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.

DIY CoolSculpting Can Lead to DIY Frostbite

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.”

How CoolSculpting Works and How DIY CoolSculpting Does Not

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.

Experienced CoolSculpting Expert = Great Results

There are a number of reasons to leave nonsurgical fat reduction to the experts, including:

• Proven Results: A collection of studies show that CoolSculpting reduces fat by up to 25% in the treatment area. In addition, evidence supporting the treatment has appeared in more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. Full results usually appear 2-6 months after treatment.
• Millions of Treatments: More than 7 million treatment cycles have been completed to date, worldwide.
• Unique Design: The CoolSculpting applicators are specially designed to mold around the contours of your body. A highly-trained medical professional will know where to place the CoolSculpting applicators and precise time for the treatment session to produce even and optimal results. 
• Extensive Training: CoolSculpting requires ongoing staff training through CoolSculpting University, a comprehensive program for ongoing support and education.  
• Safety Measures: The CoolSculpting equipment has built-in freeze-detection sensors and monitors changes in the skin. It shuts down automatically if unsafe temperatures are detected. In addition, a thermal coupling gelpad is applied between the skin and the applicator to prevent frostbite and ensure consistent thermal contact during treatment.  
• Doctor’s Supervision: The procedure is administered by a nurse or medical aesthetician under the supervision of a physician.

Let’s Talk About Costs

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.

Leave the Ice in Your Freezer and CoolSculpting to a Professional

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.