How Long Do Body Contouring Results Last? Pacific Derm Answers Your Questions 

By Kat Hirsch on June 20 2023

Non-surgical body contouring treatments are no longer an eye-raising topic. Body contouring treatments are here to stay, thanks to mainstream media and influential dermatologists. With that, we at Pacific Derm want to educate our patients more about the science behind body contouring and its processes.  

CoolSculpting is an incredible, non-invasive option for those targeting stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to regular diet or exercise, resulting in a beautifully sculpted physique. This procedure is Canada’s leading non-surgical body contouring treatment that has garnered impressive results for over a decade. 

We know that considering your first body contouring treatment is not an easy feat. You likely have many questions, one of which is, how long will the results of your new physique last?  

So, our dedicated team at Pacific Derm created this article to provide you with the necessary information to consider before booking a consultation or treatment with us. Our goal is to make you feel confident and informed in every step of your body contouring journey! 

What is the Science Behind CoolSculpting? 

Before we start with the science behind CoolSculpting, it’s important to learn what type of fat can be targeted and eliminated. There are two notable types of fat: subcutaneous fat, aka “fluff,” and visceral fat – found deep inside the belly. CoolSculpting can eliminate subcutaneous fat, not visceral fat.  

CoolSculpting works through the process of Cryolipolysis. This technique involves freezing a localized area of fat to effectively kill 20-25% of subcutaneous fat at a time.  

The fat is less resistant to this level of freezing temperature compared to other cells in the body, which means our skin is left unaffected by the treatment. Once the fat cells are dead, there is no chance of them coming back, which is why CoolSculpting is considered a permanent fat reduction treatment.  

Subsequently, the dead fat cells are naturally destroyed by the body through waste elimination in 4-6 weeks after treatment. CoolSculpting results are visible 6 months after treatment, with an average of 25% fat reduction on the specific area treated. 

How Long Do CoolSculpting Results Last? 

The thing about our fat cells is that we don’t accumulate them. Instead, the amount remains stable throughout adulthood. Rather, they simply expand or shrink in response to changes in our diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits.  

When we consume more calories than we burn, the excess energy is stored in our fat cells, causing them to increase in size. In contrast, when we burn more calories than we consume, the fat cells shrink as the stored energy is used up. 

CoolSculpting permanently destroys these subcutaneous fat cells, which means the results last forever. However, it is still possible to gain weight in other areas of the body where fat cells remain.  

Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is important to help prevent the growth of fat cells in other areas of the body.  

What Else Can You Expect from a CoolSculpting Treatment? 

It is not a weight loss program 

The technology targets fat that is considered “fluff” weight, which is the type that doesn’t add to your weight but adds physical volume.  

CoolSculpting is a great treatment if you’re 10-20 pounds away from your desired weight goal and you would like to sculpt specific areas of the body, like the abdomen, upper arms, inner or outer thighs, flanks (love handles), or chin.  

It’s a breezy treatment 

This treatment requires minimal preparation or downtime!  

During the treatment, your CoolSculpting specialist will attach an applicator to the target area, and the cooling process will last 30-45 minutes per side. However, with our two CoolSculpting machines (dual sculpt), we can cut the treatment time in half! 

There is no pain or discomfort during the treatment, so take this time to relax. You can set up your remote work, study, watch a movie, catch up with loved ones or even nap!  

After the treatment, the area will feel slightly numb for a couple of days, but it will not hinder you from your daily activities. You can even hike Garibaldi Lake after this treatment! 

You will need a minimum of 2 sessions to see the results 

Typically, a minimum of two sessions are needed for a dramatic reduction. That said, we work with each individual to build a custom treatment plan based on your body, your goals, and the outcome you are looking to achieve. 

Expect results to appear within 2-3 months 

Expect to see initial results 2-3 months after the treatment, with the final results showing at the 6-month mark.  

That said, by having a second CoolSculpting session four weeks after the first treatment, you can achieve 78% more fat cell reduction in comparison to 20-25% reduction with one session.  

Do you want to know if CoolSculpting is the best treatment for your body contouring goals? 

Contact Pacific Derm to Learn More About CoolSculpting Today! 

Book a consultation with our highly experienced CoolSculpting specialist, Stephanie Hewitt, so she will answer any of your questions about CoolSculpting and body contouring.  

Stephanie has performed thousands of CoolSculpting treatments over a 7-year period, with advanced training in CoolSculpting University. She is also a CoolSculpting trainer. 

Stephanie will take the time to create a tailored treatment plan aligned with your goals, budget, and timeline.  

Can’t visit us in person quite yet? While getting a physical assessment for any body contouring treatment is essential, we’d be glad to accommodate your needs with a virtual consultation. We look forward to chatting with you!