University of Virginia Plastic Surgery
1300 Jefferson Park Avenue 4th Floor
Charlottesville, VA 22908
Phone: (434) 924-1234
Location Hours: Monday–Friday | 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Exercise and diet may not be enough to address isolated areas of fat that often develop due to genetic predisposition. While liposuction effectively reduces fat, many people want to avoid the anesthesia, scars, and downtime associated with this type of surgery. UVA Plastic Surgery’s team of exceptional plastic surgeons offers a nonsurgical, FDA-cleared treatment for fat reduction called CoolSculpting. In Charlottesville, Richmond, Roanoke, Fishersville, and surrounding communities in Virginia, CoolSculpting is an effective alternative to liposuction for many people.
CoolSculpting is a completely nonsurgical procedure that reduces areas of unwanted fat using a process called cryolipolysis, which is based on the principle that fat cells are more sensitive to cold than other types of cells. When low temperatures are applied to the outer skin, fat cells just beneath the surface die, and the skin and other tissues remain undamaged. Treated areas gradually slim down as fat cells die and are flushed away by the body’s natural cleansing process. This innovative technology was developed by Harvard scientists and distributed by a company called Zeltiq Aesthetics.
Individual treatments cost approximately $500 to $1000 depending on the treatment area. However, the total cost for CoolSculpting at our Fishersville facility depends on the individual treatment plan and total number of sessions planned.
Healthy adults who are at or near an ideal weight usually benefit from CoolSculpting. Good candidates want a nonsurgical treatment for reducing well-defined areas of fat, including:
It is important to understand that CoolSculpting is not a weight loss treatment and does not tighten the skin. Results are not as dramatic as those from liposuction or a tummy tuck. For people with a significant amount of excess skin, which is often the case after pregnancy or massive weight loss, your surgeon may recommend a surgical solution such as a tummy tuck or thigh lift. Another nonsurgical option for reducing fat under the chin (a double chin) is injections with FDA-approved KYBELLA®.
At UVA Plastic Surgery, our highly regarded surgeons offer expertise and personalized care for a rewarding patient experience.
Meet Our SurgeonsCoolSculpting is a simple office procedure offered at our University of Virginia Plastic Surgery location that takes about an hour to perform per area. Your surgeon will begin by choosing the appropriate applicator for the treatment area. There may be minor discomfort such as pinching, intense cold, or tingling for the first 5 to 10 minutes as the treatment area becomes numb. Patients may relax or nap for the treatment period. Afterwards, the applicator is removed and the area is massaged for a few minutes to optimize results.
Because CoolSculpting is nonsurgical, it does not require downtime. Initially, patients may experience temporary swelling, bruising, or tenderness; however, patient experiences vary. These side effects are temporary and generally resolve over the following days or weeks. If you travel for CoolSculpting from Richmond or elsewhere in Virginia, you can safely drive yourself home after the treatment.
While some patients may see results as early as 3 weeks after their first treatment, the most dramatic results are usually seen between 1 and 3 months following a CoolSculpting treatment.
With a mindful diet and consistent exercise routine, CoolSculpting results may last indefinitely.
Research and clinical studies show that CoolSculpting effectively reduces fat in targeted areas such as the abdomen, thighs, flanks, and chin. Although the extent of results can vary from person to person, most patients see up to 25% reduction in fat in the treatment area after a CoolSculpting treatment.
It’s important to note that CoolSculpting is not a weight loss method. Rather, it’s a body contouring procedure that works best for individuals close to their ideal weight who have specific areas of stubborn fat.
CoolSculpting provides consistent results and high levels of patient satisfaction. Having realistic expectations about the treatment’s results and scheduling a consultation with our team can help you determine whether CoolSculpting is the right procedure for you and “worth it” to pursue.
CoolSculpting is generally considered a safe, well-tolerated procedure when performed by trained and experienced professionals. The procedure is nonsurgical and doesn’t involve anesthesia, incisions, or needles. However, there are potential risks and side effects.
Common side effects include temporary numbness, redness, swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area. Rare complications may include paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (an increase in fat cells in the treated area) and changes in skin sensation. It’s important to discuss your medical history and any concerns with your provider before undergoing CoolSculpting.
CoolSculpting is designed to be a relatively comfortable procedure, but individual experiences can vary. During the treatment, you might feel intense cold and a pulling or tugging sensation as the applicator applies suction to the targeted area. After the treatment, discomfort, numbness, and tingling may occur as the area warms up. Pain levels are typically mild, and many people are able to return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
To learn more about surgical and nonsurgical options for fat reduction at UVA Plastic Surgery in Charlottesville and Fishersville, request a consultation using our online form or call (434) 924-1234 for an appointment.
