With how popular CoolSculpting has become, it’s understandable why some patients would try to achieve great results at home. You may have even seen some techniques or devices for cheap. The reality, though, is that DIY CoolSculpting is rarely effective, and can even be detrimental to your skin and body. You should always consult with a professional provider if you’re going to try CoolSculpting. Here are a few reasons why:
The CoolSculpting Technique isn’t so Simple
Many at-home methods rely on a very simplified interpretation of how CoolSculpting works, which is that simply applying ice or frozen materials to fatty areas will kill the fat cells. CoolSculpting is much more intricate and involves the use of precise technology to not only maintain the best temperature to kill fat cells (which is actually just above freezing, or 39⁰F) but also to suction the area into the handpiece where the freezing technique reaches only fat. This method isn’t exactly achievable at home, and any frozen materials will likely become too warm before an optimum temperature can be reached by the cells.
Skin Damage is Likely
While CoolSculpting targets fat cells with its cooling technology, it uses certain safety features to prevent against damaging the skin. This includes its controlled cooling mechanisms to ensure that only the fat is frozen, not the skin. This is because the fat is frozen at a higher temperature, which is not low enough to cause damage to the surrounding skin. At home, it’s difficult to maintain and measure this threshold, meaning you’ll likely cause burning or even frostbite to the skin over the long periods of time required to theoretically see results. This can even extend to the underlying muscles and nerves, meaning the damage can be even more long-term.
Only CoolSculpting is FDA-approved
Before becoming so popular, CoolSculpting went through rigorous testing to earn its FDA-approval, and it’s the only cryolipolysis technique to do so. That means that knock-offs like at-home cooling belts or icepack techniques have likely not undergone any clinical testing or results-based research, and you assume any risk that comes with it. Because of this, most CoolSculpting providers and dermatologists don’t recommend at-home methods or technologies.
If you have questions about CoolSculpting and what it can do for you, contact our office in Grosse Point to schedule a consultation with Dr. Diggs, who can recommend an effective treatment plan for your problem areas.