DIY coolsculpting at home, also known as DIY cryolipolysis or DIY fat freezing, aims to reduce stubborn fat through the controlled freezing of fatty tissue.
The most important question regarding DIY coolsculpting is, “Is coolsculpting at home safe and effective?”
Many people are interested in DIY coolsculpting as a cost-effective weight loss solution because research has indicated that professional coolsculpting services can help people reduce stubborn fat and improve body composition (McKeown & Payne, 2021).
However, it is highlyunlikely that any DIY coolsculpting devices actually work.
If you are wondering whether or not you should try DIY coolsculpting, this article will teach you everything you need to know.
What is DIY Coolsculpting at Home?
DIY coolsculpting is the act of performing “coolsculpting” procedures at home, on your own.
Coolsculpting is a non-invasive (non-surgical) fat reduction procedure that uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat in targeted areas of the body.
Compared with other conventional weight loss methods, coolsculpting services have received a lot of attention because they can “spot burn” body fat from direct places on your body with minimal effort.
However, DIY coolsculpting at home is not the same as going to a licensed professional and getting professional coolsculpting services.
Evidence Based Benefits of Coolsculpting (Fat-Freezing)
First of all, yes. There is legitimate proof that you can do cryolipolysis for fat loss.
For example, a study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine noted that although the mechanism of results for cryolipolysis is not completely understood, the efficacy and safety of coolsculpting for fat reduction have been demonstrated.
Additionally, a recent research study from 2021 concluded that coolsculpting could safely provide benefits in body contouring, with significant decreases in skinfold thickness (McKeown & Payne, 2021).
However, professional coolscultping services are significantly different from do-it-yourself coolsculpting at-home devices.
The best option is to go to a professional coolsculpting service, where a trained doctor will administer the coolsculpting procedure for you.
However, if you do not want to pay for a professional cryolipolysis service, you can purchase a DIY coolsculpting machine, although it will likely not be as effective.
Eliminates Stubborn Fat
CoolSculpting is popular among people who are at or near their ideal weight but have stubborn pockets of fat they want to reduce.
These areas of fat can be difficult to eliminate through diet and exercise alone, and CoolSculpting can help reduce them more efficiently.
Some of the most common areas people treat with CoolSculpting include the stomach, thighs, arms, and chin.
The procedure is particularly effective at reducing “love handles” and “muffin tops” on the stomach, as well as “saddlebags” on the thighs.
Non-Invasive Fat Reduction
CoolSculpting is also appealing to people who want to avoid surgery, as it is non-invasive and requires no downtime.
Unlike liposuction, CoolSculpting does not involve incisions, and there is no need for general anesthesia.
The procedure is relatively painless, and most people can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
Why Do People Want to Do Coolsculpting at Home?
Many people are drawn to DIY CoolSculpting at home because it promises fat reduction without the high cost or scheduling demands of professional treatments.
The idea of freezing fat at home, often called DIY cryolipolysis or DIY fat freezing, has gained popularity on social media as an affordable way to mimic professional CoolSculpting results.
DIY coolsculpting at-home devices do not have the scientific evidence that professional coolsculpting services do, so you should be cautious about using any DIY fat-freezing machine and think carefully before purchasing one.
Cost
Moreover, there are a few reasons someone might want to try DIY CoolSculpting at home.
One reason people might want to do DIY CoolSculpting at home is cost.
Professional CoolSculpting treatments can be expensive, and not everyone can afford them. While the cost of professional treatments can vary, it’s not uncommon for people to pay several thousand dollars for multiple treatment sessions.
DIY CoolSculpting can be a more affordable option for those who want to reduce fat but don’t want to spend much money.
Convenience
Additionally, some people might choose to do DIY CoolSculpting at home because of convenience.
They might not have the money for professional CoolSculpting, the easy access to a medical office or clinic that offers it, or the time to attend multiple appointments.
DIY CoolSculpting allows them to perform the procedure in the comfort of their own home and on their own schedule.
However, it’s important to remember that DIY CoolSculpting is not recommended by FDA and could be dangerous if not done properly.
Additionally, it is better to opt for a more controlled and safe professional treatment that can be performed by certified and trained professionals.
Is DIY Cryolipolysis at Home Safe?
CoolSculpting is a growing trend in the plastic surgery and body-enhancing field, and many research studies validate professional coolsculpting services as a safe and effective treatment option for body shaping (Stevens et al., 2013).
However, DIY CoolSculpting at home is not safe. The procedure involves exposing the skin to extremely cold temperatures for an extended period of time, which can cause a number of potential risks and side effects.
One of the most significant risks is frostbite.
When the skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for too long, it can freeze, leading to frostbite.
This can cause severe damage to the skin and underlying tissue and can even result in permanent scarring or loss of sensation.
Additionally, coolsculpting can cause numbness, tingling, and other sensations in the treated area.
To minimize the risks and ensure safety when doing DIY CoolSculpting at home, it’s important to be careful when handling any cooling devices.
Keep them away from sensitive areas of the skin, and avoid leaving them on for too long.
It’s also a good idea to consult a professional before trying DIY CoolSculpting, as they can help determine if it’s safe for you.
Performing at-home coolsculpting without supervision or professional support can be dangerous, so you must take all the necessary precautions.
Is Fat Freezing with Ice Packs Safe?
Can you use ice to freeze fat off?
Not only will using ice to freeze fat off not work, but you can also cause yourself freezer burn.
A research study published in the Journal of Wound Care noted that in one case, a patient using dry ice instead of a safe coolsculpting machine wounded 4% of her total body when trying to do coolsculpting at home with an ice pack.
During a true coolsculpting treatment, the coolsculpting doctors carefully monitor the freezing temperatures of your skin, making sure not to “freezer burn” your body.
After properly observing the skin temperature and the body’s vital signs, the temperature given out by the device would be adjusted to deliver the best possible results.
In fact, the professional coolsculpting device makes sure that your fat cells won’t freeze.
Final Thoughts: Does DIY Coolsculpting Work, or Is Coolsculpting at Home a Scam?
Based on the evidence, coolsculpting is not a scam.
However, I recommended that you seek professional coolsculpting services from a professional provider rather than attempting DIY coolsculptiong.
It is likely that with further advancements in technology, more effective at-home fat-freezing machines will be developed, as there is legitimate scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of this method for reducing fat.
However, this does not negate the fact that coolsculpting can be a beneficial technique for individuals struggling to eliminate stubborn body fat.
It is important to note that while coolsculpting may allow for the targeting of specific areas of the body, it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid regaining the lost weight.
One potential disadvantage of coolsculpting is that it does not increase the basal metabolic rate that exercise provides, which can lead to rapid weight gain if not managed properly.
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Coolsculpting at Home
Here are answers to a few common questions related to coolsculpting and DIY coolsculpting at home:
DIY Coolsculpting can cause serious harm, including skin damage, tissue damage, nerve damage, and scarring.
DIY Coolsculpting sessions typically last between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and number of areas being treated.
Coolsculpting can permanently remove fat cells from the body. However, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is still essential to prevent the growth of new fat cells. DIY coolsculpting does not promise the same results as professional coolsculpting.
During a Coolsculpting session, you will sit or lie down while a special device is placed on the targeted area. You may feel a cold sensation and some pressure, but the procedure is generally painless. During the session, you can read, watch TV, or work on your laptop.
Coolsculpting is best for people who have stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. It is not recommended for people who are significantly overweight or have loose skin. A consultation with a Coolsculpting professional can help determine if the procedure is right for you.
It may take several weeks to see visible results from Coolsculpting, and the number of coolsculpting sessions needed varies depending on the individual and the treatment area. Some people may see results after just one session, while others may need multiple sessions to achieve their desired results.
Professional Basketball Player, M.S. Nutrition, ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
Hello! I'm Adam Kemp, a professional basketball player, fitness consultant, and author with over a decade of international experience. I hold a degree in Sports Communication from Marist College and a master’s in Nutrition Education from American University. My career has spanned countries like Poland, Hungary, and Greece, where I’ve gained unique insights into fitness, nutrition, and sports performance.
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