Cosmetic Services · Burien & Bellevue, WA
CoolSculpting Body Contouring
Permanently eliminate stubborn fat that resists diet and exercise — without surgery, anesthesia, or downtime. FDA-cleared cryolipolysis technology, performed by our dermatology team in Burien and Bellevue.
Schedule a ConsultationWhat Is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared, non-surgical body contouring treatment that uses controlled cooling — a process called cryolipolysis — to freeze and permanently destroy fat cells. It was developed based on the scientific observation that fat cells are more sensitive to cold temperatures than the surrounding skin and tissue.
Unlike liposuction, CoolSculpting requires no incisions, no anesthesia, and no recovery time. It is specifically designed for patients who are at or near their ideal weight but have localized areas of stubborn fat that won't budge with diet and exercise alone.
When performed at Dermatology of Seattle by our board-certified team, CoolSculpting is combined with a thorough skin and body assessment, honest goal-setting, and expert applicator placement to maximize your results safely.
CoolSculpting Is Not a Weight-Loss Treatment
CoolSculpting reduces the number of fat cells in a treated area by approximately 20–25% per session. It is not designed for overall weight loss and will not meaningfully change your weight on a scale. The best candidates are within 10–20 lbs of their goal weight and want to address specific, localized fat deposits. We will tell you honestly during your consultation whether CoolSculpting is likely to meet your goals.
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
Cryolipolysis exploits a biological vulnerability unique to fat cells: they begin to die at temperatures that are cold but not cold enough to harm the skin or surrounding tissue. The CoolSculpting applicator:
Treatment Areas
CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared for multiple areas of the body. Different applicator shapes are used to conform to each area's anatomy:
- Abdomen (upper and lower)
- Flanks / love handles
- Inner and outer thighs
- Back fat and bra fat
- Upper arms
- Double chin (submentum)
- Banana roll (fat below the buttocks)
- Male chest (pseudogynecomastia)
Multiple areas can be treated in a single session, which many patients use to maximize results in one visit. We'll assess which areas are suitable and discuss the optimal treatment order during your consultation.
What to Expect During Your Treatment
Before Treatment
Wear or bring comfortable clothing. No special preparation is required. We take pre-treatment photos and mark the treatment area. You can eat normally beforehand.
During Treatment
The applicator is positioned and activates suction, drawing the fat fold into the cooling panels. You'll feel intense cold for the first 5–10 minutes, then the area becomes numb. Most patients read, watch videos, or even nap during the 35–60 minute treatment cycle.
The Massage
Immediately after the applicator is removed, your technician will firmly massage the treated area for approximately 2 minutes. This breaks up the frozen fat tissue and has been shown to improve results by up to 68%.
After Treatment
The treated area may appear red, feel tender, and have temporary numbness for a few days. Some bruising is possible. You can return to all normal activities, including exercise, immediately.
Results Timeline
- Weeks 1–3: treatment area may feel firm and slightly uneven as fat cells begin apoptosis
- Week 4: some patients begin noticing early slimming of the treated area
- Months 1–2: progressive reduction visible; clothing fits differently in treated areas
- Month 3: full results evident; approximately 20–25% fat reduction in treated area
- Beyond 3 months: results are stable — eliminated fat cells will not return
A second treatment in the same area can be performed after 3 months if additional reduction is desired.
Side Effects & Considerations
CoolSculpting has a well-established safety record, but it is important to understand potential side effects:
Common (temporary)
- Numbness lasting days to weeks
- Redness immediately after
- Mild bruising
- Swelling and firmness
- Tingling or aching sensation
Rare but important
- Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH): fat cells enlarge instead of shrinking; occurs in <1% of cases; more common in men
- Prolonged numbness (weeks to months)
- Skin surface irregularities
Book a Consultation
Find out if CoolSculpting is right for your body contouring goals. We'll assess your anatomy and set realistic expectations at your consultation.
Schedule NowQuick Facts
- FDA-cleared cryolipolysis technology
- 20–25% fat reduction per treatment
- Non-surgical, non-invasive
- No anesthesia required
- Permanent fat cell elimination
- Results visible at 4–12 weeks
- Multiple areas treatable in one session
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is CoolSculpting safe?
CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared and has a strong safety record, with millions of treatments performed worldwide. It is non-surgical and non-invasive. The most common side effects are temporary numbness, redness, swelling, and bruising at the treatment site — all of which resolve on their own within days to weeks. A rare complication called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) — where fat cells enlarge rather than shrink — occurs in less than 1% of cases and is more common in men. We discuss all risks in detail at your consultation.
How many CoolSculpting sessions do I need?
Some patients achieve their goals with a single treatment per area, while others benefit from two or more sessions. The number depends on the thickness of the fat layer, the size of the area, and your desired outcome. During your consultation, we assess your anatomy and goals to recommend a realistic treatment plan — including honest expectations about what CoolSculpting can and cannot achieve.
Who is a good candidate for CoolSculpting?
The ideal CoolSculpting candidate is at or near their goal weight but has specific areas of stubborn fat that haven't responded to diet and exercise. CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss solution and is not appropriate for individuals who are significantly overweight. Good candidates have pinchable fat in treatable areas and realistic expectations. We do not perform CoolSculpting on patients with cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria.
Does CoolSculpting hurt?
The treatment begins with a sucking/pulling sensation as the applicator draws the skin and fat between cooling panels. The area quickly becomes numb due to the cold — most patients experience an initial intense cold sensation lasting 5–10 minutes, then numbness for the duration of treatment. After the applicator is removed, the treated area is massaged for 2 minutes, which can feel firm and slightly uncomfortable. Overall, most patients rate the experience as tolerable and read or work on their phones during treatment.
Are the results from CoolSculpting permanent?
The fat cells destroyed by CoolSculpting are permanently eliminated — your body metabolizes them and they do not regenerate. In that sense, the results are permanent for those specific fat cells. However, the remaining fat cells in the treated area can still enlarge if you gain weight. Maintaining your results requires a stable weight through healthy diet and exercise.
When will I see CoolSculpting results?
CoolSculpting results develop gradually as your body processes and eliminates the damaged fat cells. Some patients notice early changes at 4 weeks, but the most significant results appear at 2–3 months following treatment. Final results are typically assessed at 3 months, at which point a follow-up treatment can be planned if additional reduction is desired.
Finally Address Those Stubborn Spots
Schedule your CoolSculpting consultation at our Burien or Bellevue office. No surgery. No downtime. Permanent fat reduction.