We’re seeing an uptick in demand for nonsurgical body contouring procedures at our practice, especially CoolSculpting and SculpSure (“warm sculpting”). Why all the hype? Busy patients find that these treatments offer the benefits of slimming and reshaping the body quickly and conveniently—without incisions or downtime.
Still, many patients wonder how cold CoolSculpting is and how hot SculpSure is. Does Coolsculpting hurt? Is SculpSure painful? Will I be uncomfortable after the treatment? Let’s explore what to expect with these noninvasive body contouring treatments and share tips to ease your recovery and concerns.
CoolSculpting vs. SculpSure: How Do They Differ?
Both nonsurgical body contouring treatments accomplish the same goal—destroying fat cells—but each takes a unique approach. CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis to freeze away fat cells, while SculpSure uses controlled heat energy to melt fat away. Both procedures are designed to shed dead fat cells from the body naturally. So, which technique is right for you? Read our related blog post to delve further into the specific nuances of CoolSculpting vs. SculpSure.
Is CoolSculpting Painful?
While everyone has their own tolerance for discomfort, most patients don’t consider CoolSculpting painful. However, patients do report experiencing intense cold and suctioning sensations as the procedure gets underway. This discomfort fades after a few minutes as the treatment area numbs. Then, most patients are pleasantly surprised by how fast the hour-long procedure flies by as they relax, read, or scroll through their devices. Unlike liposuction, CoolSculpting is quick and doesn’t require any anesthesia.
Does SculpSure Hurt?
Your SculpSure treatment should be relatively comfortable and even quicker than CoolSculpting. Like CoolSculpting, it’s a well-tolerated procedure. Most patients experience a pinching or tingling sensation as fat cells are heated. Rest assured that your treatment should only take about 25 minutes, and we can target and treat multiple areas during the same session.
What To Expect After CoolSculpting and SculpSure
While nonsurgical CoolSculpting doesn’t require downtime, your body will need some time to respond and heal after treatment. It’s OK to resume all regular activities immediately, but you may notice some redness and swelling for a few hours after your session. Some patients may also experience initial soreness or numbness in the treated areas.
In the weeks following treatment, your body naturally flushes out the dead fat cells, with full results gradually appearing after 2 to 3 months. Most patients require only one CoolSculpting treatment, but some benefit from multiple sessions.
SculpSure patients can also resume activities immediately after treatment but may experience some initial bruising, swelling, or inflammation in the treated areas. These side effects generally resolve within a week. Most SculpSure patients notice improvement after 6 to 8 weeks, with optimal results achieved at around 12 weeks.
Enhancing Your Recovery & Results
The good news for CoolSculpting and SculpSure patients is that fat cells do not come back once they are eliminated—although remaining fat cells can grow larger if you gain weight. That means your results can last indefinitely as long as you maintain your weight and practice healthy habits. These tips can also help you ease recovery and enhance your results:
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to your appointment, as your procedure may cause initial swelling or soreness in the treated areas.
- Drink plenty of water before and after your treatment to stay hydrated as your body flushes away dead fat cells.
- Get your heart pumping to improve fat cell removal through the lymphatic system—and stay physically active to preserve your results.
Ready To Schedule Your Consult?
Now that you have a better understanding of what to expect from CoolSculpting and SculpSure, let us help you develop a customized body contouring treatment plan. Please request a consultation online or call us at (650) 325-1118 to get started.
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