CoolSculpting: Nonsurgical Body-Contouring Treatment

The plastic surgeons at UT Southwestern Medical Center expertly perform CoolSculpting, a nonsurgical body contouring treatment that helps patients contour their abdomens, backs, and sides.

Our long-standing and unique expertise with body-contouring procedures has continually put us at the forefront of medical and technological advances. 

Eliminate Stubborn Fat Without Surgery

Some people have fat cells that are resistant to diet and exercise. These cells often settle around the trunk area. This type of fat is commonly referred to as back fat or love handles.

CoolSculpting is a treatment that the UT Southwestern plastic surgery team offers to help patients contour their abdomens, backs, and sides, eliminating stubborn fat without surgery. There is no downtime with this procedure.

If a patient is considering CoolSculpting, the first step is an evaluation by a UTSW plastic surgeon to determine if the patient is a candidate. Our team is internationally recognized for delivering outstanding clinical care and conducting groundbreaking research. 

If CoolSculpting isn’t the right option for a patient, we offer a variety of safe, effective alternatives for fat removal and body contouring.

How CoolSculpting Works

Typically, patients within 20 percent of their optimal weight (including those at an ideal weight) could be candidates for CoolSculpting. An individual also needs to have good skin elasticity. This procedure is not a replacement for diet and exercise.

After the development of an individualized treatment plan, a UT Southwestern plastic surgeon applies CoolSculpting technology (PDF) to freeze fat cells underneath the skin. The fat cells gradually die and are eliminated naturally from the body.

Treatments take one to three hours and are performed in our offices. Results can be seen in two to three weeks after a CoolSculpting treatment. The full impact can be seen about three months after the procedure. Results are more effective for patients who exercise and have a healthy diet and good skin tone. Outcomes are permanent if a healthy weight is maintained.

Maximizing the Long-Term Benefits

Like other body-contouring procedures, patient involvement is needed to achieve the best possible results. The treatment does 50 percent of the work. For long-term impact, it’s important for a patient to manage the remaining 50 percent by maintaining a healthy weight. UT Southwestern Plastic Surgery partners with patients to provide tips and guidance if lifestyle changes involving diet and exercise are needed.

BodyWise 360 Challenge

For patients undergoing CoolSculpting, UT Southwestern Plastic Surgery offers the BodyWise 360 Challenge. This program combines individualized CoolSculpting treatments to get rid of diet-resistant fat with tips and coaching on nutrition and staying fit. The program boosts results, by including:

• Tips on healthy eating
• Exercise information
• Complimentary coaching sessions during the first 90 days of CoolSculpting treatments