CoolSculpting for the Face - Reduce Fat on Chin, Cheeks, and Jowls

Using CoolSculpting to Reduce Facial Fat

Many people struggle with stubborn pockets of fat on the face that can be difficult to eliminate through diet and exercise alone. CoolSculpting has emerged as an innovative non-invasive procedure that can target fat cells on the face to create a more sculpted, slimmed down facial appearance.

Understanding How CoolSculpting Works

CoolSculpting employs a technology called cryolipolysis to literally freeze away fat cells. The CoolSculpting device uses controlled cooling to target and crystallize fat cells underneath the skin, without harming the overlying skin.

Over the next weeks and months as your body naturally eliminates the dead fat cells, treated areas become noticeably leaner. Results can become apparent in as little as 3 weeks, with the most dramatic results seen after 1-3 months.

Benefits of CoolSculpting for the Face

Some of the benefits of using CoolSculpting to treat facial fat include:

• Non-invasive and non-surgical - No knives, needles or downtime required.
• Long lasting results from one treatment.
• FDA cleared and clinically proven effective on the submental area (double chin), cheeks, and jowls.
• Seen as more comfortable than some other fat reduction procedures.
• Minimal discomfort, no anesthesia needed.
• No major side effects have been reported.

Ideal Candidates for Facial CoolSculpting

The CoolSculpting procedure works best on people who are near their ideal body weight but have localized areas of diet and exercise-resistant fat. Good candidates for facial CoolSculpting treatment have:

• Excess fullness or fat bulges under the chin, along the jawline, or under cheekbones
• Areas of pinchable fat on the face
• A stable body weight

People who have loose, sagging skin may benefit more from skin tightening procedures. Your provider can help determine if your particular concerns would respond well to CoolSculpting.

What to Expect During Facial CoolSculpting

During a CoolSculpting session, a gel pad and applicator are placed over the treatment area. The device's cooling panels are applied and controlled vacuum pressure pulls tissue into the panels. You may feel some mild pulling, tugging or pinching during this part of the procedure.

As the procedure begins, the area becomes numb and cold. This cold sensation is one of the most commonly reported sensations. Typically any discomfort is mild. Your provider may have you relax by watching TV, listening to music, or even napping during the 35-60 minute treatment.

After the applicator is removed, the area is gently massaged for a few minutes. Some residual numbness or minimal discomfort can persist for a short while afterward but patients are typically able to resume normal activities immediately.

Treatment Plans for Facial CoolSculpting

Your customized CoolSculpting treatment plan will depend on the areas you want to target and the amount of fat reduction desired. Below are some of the most common treatment protocols for the face:

• Double chin: The chin and jawline are common areas of concern. One or sometimes two back-to-back 35 minute sessions are done per treatment.
• Cheeks: Fullness in the cheeks can be effectively reduced with a 35 or 45 minute treatment on each side.
• Jowls: Jowls and smaller pockets of fat can be treated with a 35 minute session per side.

For more dramatic reshaping, many patients opt to do additional follow-up sessions after several months. Maintenance sessions may also be desired over time.

Before and After Your CoolSculpting Facial Treatment

To prep for your CoolSculpting session, your provider will review your health history and expectations. Be sure to disclose any health issues, medications, or supplements you take.

No lab work or advance preparation is required. However, you'll want to avoid blood thinning medications like aspirin for 1 week beforehand to minimize the chance of surface bruising.

Photographs are taken before and after your procedure to help compare your improvements over time. Treatment areas are cleaned and gel pads are applied to protect the skin.

After the procedure is complete, the area will look and feel unchanged from your treatment. You can typically return to your normal activities right away. Tenderness, numbness, bruising or slight redness may last for a few days.

Seeing Your CoolSculpting Results

It takes time for your body to naturally dispose of the affected fat cells, so you will not see immediate changes. Most patients report seeing gradual improvement in as little as 3 weeks after treatment.

The most dramatic improvements are visible after 1-3 months. Your final results can be seen around 6 months post-treatment as the process completes.

While one treatment provides visible improvements for most patients, some opt for additional sessions to further sculpt their appearance as desired.

Maintaining your weight with a healthy lifestyle supports longer lasting CoolSculpting results. If you gain weight afterwards, the fat cells can increase in other areas.

Is CoolSculpting Safe for Facial Fat Reduction?

CoolSculpting has an excellent safety profile and most patients see only minor side effects like temporary numbness, redness, or bruising at the treatment site. It's rare to experience any serious adverse effects when treatments are administered properly by an experienced provider.

However, some things to keep in mind include:

• You may experience discomfort during the procedure, but it's temporary.
• Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) is a rare risk occurring in less than 1% of patients where the fat becomes enlarged rather than shrinking after treatment. PAH requires surgical removal.
• There is a risk for some residual contour irregularities or numbness to remain after treatment.

Choosing an experienced CoolSculpting provider minimizes the risk. Be sure to address any specific health concerns with your provider.

Is CoolSculpting Worth It for Your Facial Rejuvenation?

For patients who are bothered by small pockets of fat on the face, CoolSculpting can provide noticeable enhancements without the need for surgery. The procedure requires minimal downtime, is less invasive than liposuction, and helps sculpt a more toned, defined facial appearance.

The results emerge gradually over several months. While not a weight loss solution, many patients appreciate the discrete yet transformative improvements CoolSculpting offers for problem facial areas unresponsive to diet and exercise.

Talk to a trained aesthetic provider in your area to find out if CoolSculpting is the right choice for you. They can assess your individual needs and concerns to create a customized treatment plan targeting the fat pads that bother you most.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.