You don't have to go under the knife to achieve your dream body. Non-invasive methods are available to help, and many require zero recovery time!

One of the fastest-rising non-surgical solutions for fat loss is CoolSculpting, but what is this procedure exactly? How is it different from other aesthetic procedures?

CoolSculpting, also known by its original name, Cryolipolysis, made its first appearance on the scene through a series of studies conducted in 2008. These studies helped the founding company, ZELTIQ, secure FDA approvals in 2010 and 2012 for two CoolSculpting procedures.

Here's a crash course on the science and process behind this fascinating treatment.

Freeze the Fat Away

CoolSculpting technicians freeze rolls of body fat between two panels set to freezing temperatures. These panels freeze fat cells, and the dead fat cells are naturally expelled by your body's liver.

This natural excretion process takes several weeks to complete. Most clients don't see the final results of the treatment until three months down the road, at a minimum.

While three months is a bit of a wait, you can lose up to 25% percent of fat from each roll. CoolSculpting Elite treatments can even reduce up to 30% of fat. Thus, many clients find the results are worth the wait. You may want to check out the latest fat freezing reviews.

However, you have to be realistic in your fat loss goals and remain patient.

Treatment only takes an hour, though, and leaves minimal side effects, if any. Since CoolSculpting is non-invasive, you don't have to deal with long recovery times, unlike plastic surgery and liposuction.

Are There Side Effects?

While this procedure is non-invasive, minor side effects can arise in some patients.

Clients should expect gentle skin-tugging during the procedure; however, tugging may be too uncomfortable for some clients. You may also feel minor throbbing or stinging after treatment, but it's generally tolerable. Skin reactions may last up to two weeks after sculpting.

Skin redness is also common with CoolSculpting, but these aren't rashes. However, you can always talk to your doctor about possible skin issues before undergoing this treatment.

You may experience minor swelling at the site and even bruising. Minor nausea is another common symptom; however, these side effects should go away on their own quickly.

If side effects linger too long after treatment, call your doctor, just in case.

It's important to know that this treatment doesn't eliminate all treated body fat. CoolSculpting only works for selected body parts, including lower back fat, belly area, thighs, and sides. Each part takes about an hour to treat.

If you want to treat all approved areas, you'll need to book multiple appointments. Larger areas may require additional treatments for best results, as well.

Misconceptions About CoolSculpting

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding CoolSculpting is its purpose. This treatment is frequently confused with a weight loss solution. It's not a replacement for exercise, healthy eating, stress reduction, and other holistic methods, either.

This treatment is ideal for people who want to eliminate a little stubborn fat that didn't respond to their weight loss program. Belly fat can be particularly stubborn, despite dieting and exercising.

Furthermore, smaller areas of fat respond better to CoolSculpting than larger areas. Therefore, it's best to complete your weight loss program in full before seeking this treatment.

How Long Does CoolSculpting Last?

Since this procedure freezes and kills fat cells, results can last as long as you want. However, body fat can quickly grow back without proper exercise, nutrition, and wellness habits. Thus, it's up to you to maintain long-lasting results.

There are several ways to maintain your CoolSculpting results, starting with a healthy diet.

How to Maintain Results With Nutrition

Stick to a balanced, low-inflammatory diet. You don't have to follow some popular Instagram diet. What's most important is the anti-inflammatory component.

You can start with this simple list of ingredients from Healthline:

• Oily fish (i.e., salmon, sardines, etc.)

• Avocados

• Grapes

• Green Tea

• Olive Oil

• Fresh tomatoes

• Dark chocolate

• Berries (i.e., raspberries, blackberries, etc.)

• Mushroom

• Turmeric

This list isn't an exhaustive list of foods, but it's a good start. There are plenty of meals you can make with these basics.

Avoid packaged processed meats and cheese, and order those items from a local deli instead. Fresh white meat and cheese are fine in moderation; however, pair them with fresh fruit and vegetables to maintain your results.

Ditch the fried foods, including mozzarella sticks, egg rolls, onion rings, fries, and so forth. Avoid that drive-thru line unless it's for a salad. Burritos are fine, but try to use whole-wheat tortillas instead of flour.

Substitute greasy chips for light, crispy whole-wheat rice cakes. Whole-wheat baked chips are also okay to eat in moderation. Popcorn, lettuce wraps, and avocado on whole-wheat toast are also delicious anti-inflammatory snacks.

More Ways to Decrease Inflammation

Inflammation is a serious culprit behind stubborn fat and weight gain.

Unfortunately, just existing day-to-day can increase inflammation! Stress, sadness, anxiety, and depression exacerbate inflammation, which produces even more inflammation in your body. These issues make weight loss even more challenging.

Healthy eating is just one way to combat inflammation.

You can also reduce toxic stress through daily meditation, exercise, music and art therapy, reading, or engaging in a creative hobby like sewing.

Meditation is one of the easiest ways to de-stress, and it complements other wellness routines like yoga. Many positive, motivating meditations also encourage commitment and consistency.

Maintain CoolSculpting Results with Exercise

Healthy eating and exercise go hand-in-hand; together, these lifestyle changes can help you maintain CoolSculpting results for several years. However, you have to stay on track!

You don't have to start lifting weights to maintain your results. There are plenty of light exercise alternatives, like step aerobics, water exercises, lighting jogging, power walking, and beginner's yoga. In fact, you can enjoy these activities after your treatment!

What to Expect From Your CoolSculpting Appointment

You know how CoolSculpting works and how to maintain results long after treatment. Your next step is to book your first appointment.

Remember, it may take a few rounds of treatment to see the results you want. Talk to your doctor and a CoolSculpting professional about your goals for the procedure. Some rare medical conditions may also interfere with treatment, so it's best to get a doctor's opinion first.

What to Wear to Your Appointment

Once you're cleared to go, make sure you have the right clothes available.

Though minor in scale, some clients experience nausea and body aches after treatment. Tight clothes can rub against treated areas, exacerbating these minor side effects.

Avoid tight jeans, work attire, or any other restrictive clothing. Wear comfortable clothes to your appointment, like sweat pants, linen drawstring pants, and comfortable tank tops.

Plan Ahead

Book your appointment well in advance.

You'll need time to eliminate any supplements that interfere with blood flow. For example, too much vitamin E can increase post-treatment bruising. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also interfere with treatment, but you can take them after treatment to relieve any minor pain.

Avoid your morning coffee on CoolSculpting day. Certain teas can also increase inflammation before the appointment. It's best to stick to water, fresh fruit, and some whole-wheat toast.

As you already learned, make sure you're at your goal weight before booking the appointment. CoolSculpting only treats the fat between your skin and muscle. You may need a few more months of weight loss, so plan ahead.

Find out what you're allowed to bring to the spa. This treatment isn't painful, but it's not exciting. You may want to listen to music or an audiobook during treatment if the facility allows electronics.

The Day of Your Appointment

You don't have to remove all your clothes during treatment, but the spa may give you special spandex tops and shorts to wear. Immediately change into comfortable clothes to avoid post-treatment skin irritations.

If you do experience nausea during treatment, make sure you have water on-hand. Dehydration can make clients nauseous, so make sure to bring plenty of water beforehand! Don't forget to eat a light, healthy snack to avoid dizziness.

Be as forthcoming as possible with your CoolSculpting professional. They'll ask you about your medical history, medications, or any other issues that could impact treatment. They will also apply a special gel pad over the site, but this pad isn't painful.

You won't be able to move much during your appointment, so make sure to stretch before your appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns, talk to a manager or your CoolSculpting technician before the appointment. They should be happy to answer your questions. Plus, great customer service is a sign of a reputable spa.

Discover the Results for Yourself

Is CoolSculpting right for you?

Start your journey with this complete guide. Maximize results by reaching your goal weight, reducing inflammation, eating right, exercising, and reducing stress.

Remember to stay informed! Check out the latest lifestyle tips for happy and confident lives.