CoolSculpting technology has been used for many years to reshape the stomach, flanks and outer thighs but is now approved by the FDA to treat pockets of fat on your jaw and neck. A non-invasive alternative to liposuction, CoolSculpting is an effective treatment for contouring the jawline and counteracting the collection of fat cells in the area that often occurs with aging. By removing the unwanted fat cells in the area, we can help you sculpt a fresh and youthful-looking neck and jaw that you’ll love seeing in the mirror. Use this guide to learn everything you need to know about non-surgical fat reduction on your face.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is one of several cosmetic treatments designed to remove excess fat and help you get the look you want. It works through a process called noninvasive cryolipolysis, which freezes unwanted fat cells, in this case, on your neck and jawline.
The body reabsorbs the frozen fat cells and they are gradually flushed out by natural waste removal processes. Not only does the treatment target submental fat (fat under the jawline and chin, often referred to as jowls), but it also works to resolve the appearance of a double chin by removing fat deposits and tightening and firming loose skin in the area.
You might consider CoolSculpting as a fat reduction procedure if other efforts through diet for weight loss haven’t worked. For the chin area, it’s approved for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of up to 46.2, which means it’s a weight loss solution for specific areas that could work for a variety of individuals, particularly when combined with a healthy diet and physical activity program.
How Does it Work?
Your provider will use a small applicator during treatment that delivers precise and very intense cold temperatures to your jawline and chin. The curved applicator makes it easier to reach those little spots where chin fat tends to accumulate as you age. The science of cryolipolysis is the same, no matter what part of the body it’s being used to treat. The main difference when you choose the procedure for your jawline is the type of applicator used.
The average session takes approximately 45-90 minutes and requires very little, if any, downtime. In fact, many patients have been known to have the treatment during their lunch break. Most patients are able to return to normal activities right away. Most patients see a 20% fat reduction in the treated area in as little as two sessions, spaced 6 weeks apart, with additional treatments recommended, as required.
Safety of CoolSculpting
As with any fat reduction treatment, it pays to understand the safety and potential risks that go with it before deciding if it’s right for you. CoolSculpting was approved by the FDA in 2012, which offers peace of mind for many patients. The non-surgical alternative to liposuction is done without anesthesia and the method has been used more than 6 million times around the world as a method for body contouring for patients who are working toward their ideal weight, or who have already achieved that goal.
Risks and Side Effects
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are certain side effects and risks to be aware of. While complications are rare, it’s important to know when to call your surgeon in the days and weeks following treatment. Common side effects during the procedure include the following:
- Pulling
- Tingling
- Stinging
These will be minimal and are likely to disappear once the treatment area becomes numb after approximately 5 minutes.
During the 1-3 weeks following the procedure, typical side effects may include any of the following:
- Swelling
- Bruising (avoid anti-inflammatories before treatment to minimize this side effect)
- Achiness
- Tenderness
- Pain
- Tingling
- Numbness
These side effects will gradually dissipate and eventually disappear altogether. Rarely, a patient may experience paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, which is when body fat actually increases in size, in this case, that would happen on the chin and jawline.
Full results will be evident 12 weeks after the procedure, though the process of flushing the fat cells from the body continues for up to six months after treatment.
The Cost of CoolSculpting
The final price for CoolSculpting depends on where you have it done (medical spa versus plastic surgery clinic, etc.) and the number of treatment sessions you need for full results. However, the average cost for jawline treatment comes in at around $1,200 – $1,400. Other factors that might influence your total cost include the following:
- Size of the treatment area
- Size of the applicator
- Where you live
- Your cosmetic goals
Important Considerations
CoolSculpting is effective for many patients, but may not be right for everyone. It’s important to talk about any existing medical conditions you have at your initial consultation so that if it’s not the best course of action, an alternative can be found. Those with the following conditions are not good candidates for CoolSculpting:
- Raynaud’s disease, Cold Cryoglobulinemia
- Extreme sensitivity to cold temperatures
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
It’s also important to undergo the procedure only under the care of a trained and licensed practitioner of CoolSculpting. That includes a surgeon, physician or other healthcare provider who is skilled and experienced with the technique.
CoolSculpting is not a magical weight loss solution but can help tone and tighten your neck and jaw as you work toward your ideal weight. While it’s approved for high BMI measurements, it might be best to wait until you’ve reached your weight loss goal so you get more precise results. It’s always important to follow a healthy lifestyle, in conjunction with your CoolSculpting procedure, for the best results. That means choosing nutrient-dense foods in appropriate serving sizes and getting plenty of exercise on a regular basis.
Contact the Z Center for Cosmetic Health for a personal consultation to discuss CoolSculpting and your cosmetic goals.