Am I a Good Candidate for Coolsculpting?

You've been hitting the gym and eating right, but that one stubborn pocket of fat just won't budge. It's frustrating when your hard work doesn't show in the mirror the way you'd like. At Progressive Care For Women, we see many patients who are doing everything right but still deal with "pinchable" fat that resists diet and exercise.

That's where CoolSculpting comes in. It's a non-invasive way to contour your body without the need for surgery, needles, or downtime. But it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Knowing if you're a good candidate is the first step toward getting the results you want. 

What makes someone a good candidate for CoolSculpting?

The ideal candidate for this treatment is someone who's close to their goal weight but still has persistent pockets of fat in areas they had targeted with diet and exercise. This procedure targets subcutaneous fat — the soft, pinchable layer just under your skin — and has been performed over eight million times worldwide.

You're likely a great candidate if you meet these four criteria:  

1. A BMI under 30 

While it's not a weight-loss tool, it works best for those who are already maintaining a stable, healthy weight range.

2. Pinchable fat

If you can physically grab an inch of soft tissue in the target area, the cooling applicator can likely treat it effectively.

3. Good skin elasticity

Your skin needs to be able to snap back once the underlying fat cells are gone to ensure a smooth, sculpted result.

4. Realistic expectations

It's important to understand that results are gradual and usually require more than one session to achieve your final look.

How does the fat freezing process work?

CoolSculpting uses a scientific process called cryolipolysis. This sounds complex, but it simply means using a controlled, cold temperature to target and kill fat cells. Fat cells freeze at a higher temperature than your skin or muscles, so we can crystallize them without hurting the surrounding tissue.

Once those cells are frozen, they undergo apoptosis, which is a natural, yet programmed cell death. Over the next two to four months, your body's immune system naturally flushes the dead cells out. A global expert panel (2022) found that most patients need a multi-treatment protocol — often three to five cycles in a single area — to see the dramatic silhouette changes they envision.

Because the body doesn't create new fat cells after adolescence, the cells we remove are gone for good. However, you'll still need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you gain weight after the procedure, the remaining fat cells in your body can still grow larger, which might hide your sculpted results. 

Don't wait to feel confident in your own skin. If you're ready to see if you're a match for this body-contouring technology, our team is here to guide you. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with our specialists in Chicago.