CoolSculpting is a non-surgical treatment that targets stubborn pockets of fat that seem to be resistant to diet and exercise. If this sounds like something that would help you reach your goals, you may wonder if it is painful. While everyone’s experience differs, understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident about your decision.

Mallory Miller, PA-C, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect during your CoolSculpting appointment. Mallory is a part of Mount Nittany Health’s Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine team and is skilled in performing CoolSculpting treatments.

“Before treatment, we provide a really good consultation,” Mallory explained. “There is a consent form to review and sign, which is written very well and helps patients understand the risks.”

What to expect during treatment

Coolsculpting uses controlled cooling technology called cryolipolysis to reduce stubborn fat cells in specific areas. The treatment begins with applying the CoolSculpting device, which creates a suction sensation to maintain contact with the treatment area. “After the first 10 minutes, the body becomes numb, and patients don’t feel anything,” Mallory shares. “Each area takes about 35 minutes to treat, followed by a massage. The entire process can take about three hours depending on how many areas we’re treating.”

After the cooling, a massage is performed—for most, this is the most uncomfortable part of the treatment. “The most important thing we do is the massage,” Mallory explained. “Yes, we are freezing the fat cells, but for 2-4 minutes after each treatment area, we perform a massage to manually break up the fat to allow the body to process it.”

At Mount Nittany Health, patient comfort is our priority. “We have a separate room specifically for CoolSculpting patients,” Mallory explained. “We keep them warm and comfortable in a cozy chair. Patients can listen to music or read.”

Recovery time

Following treatment, patients may experience several normal responses:

• Some swelling due to the inflammatory response
• Possible bruising in treated areas
• Temporary numbness or tingling

“A very small percentage of patients—less than 5%– report significant discomfort,” Mallory said. “For these patients, taking Tylenol is usually sufficient for managing any discomfort. While wearing compression garments isn’t required, some patients find it helps reduce swelling more quickly.”

There is minimal downtime after the treatment. “Returning to normal activity depends on what each individual can tolerate,” she continued. “Most patients can resume normal activity right away.”

Preparing for a successful CoolSculpting experience

Knowing what to expect can help make the experience more comfortable. “Walking the patient through everything ahead of time prepares them so they know what they are getting into,” Mallory shared. “We set realistic expectations and remind them during the procedure why they are having it done to help encourage them through the discomfort.”

Before Treatment:

• No special preparation is needed
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Set aside adequate time for your session
• Review and sign consent forms
• Ask any questions you may have

During Treatment:

• First 10 minutes: Initial cooling sensation
• Middle portion: Area becomes numb
• Final phase: Post-treatment massage

After Treatment:

• Return to activities based on your comfort level
• Take Tylenol if needed
• Expect some swelling as part of the natural inflammatory response
• Watch for normal bruising in treated areas
• Follow all post-treatment instructions

“There is a lot of evidence that CoolSculpting really works, and people are really happy with it if they are ideal candidates,” Mallory said. “During your consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and determine if CoolSculpting is right for you. We explain every step of the process, ensuring you feel fully informed and comfortable with your decision.”

At Mount Nittany Health, our experienced team guides you through every phase of your CoolSculpting journey. We focus on setting realistic expectations and ensuring your comfort throughout the process.

Ready to learn more about CoolSculpting? Schedule a consultation with Mount Nittany Health’s experienced team to discuss your questions and determine if you are an ideal candidate for CoolSculpting.