The Science Behind
CoolSculpting®
Fat freezing is a revolutionary, non-invasive fat reduction technique. Also called CoolSculpting®, it utilizes a process known as cryolipolysis to eliminate fat without surgery or downtime. While this may sound too good to be true, the science is sound.
The History of Cryolipolysis
Two Harvard scientists, Dieter Manstein, MD, and R. Rox Anderson, MD, observed a phenomenon known as popsicle panniculitis — reduced cheek fat among children who frequently sucked on popsicles. Dr. Manstein explained the science behind CoolSculpting® in Allure magazine:
Based on this discovery, researchers determined that exposing stubborn fat to carefully controlled cooling temperatures could freeze fat cells without harming the surrounding skin. Skin tissue consists primarily of water, which freezes at a much lower temperature than fat cells.
Cryolipolysis works by targeting stubborn fat deposits while leaving surrounding tissues unharmed. In the scientific paper, "Cryolipolysis for Non-Invasive Body Contouring: Clinical Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction," researcher Nils Krueger, MD, explains that:
The controlled fat-freezing process used during CoolSculpting® treatment can result in significant fat reduction. Krueger's study reported an average 20% reduction in fat after a single treatment session. Because the treated fat cells are destroyed and naturally eliminated by the body, they do not regenerate, making CoolSculpting® a long-term fat reduction solution for appropriate candidates.
→ Cryolipolysis for Non-Invasive Body Contouring: Clinical Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction
Find Out if CoolSculpting® Is Right for You
If you're considering non-surgical body contouring, schedule a consultation to determine whether CoolSculpting® is an appropriate treatment option for your goals.
Scientific Literature Supports Cryolipolysis
The FDA has cleared CoolSculpting® for reducing visible fat in approved treatment areas. Its safety and effectiveness are also supported by numerous peer-reviewed clinical studies.
Safety, Tolerance, and Patient Satisfaction with Non-Invasive Cryolipolysis
One such study, "Safety, Tolerance, and Patient Satisfaction with Non-Invasive Cryolipolysis," published in Dermatologic Surgery, followed more than 500 CoolSculpting® patients.
Researchers reported:
- No significant side effects or adverse events
- 89% of patients reported a positive perception of treatment duration
- 96% reported only minimal to tolerable discomfort
The study concluded:
→ Safety, Tolerance, and Patient Satisfaction with Non-Invasive Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis for Non-Invasive Body Contouring
Another peer-reviewed study, "Cryolipolysis for Non-Invasive Body Contouring," published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, further supports the treatment's safety profile.
Researchers concluded:
- Cryolipolysis has been proven to be a very safe method of body contouring
- Accomplished with only minimal discomfort.
The study concluded:
The review also found that cryolipolysis is both safe and effective, with consistently high patient satisfaction rates.
Dr. Angela Merlo
Board-Certified Physician | Medical Director, Best Reflections
Dr. Angela Merlo is an award-winning, board-certified physician with extensive clinical experience in non-surgical body contouring, aesthetics, and gastroenterology. She personally oversees all medical protocols at Best Reflections med spa, ensuring clinical integrity, high safety standards, and scientifically verified outcomes for every patient.
See Your Best Reflection
Schedule your consultation today with Dr. Angela Merlo in Princeton, NJ.