Non-surgical fat reduction means reducing fat in a specific, localized area without incisions. At Sensational Skin in Scottsdale, the non-surgical fat reduction treatment is CoolSculpting, an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses a targeted cooling process. Whether it belongs in your plan, and where, is decided together at a consultation.
What does non-surgical fat reduction mean?
Non-surgical fat reduction is a body contouring approach that addresses fat in a targeted area from outside the body, with no incisions. The word "non-surgical" describes how the treatment is delivered: nothing is cut, and treatment happens through the surface of the skin. "Non-invasive" is often used in the same way.
The phrase "fat reduction" is also worth reading closely. It refers to fat in a particular place, such as an area that has stayed the same despite steady habits. It does not refer to overall body weight. That distinction shapes how the practice talks about CoolSculpting and how a plan is put together.
How CoolSculpting works, in brief
CoolSculpting applies controlled cooling to a chosen area through an applicator placed on the skin. That targeted cooling process affects the fat cells beneath the skin. Over the following months, the treated fat cells are cleared by the body's natural processes. There are no incisions.
Sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes per area, depending on the area. For a fuller walk through the process, see the practice's article on how CoolSculpting works.
Is non-surgical fat reduction the same as weight loss?
No. CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss treatment. It is meant for localized areas of fat, not for changing overall body weight. Thinking of it this way helps set a realistic frame for the conversation: the question is about shape in a particular area, not about the number on the scale.
For people whose goals do include weight, Sensational Skin offers a physician-supervised medical weight loss program, and every patient in that program is medically screened and cleared by S. Kent Brown, M.D., before starting. Questions about weight, overall health or any medical condition belong with a qualified medical provider who knows your full health history.
Where CoolSculpting fits in a body contouring plan
The practice describes body contouring as not one-size-fits-all. Fat, muscle tone and the appearance of cellulite are different concerns, and each is addressed with a different kind of technology. CoolSculpting is the piece of the plan that focuses on fat. Depending on your goals, a plan may also include:
- CoolTone, which 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.
- VelaShape, an FDA-cleared, non-surgical device for the appearance of cellulite that combines infrared light, radiofrequency energy and mechanical massage. It is often combined with CoolSculpting in a body contouring plan.
- Medical weight-management options, for patients who are still working toward a weight goal and are cleared by Dr. Brown.
The practice sums up its approach this way: one practice, multiple technologies, a treatment plan designed around you. Some plans use CoolSculpting by itself. Others combine several of these treatments. The mix depends on what you hope to change.
How the practice decides whether CoolSculpting fits
A plan starts with a conversation about which areas matter to you and why. From there, the team looks at a few practical questions:
- Is the concern fat, muscle tone or surface texture? Each points toward a different technology.
- Is the area localized? CoolSculpting is designed for specific areas rather than the whole body.
- Which applicator suits the area? Bodies have different contours, and the applicator needs to fit the part of the body being treated.
- How does this fit your other goals? If weight goals are part of the picture, the plan may be coordinated with the medical weight loss program.
Because the body clears treated fat cells gradually over the following months, patience is part of any CoolSculpting plan. The team talks through what to expect during that period at the consultation.
Equipment and credentials at the practice
Having a range of applicators gives the team options when planning treatment for different areas. Sensational Skin has four CoolSculpting systems with 28 applicators. The practice's CoolSculpting credentials shown on its site include CoolSculpting Elite, Club 5000 member and CoolSculpting Complete Practice, and more than 20,000 CoolSculpting treatments have been performed at the practice.
CoolSculpting, CoolTone and VelaShape are performed by Susan Brown, Clinical Assistant to S. Kent Brown, M.D. Susan has been with the practice since 1998 and is CoolSculpting Master Certified. She conducts consultations and builds treatment plans together with Dr. Brown, and the whole team works under his supervision.
Questions to bring to your consultation
A few questions can make the most of your visit:
- Is my concern in this area mainly fat, or is muscle tone or cellulite part of it?
- Which applicator would be used, and how many areas make sense for my goals?
- Would CoolTone or VelaShape add anything to my plan?
- How would this fit with any weight goals I have?
You can browse the practice's CoolSculpting before and after gallery before you come in. Results vary from person to person, and the photos show individual patients, not a promise of any outcome.
Book a non-surgical fat reduction 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. The practice offers a complimentary consultation to discover options for stubborn areas and talk through a personalized body contouring plan. Call or text (480) 596-9111 to schedule, or request a consultation online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is non-surgical fat reduction at Sensational Skin?
At Sensational Skin, non-surgical fat reduction is done with CoolSculpting, an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses a targeted cooling process on localized areas of fat, with no incisions.
Is CoolSculpting a weight loss treatment?
No. CoolSculpting is intended for localized areas of fat and is not a weight-loss treatment.
How long is a CoolSculpting session?
CoolSculpting 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, Clinical Assistant to S. Kent Brown, M.D., who is CoolSculpting Master Certified and works under Dr. Brown's supervision.
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.