You don’t have to look far to find videos and articles on do-it-yourself CoolSculpting at home. It looks easy and can save money, so what could go wrong? A LOT. For one, DIY CoolSculpting with frozen materials is completely ineffective. Also, it’s potentially dangerous and could pose serious health consequences. We walk you through why you should never try CoolSculpting at home and why it’s always best to seek an experienced CoolSculpting provider.
First and foremost, your health is of utmost importance. As a medical provider, we believe it’s our duty to warn of the severe health risks that come with DIY CoolSculpting (also known as cryolipolysis). Attempting to perform CoolSculpting at home often involves ice cubes or other frozen materials (ice packs or dry ice). Applying ice only freezes your skin, and not fat cells. This can lead to frostbite and permanent damage to tissues and nerves. See this case study in the Journal of Wound Care of a 55-year-old woman who tried DIY CoolSculpting. It resulted in “4% total body surface area full- and partial-thickness wounds to her abdomen.”
The CoolSculpting process may seem simple, but it took years of research and clinical trials to develop the technology necessary to perform safe and effective cryolipolysis. In addition, CoolSculpting is the only FDA-approved treatment that uses cold temperatures to eliminate fat. CoolSculpting home kits are ineffective, untested and unproven.
Furthermore, CoolSculpting is a precise science that needs just the right temperature, time and suction. It works by chilling fat cells at a very precise temperature to the exact point at which they break down. Next, a process called apoptosis causes the fat cells to die and then the lymphatic system eliminates them from the body. Also, suction is critical to the cryolipolysis process. The CoolSculpting applicators draw fat to the surface using a gentle vacuum mechanism, exposing the fat directly to the cooling. Maintaining a consistent temperature for a precise amount of time with suction cannot be accomplished with an ice pack.
There are a number of reasons to leave nonsurgical fat reduction to the experts, including:
If cost is a major factor in your decision about CoolSculpting, the price has actually decreased in recent years. Many providers also offer payment plans and you may be eligible to receive a discount or special. And when you think about it, you could end up spending more on medical care with DIY CoolSculpting injuries versus professional CoolSculpting treatments.
We cannot overstate it: DIY CoolSculpting is never a good idea. Above all, a genuine CoolSculpting treatment is safe and effective with an experienced provider in an office setting. If you have stubborn fat and “trouble spots” that aren’t responding to diet and exercise, CoolSculpting may what you are looking for.
At The Lumen Center, our CoolSculpting experts will help you decide if CoolSculpting is the right option for you. Schedule a free, no obligation consultation or call 610.525.0606.
Sandra brings over 15 years of healthcare expertise to her role as a marketing writer, where she specializes in turning medical information into easy-to-understand content. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her family and reading.
