CoolSculpting® Overview
CoolSculpting® at our Appleton, Neenah and Plover offices is an FDA-cleared, safe, and effective body contouring treatment that delivers proven results without surgery or invasive procedures. It eliminates stubborn fat through controlled cooling technology, helping you achieve a more sculpted, physique naturally. With no surgery, no anesthesia, and little to no downtime, CoolSculpting® allows most patients to return to their daily activities immediately while enjoying long-lasting, noticeable results. Is CoolSculpting® right for me?
CoolSculpting® could be the answer if you’re struggling with stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to dieting and exercise. This non-invasive method eliminates the need for surgery and a lengthy recovery, making it a convenient and effective option. To get the best results, it’s recommended to be at or near your ideal weight before starting treatment. CoolSculpting® is designed for targeted fat reduction rather than overall weight loss.
CoolSculpting is a good fit if you are close to your goal weight, have a pinchable pocket of fat in a specific area, and are comfortable with gradual, natural-looking change. It does not tighten loose skin, and it is not recommended for people with cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. Patients from Green Bay and across the Fox Valley often start with a single area, such as the abdomen or flanks, and add areas once they see how their body responds.
How Does CoolSculpting® Work?
CoolSculpting® is a unique procedure that uses controlled cooling to target and eliminate fat cells beneath the skin. This process, known as cryolipolysis, safely crystallizes and destroys fat cells without damaging surrounding tissues. The result is a more toned and sculpted appearance. After the treatment, your body will naturally dispose of the dead fat cells, reducing up to 20-25% of stubborn fat in the treated area.
Benefits of CoolSculpting®
CoolSculpting® offers a safe, non-surgical way to eliminate unwanted fat from stubborn areas. This innovative fat-freezing procedure targets and effectively reduces fat cells without harming your skin or surrounding tissues. It requires no anesthesia and has been proven clinically to achieve up to a 25% reduction in fat cells in treated areas. The treatment is well tolerated by most patients and non-invasive, without incisions or needles. Best of all, the results are permanent—once the fat cells are destroyed, they’re gone for good, leaving your skin untouched and unharmed.
What is CoolSculpting®?
CoolSculpting® is a non-invasive FDA-cleared fat reduction treatment for men and women. It safely delivers precisely controlled cooling to gently and effectively target the fat cells underneath the skin while leaving the skin itself unaffected. Once the treated fat cells are crystallized (frozen), the body naturally processes the fat and eliminates these dead cells. *Individual Results May Vary*
Where Does CoolSculpting Reduce Unwanted Fat?
CoolSculpting is designed to target and reduce unwanted fat in some of the most common problem areas of the body. This includes the abdomen, where stubborn fat often resists diet and exercise, as well as the arms for a more refined, toned appearance. It is also effective around bra straps and along the back, where small pockets of fat can be difficult to address. Additional treatment areas include the love handles or flanks, inner and outer thighs, and the double chin for improved facial contour. CoolSculpting can also treat fat underneath the buttocks, helping to create a smoother, more sculpted silhouette. For a small area of fullness under the chin, an injectable option called Kybella is another nonsurgical choice we can compare at your visit.
CoolSculpting®, CoolTone, or Liposuction: Which Fits Your Goals?
These three treatments solve different problems. CoolSculpting reduces a measured amount of fat in a specific area without surgery. CoolTone uses magnetic muscle stimulation to strengthen and firm muscle in areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs; it does not remove fat. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes larger volumes of fat in one session and gives a more immediate change in contour, with anesthesia, small incisions, and a recovery period.
Some patients combine them, for example CoolSculpting on the flanks with CoolTone on the abdomen. Others are better served by surgery from the start. Because CAPS offers both nonsurgical treatments and surgery performed by board-certified plastic surgeons, your plan is built around your anatomy and goals rather than around a single device.
Before, During, and After
What to Expect Before CoolSculpting®
Before your CoolSculpting® procedure, you’ll have a consultation with Kristin Moore, RN, our Master Aesthetic Clinician. We will discuss your goals and clarify any questions or concerns about the treatment. Our expert will also provide personalized recommendations and thoroughly assess the areas that can be treated to ensure they align with your goals.
During this appointment, we will review your medical history and determine whether you are an ideal candidate for non surgical fat reduction. You will receive a customized treatment plan outlining the number of sessions recommended, expected results, and a realistic timeline so you feel confident and fully prepared before beginning treatment. Your plan will also show the cost for each area, since pricing is based on the number of applicator cycles you need.
What to Expect During CoolSculpting®
Your provider will carefully place the CoolSculpting® applicator on the targeted areas of your body. During the treatment, you might feel a gentle tugging or pinching sensation, which is generally well-tolerated and comfortable. The length of your session will depend on how many areas are being treated. Each applicator cycle typically runs about 35 to 60 minutes, depending on the applicator and the area.
As the cooling process begins, the area will gradually become numb, allowing you to relax for the remainder of the session. Many patients read, work on their phones, or simply rest during treatment. Once complete, the area is gently massaged to enhance fat cell breakdown and optimize your results.
What to Expect After CoolSculpting®
After the fat cells are frozen, they shrink and are gradually eliminated from the body through apoptosis. You will notice a slimmer appearance in the treated areas within a month. Full results typically manifest after about three months, revealing a more contoured shape.
It’s normal to experience temporary side effects such as redness, bruising, swelling, tenderness, cramping, itching, or tingling in the treated area. Generally, patients see a 20% to 25% reduction in fat in each targeted area with CoolSculpting®. While the results are long-lasting, maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise is essential to preserve the contoured results. A rare side effect called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, in which the treated area slowly becomes larger and firmer instead of smaller, has been reported. It does not go away on its own and may need surgical correction, which is one reason we review every risk with you before treatment.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for Appleton Patients
Every procedure below has its own page with candidacy, recovery, risks, and before and after photos. Use them to prepare questions for your consultation.
Face
- Face lift: tightens loose skin and underlying tissue of the lower face and neck.
- Eyelid surgery: removes excess upper or lower eyelid skin and puffiness for a more rested look.
- Brow and forehead lift: raises a low or heavy brow and softens forehead lines.
- Rhinoplasty: reshapes the nose to improve balance with the rest of the face.
Breast
- Breast augmentation: adds volume and improves symmetry with saline or silicone implants, or with fat transfer.
- Breast lift: raises and reshapes breasts that have lost firmness after pregnancy, weight change, or time.
- Breast reduction: reduces breast size and weight to relieve discomfort and improve proportion.
- Breast reconstruction: rebuilds the breast after mastectomy or injury.
Body
- Tummy tuck: removes loose abdominal skin and tightens separated muscles, often after pregnancy or weight loss.
- Liposuction: removes stubborn fat from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and arms.
- Arm lift: removes loose skin of the upper arms.
- Thigh lift: tightens loose skin of the inner or outer thighs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should one prepare for CoolSculpting®?
To ensure the best results and minimize any potential side effects during your CoolSculpting® treatment, follow these steps:
- Discontinue Certain Medications:
Stop taking vitamin E, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory drugs at least five days before your procedure. These medications can increase the risk of bruising. - Avoid Sun Exposure:
Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds for a few weeks before treatment. This helps reduce sensitivity in the area that will be treated.
How much does CoolSculpting® cost?
Cost depends on how many areas you treat and how many applicator cycles each area needs. At CAPS, most patients invest about $750 to $780 per treatment cycle, and smaller applicators for areas such as under the chin or the arms can cost slightly less. A single flank is often treated in one cycle, while a full abdomen may need two or more. You will receive an exact quote at your consultation, and you can ask about financing.
Do you offer CoolSculpting® near Green Bay?
Yes. CAPS treats CoolSculpting patients from Green Bay, Appleton, Neenah, and the rest of the Fox Valley, as well as Central Wisconsin through our Plover office. Call (920) 725-0700 to find the location and appointment time that works best for you.
When will I see the results of CoolSculpting®?
While some enhancements might be noticeable after a month, most people see visible improvements and significant benefits within one to three months.
Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with CoolSculpting®?
CoolSculpting® is generally a well-tolerated treatment with minimal discomfort. In the short term, you might experience mild itching or tingling around the treated area, but this typically subsides within a few days. Although rare, some patients may notice bruising or swelling, which should resolve quickly with proper post-treatment care. Numbness in the treated area can last a few weeks. Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, described above, is rare but important to understand before you decide.
Will CoolSculpting® leave a visible scar?
CoolSculpting® is a non-invasive procedure and does not involve incisions or skin punctures. As a result, there should be no visible scar left behind. The treatment uses controlled cooling to target and eliminate fat cells in specific body areas. This process does not damage the surrounding skin; therefore, no scarring occurs.