 70 years. We blend a proven track record of extensive expertise with today’s hottest and most innovative cosmetic procedures. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
