Sculpt Your Body Without Surgery : CoolSculpting for Targeted Fat Reduction
Harness the Power of Cryolipolysis to Eliminate Fat Cells Naturally and Permanently
If you’ve reached a plateau with diet and exercise but still struggle with stubborn areas like love handles or underarm fat, CoolSculpting offers a powerful, non-surgical solution. This FDA-cleared treatment uses a science-backed method called cryolipolysis to eliminate fat cells, without downtime, needles, or surgery.
At Balikian Plastic Surgery, we help patients achieve a more sculpted, confident silhouette using advanced CoolSculpting fat reduction techniques tailored to each individual’s body goals.
What Is CoolSculpting and How Does It Work?
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat reduction treatment that targets and freezes fat cells using a process called cryolipolysis. Fat cells are more sensitive to cold than surrounding tissues. By applying controlled cooling, CoolSculpting causes fat cells to crystallize and die, without harming your skin or muscles.
Over time, your body naturally processes and eliminates these dead fat cells, revealing a slimmer, more contoured version of you.
Unlike diet and exercise, which only shrink fat cells, CoolSculpting permanently removes treated fat cells from the body.
CoolSculpting for Love Handles
The flanks, or “love handles”, are one of the most common trouble spots for both men and women. Even with a healthy lifestyle, this area often resists change. CoolSculpting love handles can visibly reduce volume and smooth out your waistline, helping clothes fit better and your silhouette look more proportioned.
Treatment sessions typically take about 35–60 minutes per side. Most patients notice a reduction in bulge within weeks, with optimal results appearing after about 2 to 3 months.
CoolSculpting for Underarm Fat (Bra Bulge)
If you’ve ever noticed excess fat spilling out from under your bra strap or around your underarms, you’re not alone. This area is difficult to target with exercise, but CoolSculpting for underarm fat is specifically designed to treat these smaller, delicate regions.
Using a precision applicator, we can contour the area just below the armpit and along the upper back to reduce the appearance of bra bulge. The result? A smoother, more defined upper body profile, without surgery.
Additional Areas We Treat
CoolSculpting is versatile and can be applied to multiple areas, including:
- Abdomen and belly fat
- Inner and outer thighs
- Back and bra fat
- Double chin (submental fat)
- Upper arms
During your consultation, we’ll map out a treatment plan focused on your goals and the areas you want to improve.
CoolSculpting Before and After Gallery
What to Expect During and After Treatment
CoolSculpting treatments are well-tolerated. Most patients describe sensations of intense cold, tingling, or numbness that subside quickly. You can relax during your session, many people scroll their phones, read, or take a nap.
There is no downtime. You can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
Mild redness, swelling, or numbness in the treated area may occur but usually resolve within a few days.
Why Choose Balikian Plastic Surgery for CoolSculpting?
At our Temecula Valley practice, we use the latest CoolSculpting technology to help patients achieve noticeable fat reduction safely and effectively.
Your treatment plan will be customized to fit your body, your goals, and your lifestyle, delivering natural-looking, long-lasting results without surgery.
What the Science Says…
- Proven fat reduction at ~12 weeks. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis (30 studies; 3,158 participants) found meaningful decreases after treatment: average waist circumference −3.56 cm and suprailiac fat thickness −5.22 mm at 12 weeks, with ~80% patient satisfaction. Most side effects were mild and temporary (numbness, redness, swelling).
- Submental (under-chin) improvement is measurable. A 2025 meta-analysis reported average reductions of −2.78 mm in fat thickness and −19.6 cm³ in volume after submental cryolipolysis, with minimal, transient side effects.
- Safety profile is favorable in real-world use. A large 2025 chart review of 3,262 patients and 18,203 cycles reported low adverse-event rates. The rare complication paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) occurred at an estimated 0.018%–0.048% per cycle.
- Technique and aftercare matter. A 2023 study found that active heating immediately after treatment may improve comfort but can reduce efficacy, so it should be avoided.
- Results build over time and with smart sequencing. Studies show changes begin within weeks and peak around 2–3 months; multiple cycles can enhance outcomes in suitable areas.
- Not a weight-loss procedure. Meta-analysis data show small average shifts in body measures, but cryolipolysis is best viewed as targeted contouring for stubborn bulges, not a replacement for healthy habits.
CoolSculpting® FAQs
What is CoolSculpting and how does it work?
CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling, called cryolipolysis, to freeze fat cells without harming skin or muscle. Your body naturally clears the treated fat cells over time.
Is CoolSculpting a weight-loss treatment?
No. It is a body contouring treatment for stubborn bulges. It reduces visible fat in targeted areas and refines shape, but it does not replace healthy habits.
Which areas can you treat?
Common areas include abdomen, love handles, underarm bra bulge, inner and outer thighs, upper arms, back, and under the chin.
How many sessions will I need?
Many people see a visible change after one session per area. Some choose two or more sessions for added refinement. Your plan is customized to your goals.
When will I see results?
Changes can appear in a few weeks, with the most visible results around two to three months as your body clears the treated fat cells.
Are results permanent?
Treated fat cells are eliminated and do not return. Remaining fat cells can still enlarge with weight gain, so stable habits help maintain your result.
Does it hurt?
Most describe intense cold, pulling, tingling, or numbness that eases within minutes. You can relax, read, or nap during treatment.
Is there downtime?
No. You can return to normal activities right away. Temporary redness, swelling, numbness, or sensitivity can occur and typically resolves on its own.
What are the possible side effects?
Common effects include temporary numbness, swelling, bruising, or firmness in the treated area. A rare side effect called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia can create a firmer bulge that may need further treatment. Your clinician will review all risks and safety steps.
Will CoolSculpting help loose skin?
It targets fat, not skin laxity. If loose skin is a concern, your plan may include complementary treatments or a different approach.
How is CoolSculpting different from liposuction?
CoolSculpting is non surgical with no incisions and little to no downtime. Liposuction removes larger amounts of fat but requires anesthesia and recovery. Your consultation helps determine the right option.
Can CoolSculpting be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Many plans combine CoolSculpting with lifestyle coaching or skin-focused treatments for tone and texture. Your team will guide safe sequencing.
Can you treat love handles and underarm bra bulge?
Yes. Love handles and the small area under the bra line respond well to appropriately sized applicators that fit the curve of the body.
Start Your Journey
Explore More of Our MedSpa Treatments
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Tyler Frew, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
