CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared, non-surgical fat reduction treatment that uses a targeted cooling process to affect fat cells under the skin. The treated fat cells are then cleared by the body's natural processes over the following months, with no incisions involved. At Sensational Skin in Scottsdale, CoolSculpting is part of a physician-supervised practice that has been serving patients since 1998.
How does CoolSculpting work?
CoolSculpting works by applying controlled cooling to a specific area of the body. That cooling affects the fat cells beneath the skin in the treated area. Over the following months, the body clears those treated fat cells through its own natural processes. People often call the treatment "fat freezing," although the practice describes it as a targeted cooling process.
Because the treatment is non-invasive, there are no incisions and no stitches. A device applicator is placed on the area being treated, and the cooling is delivered through it. You can read the practice's own description on the CoolSculpting page.
What is fat, and why does it collect in certain areas?
Fat tissue is made up of fat cells that store energy for the body. It is a normal and necessary part of human anatomy. Many people notice that certain areas, such as the abdomen, flanks or thighs, hold on to fat even when their habits are steady. Genetics, age and hormones all play a part in where the body tends to store fat.
CoolSculpting focuses on these localized areas. It is a body contouring treatment, which means it focuses on shape in specific places rather than on overall body weight.
Is CoolSculpting a weight loss treatment?
No. CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss treatment. It is intended for localized areas of fat, not for reducing overall body weight. If your goals involve weight, your general health or a medical condition, the right first step is a conversation with a qualified medical provider who can look at your full health history.
For people whose goals do include weight, Sensational Skin also offers a physician-supervised medical weight loss program. Every patient in that program is medically screened and cleared by S. Kent Brown, M.D., before starting, and plans can include body contouring alongside nutrition support.
What happens during a CoolSculpting session?
A CoolSculpting session typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes per area, depending on the area being treated. Before treatment, the team talks through which areas you would like to address and how they fit your overall goals. An applicator suited to that part of the body is then positioned, and the cooling process begins.
The number of areas and the overall plan are personalized, so those details are covered at the consultation rather than decided in advance. Because the body clears treated fat cells gradually, CoolSculpting is a treatment where patience is part of the plan.
Why applicators and equipment matter
Bodies come in many shapes, and different areas have different contours. At Sensational Skin, the practice has four CoolSculpting systems with 28 applicators, which gives the team options when planning treatment for different parts of the body.
The practice also holds several CoolSculpting credentials shown on its site: CoolSculpting Elite, Club 5000 member and CoolSculpting Complete Practice. More than 20,000 CoolSculpting treatments have been performed at the practice.
Who performs CoolSculpting at Sensational Skin?
CoolSculpting at Sensational Skin is performed by Susan Brown, Clinical Assistant to S. Kent Brown, M.D. Susan has been with the practice since 1998. She is CoolSculpting Master Certified, an Arizona-certified laser technician and the practice's Laser Safety Officer. She conducts consultations and builds treatment plans together with Dr. Brown, and the whole team works under his supervision.
How CoolSculpting fits into a body contouring plan
CoolSculpting focuses on fat. Some people also have goals related to muscle tone or the appearance of cellulite, and the practice offers other treatments for those concerns:
- CoolTone uses magnetic muscle stimulation to cause strong involuntary muscle contractions. The practice uses it to strengthen, tone and firm the muscles of the abdomen, buttocks and thighs, and it is often planned alongside CoolSculpting. Learn more on the CoolTone page.
- VelaShape is an FDA-cleared, non-surgical device for the appearance of cellulite. It combines infrared light, radiofrequency energy and mechanical massage, and is often combined with CoolSculpting in a body contouring plan. See the VelaShape page.
Whether a plan includes one of these treatments or several depends on your goals, which is why the practice builds each plan individually.
Questions to bring to a CoolSculpting consultation
A consultation is the place to talk through what you hope to change and whether CoolSculpting fits. Helpful questions include:
- Which areas are suited to CoolSculpting for my goals?
- Which applicator would be used for each area?
- Would CoolTone or VelaShape make sense alongside CoolSculpting in my plan?
- What should I expect in the months after treatment as my body clears the treated fat cells?
You can also browse the practice's CoolSculpting before and after gallery. Results vary from person to person, and photos show individual patients, not a promise of any outcome.
Book a CoolSculpting consultation in Scottsdale
Sensational Skin is at 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 115, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, convenient to North Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Arcadia and Biltmore. Results vary, and the right plan starts with an in-person conversation about your goals. Call or text (480) 596-9111 to schedule, or request a consultation online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does CoolSculpting work?
CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses a targeted cooling process to affect fat cells under the skin. The treated fat cells are then cleared by the body's natural processes over the following months.
Is CoolSculpting a weight loss treatment?
No. CoolSculpting is a non-surgical fat reduction treatment for specific areas and is not a weight-loss treatment.
How long does a CoolSculpting session take?
Sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes per area, depending on the area being treated.
Who performs CoolSculpting at Sensational Skin?
CoolSculpting is performed by Susan Brown, who is CoolSculpting Master Certified, under the supervision of S. Kent Brown, M.D.
Book a consultation. Every plan starts with a consultation at our Scottsdale office, 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 115. Call or text (480) 596-9111, or request a consultation online.
Individual results vary. This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have symptoms or a medical condition, please see a qualified medical provider.