Should you Try CoolSculpting to Lose Weight

Think of it as a less intense version of liposuction. "The benefit is it’s easier, less painful, has less downtime than lipo, but it’s also less powerful," says Schierle.

This is how it works: A specialist applies a vacuum-like cooling panel over an area of your body your upper tummy, thighs, wherever which freezes and kills fat cells at temps of about 14 degrees, according to a study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. (In case you were wondering, those fat cells make their exit through normal bowel movements.)

It often requires six to eight treatments to achieve the results that a single liposuction treatment might offer, he says. That can be a pro or a con. On the one hand, it’s easy to schedule a lunchtime appointment and pop back into the office after, since sessions usually last one hour with no downtime, according to a recent study from California researchers.

On the other hand, you’ll be sneaking off to those appointments regularly. "To see the full effects, tissues need time to respond to the treatment," he says. That typically takes a month or so, says Schierle. Finally, it’s an expensive way to spend your lunch hour: Prices for each session can range anywhere from $500 to $1,000, he says.

It's Won't Help You Lose a Ton of Weight:

Just like liposuction is more about spot treating than delivering a full-body slim down, cryolipolysis won’t help you drop 20 pounds. "Really, if you do CoolSculpting on someone who’s overweight and has stretch marks, it’s not going to make a significant dent," says Schierle. "But somebody who’s in great shape with one area they'd like to reduce, that’s perfect for sculpting."

It Comes with Complications:

Schierle says it's possible that this procedure could work too well in some areas and not so great in others, which would leave you with bumpy skin. Another issue: If you don't find a board-certified plastic surgeon who's familiar with this treatment, he or she could overdo some areas and skimp on others. Again, that causes a "bumpy" look. You’ll still fit better in your clothes, but you won't get the results you're looking for, he says.

And, just like liposuction, once fat cells in one area are depleted, your body will store fat (if you gain weight) in other areas of your body, he says. For example, if you have cryolipolysis done on your hips, you may see future pounds creep onto other parts of your body that you never had an issue with before, says Schierle.

It's Safer than Lipo:

That said, most cryolipolysis patients are ususally satisfied. A study published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology found 86 percent of subjects saw improvements post-treatment and 73 percent of patients were satisfied with the results. 

The researchers also note that it’s a safer and less painful body-contouring option than liposuction, since it doesn't involve poking holes in your body or risk puncturing organs.

The Bottom Line: Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to see if your skin has what it takes to tighten up with cryolipolysis. But be realistic about potential changes, and know it’s more about tightening than weight loss.