CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is the original fat-freezing technology and remains the most clinically validated non-surgical fat reduction treatment in the world, with over eight million treatments performed. It works through a principle that is both simple and robust: fat cells are more susceptible to cold than surrounding tissue. Controlled cooling destroys the fat cells, which are then cleared by the body over the following weeks, permanently reducing volume in the treatment area.
How does CoolSculpting work?
CoolSculpting uses a process called cryolipolysis: applicators positioned over targeted fat deposits deliver precisely controlled cooling to a temperature that triggers fat cell apoptosis (programmed cell death) without damaging the overlying skin, muscle, or surrounding tissue. The cold is selective. Fat cells crystallize and are destroyed at temperatures that leave other cell types unaffected.
Over the ten to twelve weeks following treatment, the body's lymphatic system gradually clears the treated fat cells. Because the cells are removed rather than simply shrunk (as occurs with diet or exercise), the volume reduction is permanent. Those cells cannot return. Future fat accumulation in the treated area would require existing cells elsewhere to expand, not new cells forming in the treated zone.
Individual treatment sessions take one to three hours depending on the number of applicators used and the areas treated. Most patients experience significant reduction after a single session, with continued improvement for up to four months. Some areas benefit from a second session for further improvement.
Who is a good candidate for CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is not a weight loss treatment. It is a contouring treatment designed for patients at or near their healthy weight who have specific, localized fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. The ideal candidate has a defined pocket of fat in one or more of the treatable areas, good overall skin tone in the treatment area, and realistic expectations about the degree of improvement.
Patients with pseudogynecomastia (excess fat in the male chest area), flank fat disproportionate to overall body composition, or stubborn lower abdominal fat following weight loss are among those who consistently achieve the clearest results.
CoolSculpting is not suitable for patients with cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, which are rare conditions that cause abnormal sensitivity to cold. Patients with loose, lax skin in the treatment area may find that skin tightening treatments (Exilis Ultra or Emtone) are a better match for their specific concern. This is assessed at consultation.
Your treatment experience:
CoolSculpting sessions at WMA begin with a brief assessment and marking of the treatment area. Applicators are positioned and secured, and cooling begins. The initial sensation is cold and pulling. Most patients describe this as intense for the first five to ten minutes, after which the area becomes numb as the cold takes effect.
Most patients read, work on a laptop, or simply rest during the session. When the applicator is removed, the treated area is massaged briefly to break down the treated fat cells and improve uniformity of result. This massage typically takes two minutes and is somewhat uncomfortable, but it has been shown to improve results by up to 68%.
There is no recovery and no downtime. Some patients experience temporary numbness, redness, or firmness in the treated area for several days to weeks. All of these are normal and resolve without intervention.
More than a decade of clinical validation
CoolSculpting has more peer-reviewed clinical data behind it than any other non-surgical fat reduction technology. Over ten years of published studies, more than eight million treatments worldwide, and a consistent body of evidence showing 20–25% fat reduction per session in treated areas. At WMA, cryolipolysis protocols are designed to optimize this result for your specific anatomy and goals.
1
FDA-cleared and Health Canada approved2
Average 20–25% fat reduction per treated area3
Permanent reduction: cleared fat cells do not return4
No anesthesia, no surgery, no recovery
What results to expect, and when?
CoolSculpting results are not immediate. They develop progressively as the body clears the treated fat cells. Most patients begin to notice a visible reduction at six to eight weeks. The full result is typically visible at three to four months following treatment. Before-and-after photography at four months consistently shows meaningful, visible reduction in the treated area.
The degree of improvement from a single session averages 20 to 25% reduction in fat volume in the treated area. This is a real, visible, and measurable change, not a subtle difference requiring close inspection to detect. Patients who treat multiple areas in a single session often describe their overall result as more significant than they anticipated.
What to Expect
Does it hurt?
Cold and pressure: intense initially, then numb
What is the recovery?
None. Return to all activities immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neuromodulator treatments do not require recovery. Treatments are quick and you can return to all regular activities immediately.
Anti-Wrinkle Injection treatments are quick and relatively comfortable. At most, you may experience a small pinprick sensation.
Neuromodulator treatment results manifest over a period of 3-14 days and last an average of 3-6 months depending on the treated area and how quickly an individual’s body metabolizes the treatment.
Your Trusted Providers
At Whistler Medical Aesthetics, every treatment is physician-directed. Dr. Sarah Kennea and the WMA team bring a standard of care that reflects both deep clinical expertise and the precision standard you expect from Canada's premier mountain destination.
Dr. Tara Lynn Teshima
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr. Sarah Kennea
Medical Director
Dr. Natalie Waller ND
Doctor
Krista Stephens
Lead Consultant
