August 13, 2020

Does Fat Freezing and Non-Surgical Body Sculpting Work?

What you need to know about the latest options

Technician performing body sculpting on a patient

It’s frustrating. You spend hours at the gym each week and eat a clean diet, yet those stubborn areas of fat aren’t responding to all your hard work. You might be curious about non-surgical body contouring treatments that target and destroy fat cells without surgery like CoolSculpting®, SculpSure®, UltraShape®, truSculpt® and Vanquish®.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Some of these options work by freezing fat cells while others employ heat through the use of ultrasound or radiofrequency energy. They offer a targeted way to reshape areas such as your abdomen, love handles, thighs and upper arms.

But are they safe? Are the changes permanent? How quickly will you see results?

Dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, answers common questions about these minimally invasive body-shaping solutions.

Is non-surgical body sculpting safe? Are results permanent?

These are minimally invasive treatments and side effects are mild. Some treatments have no downtime, either. However, it’s a good idea to review your health history when you talk with your practitioner about which treatment is best for you.

All types of body contouring devices work best for those who have a normal body mass index (between 18.5 and 24.9). They do permanently destroy fat cells.

Advertisement

How does non-surgical body sculpting compare with liposuction?

It depends on which area you want to focus on. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends liposuction for those who want to treat excess fat over a larger area of the body. Non-surgical treatments gives you a less dramatic change and destroy the amount of fat you can pinch, called cutaneous fat.

“Non-surgical techniques won’t offer the same results as you would from a surgical procedure,” says Dr. Khetarpal. “Liposuction gets rid of about 10​ times the amount of fat, compared to these noninvasive treatments body sculpting.”

How does non-surgical body sculpting work?

The procedures all work essentially the same way: They target and destroy fat, which your body’s lymphatic system then filters away over time, generally within a few months.

Here are details on each technique:

  1. Cold treatments (CoolSculpting). These employ temperatures cold enough to kill fat cells but not damage your skin. A device pulls portions of skin in by suction, then cools it to destroy the fat underneath for a set amount of time. You can use this procedure on many body parts including the chin, arms, abdomen, love handles and thighs. It’s safe for most patients. However, those who have a vascular condition that makes them extra sensitive to cold temperatures like Raynaud’s syndrome, for instance, should not use this treatment.
  2. Heat treatments (SculpSure). This laser is FDA-approved for fat reduction. The device uses laser energy to damage the structure of fat cells and the body then eliminates the dead cells. This device uses a flat applicator, so it doesn’t work well on body areas with curves. Heat treatments work best for the stomach and thighs.
  3. Ultrasound energy (UltraShape). This type of treatment uses ultrasound energy to break down fat. It’s the most time-intensive of the four types, taking approximately one hour per treatment session. Instead of hooking you up to a machine, a technician will move the device around manually. It uses a mechanical vibration to break down and destroy fat. This works on the abdomen and isn’t meant for other areas and there is no discomfort.
  4. Radiofrequency energy (truSculpt, Vanquish). Radiofrequency devices deliver energy to create heat and destroy fat cells. They target water in the cells, so it’s important to hydrate your body well beforehand since the treatment is not as effective if you’re dehydrated. You might feel a warm sensation during this procedure. This treatment has no downtime.

What can you expect after these treatments?

All the treatments get rid of fat in stubborn areas. Here are some other general facts:

Advertisement
  • They don’t require anesthesia or downtime.
  • They take anywhere from 25 minutes to one hour in a doctor’s office.
  • You can plan on two to four sessions overall, depending on which treatment you choose and which area you’re treating.
  • It takes about 12 to 16 weeks for the body to process and dispose of the fat. That’s when you’ll see the full effect of each treatment.
  • Any pain from these treatments is generally minimal.
  • Afterward, you may experience some redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness in the treatment area for a few days.

How do you find a good provider?

It’s crucial to do your homework and choose a provider carefully because a trained physician is your best bet for good results. Just because you find a great deal online doesn’t mean that you’re going to get top-notch results. Be sure to look at the physician’s previous work and always ask questions.

“The treatments are safe and effective, but things can go wrong if the provider doesn’t operate the equipment correctly,” she says. “You get what you pay for, so do your research.”

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Spoonful of apple cider vinegar
March 27, 2024
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help You Lose Weight?

The science on ACV isn’t very promising for weight loss or appetite suppression

Female struggling to push a large rock up a hill
March 21, 2024
Why It Really Is Harder for Women To Lose Weight (and What To Do About It)

Genetics, metabolism and hormonal fluctuations can all make weight loss more difficult

female sitting meditating, eyes closed
March 19, 2024
14 Ways To Lose Belly Fat

Losing belly fat can reduce your risk for chronic health conditions — try focusing on a diet high in lean protein, exercising regularly, reducing stress and getting quality ZZZs

Green detox smoothie in glass,with green fruits and veggies around
March 18, 2024
Detox or Cleanse: What To Know Before You Start

Research doesn’t support many health claims linked to detoxification programs

Small cup of yogurt with fresh blueberries on top, with mint sprig
March 1, 2024
Easy, Low-Calorie Snacks To Get You Through the Day

Snacking can bring benefits with healthy food choices and planning

Person eating healthy bowl of noodles with fitness items floating around head
January 17, 2024
How To Shed 10 Pounds — For Good!

Actively choose healthy habits not only when it comes to food and nutrition, but also physical activity and your mental health

close-up of plate with eggs, wheat toast, avocados, hands holding knife and fork
January 9, 2024
Does Reverse Dieting Work?

This strategy doesn’t boost metabolism, but it may help maintain weight loss

male with beer belly on treadmill, with giant mug of beer next to
January 1, 2024
Does Beer Really Cause a ‘Beer Belly’?

Getting rid of excess abdominal fat will take more than just cutting back on cold ones

Trending Topics

Person in yellow tshirt and blue jeans relaxing on green couch in living room reading texts on their phone.
Here’s How Many Calories You Naturally Burn in a Day

Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity

person getting a sinus massage between brows
5 Sinus Massage Techniques To Relieve Pressure and Promote Drainage

A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses

woman snacking on raisins and nuts
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Ad