CoolSculpting is a non-surgical treatment that cools fat cells to reduce them, treating localized fat by area without incisions.
CoolSculpting is a cryolipolysis treatment based on the principle that fat cells are damaged at a lower temperature than the surrounding tissue. The treatment area is drawn into an applicator and cooled to a set temperature, damaging the fat cells, which the body then clears naturally over the following weeks. No incisions or anesthesia are involved.
Body areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms and bra line, as well as small facial areas such as under the chin, can be treated with dedicated applicators. It suits localized fat that resists exercise and diet; it is not a treatment intended for weight loss itself.
At Atelier Plastic Surgery, a board-certified plastic surgeon assesses your body shape first, then plans the treatment areas, applicators and number of sessions. If loose skin rather than fat is the main issue, we let you know that the treatment is not a good fit and consider liposuction or skin-removal surgery instead.
An applicator matched to the size and curve of the area draws in and cools the fat layer. It targets pinchable fat, and larger areas are treated in several cycles.
A small applicator is used for small, curved areas such as under the chin. Reducing fat below the jawline may improve the definition of the facial contour.
For thick fat layers or wide areas, applicator placements are overlapped, and further sessions are decided after reviewing the result. The area is massaged immediately after treatment.
These may vary depending on your condition; we will give you precise details at your consultation.
Results differ depending on whether what you can pinch is fat or stretched skin. When loose skin is the main issue, sagging may remain even after cooling reduces the fat, so we assess your condition at consultation and suggest another method if the treatment is not a good fit.
Even on the same abdomen, the thickness, distribution and curvature of fat vary. We choose between vacuum and flat applicators for each area and position them with attention to left-right balance and the transition to neighboring areas.
Fat under the chin is assessed within the balance of the whole facial line. If the jawbone position or loose neck skin is the cause, cooling alone brings limited improvement, so we consider it together with the approach on the double chin and neck lines page.
Dr. Juyoung Go has lectured on the clinical application of cryolipolysis and body contouring at the Minimally Invasive Plastic Surgery Society (MIPS) and at the congress of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. That experience with indications and cautions by area informs how each treatment is planned.
The treated area may be red, feel firm to the touch and have dulled sensation. After the area is massaged you can go home right away.
Bruising, swelling and tingling may appear. Daily life and light exercise are possible; after abdominal treatment you may feel temporarily bloated.
Dulled sensation and tightness gradually recover. Temporary pain sometimes appears during this period and mostly settles on its own.
Changes begin to appear as fat cells are cleared.
The result is assessed. We compare with pre-treatment photos to decide whether further treatment is needed.
Redness, bruising, swelling, firmness, dulled sensation or tingling may occur in the treated area, mostly recovering within days to weeks. Delayed pain sometimes appears between a few days and 2 weeks after treatment. Rarely, paradoxical adipose hyperplasia has been reported, in which the fat in the treated area instead becomes firm and enlarges; this may require additional treatment such as liposuction. Cold-related skin injury or pigment changes, asymmetry and uneven contours may occur. The treatment cannot be performed if you have a cold-related condition such as cold urticaria, cryoglobulinemia or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, a hernia in the treatment area, or during pregnancy. It is not a treatment for weight loss, and results vary by individual. All of this is explained fully at consultation.
The content on this page is general medical information provided in accordance with the Medical Service Act. The results of surgery and treatments and the recovery period may vary by individual. All surgeries and treatments carry a risk of side effects, so please decide after a thorough consultation with a specialist.
Liposuction matched to the fat layer and skin elasticity of each area
Learn more Related Double chin · Neck linesDouble chin and neck lines approached by cause: submental fat, neck sagging or chin position
Learn more Related Body Contouring GuideA guide to choosing body contouring that starts by telling fat from loose skin
Learn more Related FacelaNon-invasive lifting that tightens the fascial layer with radiofrequency and refines the facial line with low-frequency stimulation
Learn moreConsultations are conducted by the Director herself. Schedule one by phone or KakaoTalk, or leave an online consultation request.
