While I love my body, there are some areas that I struggle with more than others. So, excited to share my personal journey with CoolSculpting® and CoolTone® and how these two different treatments helped me to reach my body contouring goals!
*The safety and efficacy of CoolSculpting® and CoolTone® in combination have not been evaluated by the FDA.
*This post is sponsored. Please note, everyone’s results differ depending on body type, shape, diet, fitness routine. The entire post is my own experience and opinion.
My treatment journey began as I become more interested in body contouring and wanted to explore all of the options out there! I scheduled a consultation with my HCP to be as informed as possible and the rest was history.
Below you’ll get a full glimpse into my treatment journey, and I’ll, of course, give you a look at the before and after photos, because we all know that’s what you want to see!
CoolSculpting® is FDA-cleared to treat 9 different areas of the body: visible bulges under the chin and jawline areas, thighs, abdomen, and flanks, along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as the banana roll), and upper arms. It is also FDA-cleared to affect the appearance of lax tissue with submental area (under the chin) treatments.
CoolSculpting® is a fat-reduction treatment for men and women who want to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat in certain areas of their body. CoolSculpting® is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment that uses unique fat freezing technology that is scientifically proven to reduce pockets of fat in trouble spots, resulting in up to 20-25% fat reduction in the treated areas., There is little to no downtime with the procedure.
It is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental (under the chin) and submandibular (under the jawline) areas, thigh, abdomen, and flank, along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll) and upper arm. It is also FDA-cleared to affect the appearance of lax tissue with submental area treatments. CoolSculpting® is NOT a weight loss procedure.
MY JOURNEY WITH COOLSCULPTING®
My Consultation
I knew I wanted to treat my belly area as it’s a major trouble spot on my body where I gain and retain weight. My body is naturally thin, but my belly has always retained a layer of fat which can be seen in my “Before” photo below. Unfortunately, due to being quarantined this year, I’ve had more time for food and wine and less time to work out. A great year for guilty pleasures, a less ideal time for fitness and health goals!
1Coleman SR, Sachdeva K, Egbert BM, Preciado J, Allison J. Clinical efficacy of noninvasive cryolipolysis and its effects on peripheral nerves. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2009
2Boey GE, Wasilenchuk JL. Enhanced clinical outcomes with manual massage following cryolipolysis treatment: a 4-month study of safety and efficacy. Lasers Surg Med. 201
After consulting with the team about my stomach, their recommendation was to treat my upper belly, lower belly, and my flanks.
This part wasn’t fun to see, but I’m not embarrassed to share. The markings made are exactly what you think – pockets of fat. Here in the process is where they mark my treatment areas, and you can see where they will be placing the applicator on my body during treatment. Each treatment area takes as little as 30 minutes.
Each individual’s consultation will be different, and your treatment plan is reflective of your body contouring goals. You should work with your provider to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
I have received CoolSculpting® in the past, so I wasn’t nervous about what to expect, but my HCP went over the process again and gave me a quick overview of the application prior to my treatment. You can see the CoolSculpting® machine is right behind me. dScroll down to see how it is applied!
Application and Treatment Process
As seen below, a clear gel pad is set on my belly area to act as a barrier between the cooling panel and my skin.
The applicator is set within the predetermined treatment areas outlined in Step 1.
So some questions I’ve been asked:
{1} So how did it feel?
The machine creates a sucking sensation as it adheres to your body. During my session, I was able to relax and work on my phone. In my personal experience, the only part of my treatment where I experienced discomfort was while receiving the massage at the conclusion of my treatment.
{2} Does it hurt? Side effects?
As I mentioned above, I personally felt discomfort right after the applicator was taken off, but everyone’s experience is different.
Following the procedure, typical side effects may include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, or skin sensitivity, and sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after submental or submandibular area treatment. Rare side effects may also occur.
{3} Can CoolSculpting® reduce fat on every part of my body?
CoolSculpting® is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in 9 areas of the body including under the chin, under the jawline, thigh, abdomen, and flank, along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks, and upper arm.
{4} How many treatments do I need?
While you may see up to 20-25% fat reduction in the treated area after a single treatment, it depends on the person and the area being treated – everyone’s treatments vary. Your provider will develop a personalized treatment plan and determine the number of treatments needed.
{5} When will I see results?
Results can be seen as early as 1-3 months post treatment. Final results may take 6 months or more. I personally noticed results following my first treatment and have been happy with my final results too – keep scrolling to see!
{6} How much does it cost?
1Coleman SR, Sachdeva K, Egbert BM, Preciado J, Allison J. Clinical efficacy of noninvasive cryolipolysis and its effects on peripheral nerves. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2009
2Boey GE, Wasilenchuk JL. Enhanced clinical outcomes with manual massage following cryolipolysis treatment: a 4-month study of safety and efficacy. Lasers Surg Med. 201
Treatment costs are dependent on what areas you treat and how many treatments on those areas you receive. Typically, CoolSculpting® will cost anywhere between $2000-$4000 for a personalized treatment plan. See CoolSculpting® Find A Provider page to find a local provider near you so that you can see if CoolSculpting® is right for you!
MY JOURNEY WITH COOLTONE™
Consultation
CoolTone® uses Magnetic Muscle Stimulation (MMS) to penetrate the muscle layers and induce involuntary muscle contractions in the abdomen, buttocks and thighs by delivering strong pulses that the body could not otherwise achieve on its own in a noninvasive, safe, and effective treatment.
CoolTone® is an FDA cleared device used to strengthen, tone and firm the muscles of the abdomen, buttocks and thighs. After treatment, the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs may appear to be toned, defined, and have a firmer appearance.
At my consultation, my HCP let me know that I was also a candidate for CoolTone®, which I decided to receive, as well! I worked with my HCP to create a custom treatment plan for my abs where I received two treatments a week for three consecutive weeks.
Application and Treatment Process
Here’s the CoolTone® machine where you will see the two applicators on the side. These were used in my treatment pictured below, with a lovely peace sign from me for you to enjoy.
Below are the photos we took directly after my CoolTone® treatments to highlight the progress and you can see the difference from my photos above before I began my body contouring journey!
Questions:
{1} How was the treatment process?
During my CoolTone® treatment, I was able to lay back and relax during treatment. Each treatment I received was done in as little as 30 minutes and It felt like I was experiencing contractions. In my personal experience, I found it to be an enjoyable treatment process. Side effects following treatment may include muscular pain, temporary muscle spasm, temporary joint or tendon pain, and redness at or near the treatment site. I myself did not experience any side effects following my treatment, but experiences may vary!
{2} What does it feel like?
The CoolTone® applicator uses the previously mentioned Magnetic Muscle Stimulation (MMS) technology to deliver strong pulses to your muscle tissues and induces involuntary muscle contractions. I personally felt the muscle contractions interspersed with a tapping sensation during my treatment. The machine can be gradually increased in strength from 0 to 100%, and by my final treatment, I was able to get to 100%. However, your technician can set it to wherever you are comfortable.
{3} Is the CoolTone® treatment safe?
oolTone has been cleared by the FDA to safely and effectively strengthen, tone and firm three different areas of the body (abdomen, buttocks, and thighs).
{4} When will I see results?
Individual results vary. Results typically can be seen after 4 treatments over a 2-week period. After treatment, you will notice that the muscles in the abs, glutes, or thighs will be firmer and have a more toned appearance.
{5} How much does treatment cost?
The price varies depending on your treatment area(s), the number of sessions needed, and your ultimate goals. Your provider will work with you to create a plan tailored to your body, your goals, and your budget.
MY FINAL RESULTS
And without further ado, here are my amazing final results!
These photos were taken following my treatments and I am loving the results. I plan on maintaining my trouble area with fitness and diet and touch up sessions of CoolSculpting® and CoolTone®!
If there’s anything you want to know that I didn’t answer, feel free to send me any questions and I’m happy to answer them. Thank you for following along with my body contouring journey. With the craziness of 2020 and as we move forward in 2021, I’ve been trying to take care of myself inside and out as much as possible, and I am so happy I get to take you along this journey! xoxo
If you loved this post be sure to check out more about beauty here!
Uses
The CoolSculpting® procedure is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental (under the chin) and submandibular (under the jawline) areas, thigh, abdomen and flank, along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll) and upper arm. It is also FDA-cleared to affect the appearance of lax tissue with submental area treatments. The CoolSculpting® procedure is not a treatment for weight loss.
Important Safety Information
The CoolSculpting® procedure is not for everyone. You should not have the CoolSculpting® procedure if you suffer from cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria.
Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions including recent surgery, pre-existing hernia, and any known sensitivities or allergies.
During the procedure you may experience sensations of pulling, tugging, mild pinching, intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching, and cramping at the treatment site. These sensations subside as the area becomes numb. Following the procedure, typical side effects include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, or skin sensitivity, and sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after submental or submandibular area treatment.
Rare side effects may also occur. CoolSculpting® may cause a visible enlargement in the treated area which may develop two to five months after treatment and requires surgical intervention for correction.
Please see full Important Safety Information for additional information.
Uses
The CoolTone® device is FDA-cleared for improvement of abdominal tone, strengthening of the abdominal muscles, and development for firmer abdomen. CoolTone® is also FDA-cleared for strengthening, toning, and firming of buttocks and thighs.
Important Safety Information
The CoolTone® procedure is not for everyone. You should not have the CoolTone® treatment in areas with metal, electrical, or electronic implants/devices like cardiac pacemakers, implanted hearing devices, implanted defibrillators, implanted neurostimulators, drug pumps, or hearing aids.
Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions as CoolTone® should not be used over a menstruating uterus, over areas of the skin that lack normal sensation, in patients with fever, malignant tumor, hemorrhagic conditions, epilepsy, recent surgical procedure, pulmonary insufficiency, or pregnancy.
CoolTone® should be used with caution in patients with Graves’ disease (an autoimmune disorder that causes overactive thyroid), active bleeding disorders, or seizure disorders.
Women who are close to menstruation may find that it comes sooner, or cramping is increased or intensified with CoolTone® treatments, therefore, it is recommended to not undergo treatment during this time of the month.
CoolTone® should not be used in the heart or head areas, areas of new bone growth, over the carotid sinus nerves, or over the neck or mouth. CoolTone® should not be applied over swollen, infected, inflamed areas or skin eruptions. Caution should be used for patients with suspected or diagnosed heart problems.
Common side effects may include, but may not be limited to, muscular pain, temporary muscle spasm, temporary joint or tendon pain, and redness at or near the treatment site.
Ask your Healthcare Provider if CoolTone® is right for you.
Please see full Important Safety Information for additional information at coolsculpting.com/cooltone.
Results and Patient Experience May Vary.
