CoolSculpting ELITE® Pros and Cons: Is Fat Freezing Worth It?

If you’ve lost weight through diet, exercise or GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, but are still left with stubborn pockets of fat that simply won’t budge, you’re definitely not alone. For lots of women, particularly those going through hormonal changes, certain areas of the body become frustratingly resistant to fat loss, no matter how disciplined you are.

CoolSculpting ELITE® is designed specifically for this scenario. Available at The Clinic by Dr Maryam Zamani, this advanced, non-surgical body sculpting treatment targets and permanently reduces localised fat using controlled cooling technology, helping refine areas that don’t respond to weight loss alone.

While CoolSculpting ELITE® can deliver liposuction-like fat reduction without surgery, needles or downtime, it’s not a weight-loss treatment, so results depend on the specific patient’s anatomy and their desired outcomes. Understanding both the benefits and limitations is essential to achieving the outcomes you are looking for.

Below, we explain the pros, cons and what to expect from CoolSculpting ELITE®, so you can decide whether it’s the right next step in your post-weight-loss journey.

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What is CoolSculpting ELITE®?

CoolSculpting ELITE® is the latest evolution of FDA‑approved CoolSculpting technology. It uses a process called cryolipolysis, or controlled fat freezing, to safely eliminate fat cells that the body naturally removes over time.

The treatment can contour multiple areas, including the abdomen, thighs, flanks (“love handles”), arms, and under‑chin zone, delivering a more refined and sculpted silhouette. With dual applicators, CoolSculpting ELITE® allows two areas to be treated simultaneously, making sessions faster and more efficient.

• Pain: None to minimal
• Downtime: None
• Results: Seen after 3–4 weeks, optimising at 2–6 months
• Recommended course: 1–3 sessions

The Pros of CoolSculpting ELITE®

CoolSculpting ELITE® is one of the most trusted non‑invasive fat reduction treatments worldwide, and for good reason. Patients can expect visibly smoother contours with little to no disruption to daily life, which makes it a popular choice for our London patients.

Key benefits include:

• Non‑surgical and needle‑free: No incisions, anaesthetic, or recovery time required, making it an ideal treatment for busy lifestyles.
• Targeted sculpting: Precisely reduces fat from specific areas such as the chin, abdomen, thighs, back, arms, and banana rolls.
• Clinically proven: Reduces fat by up to 25% per treatment area with long‑lasting results.
• Quick sessions: Treatments typically take around 35–60 minutes with no requirement for post‑procedure rest.
• Natural, gradual results: Fat cells are removed naturally by the body over several weeks for a subtle transformation.

Patients often describe CoolSculpting ELITE® as the perfect complement to a healthy routine, and it enhances diet and exercise efforts by addressing those hard‑to‑shift areas.

The Cons of CoolSculpting ELITE®

CoolSculpting ELITE® is designed for body contouring, not weight loss. This means it works best for those close to their ideal weight who wish to refine specific areas and sculpt, rather than reduce weight significantly.

If you have a BMI above 30 or seek more extensive fat removal, surgical options such as liposuction may be more suitable. Results take patience, too. Visible changes begin around four weeks, but the body continues processing fat cells for several months post‑treatment.

Minor side effects can include temporary redness, numbness, tingling, or mild swelling in the treated area. These effects are short‑lived and typically subside within days.

What to Expect

Each CoolSculpting ELITE® journey at The Clinic by Dr Maryam Zamani begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this appointment:

• Dr Zamani or one of our trained aestheticians will assess your needs and design a bespoke treatment plan.
• Clinical photographs are taken to track your progress. These are private and confidential.
• You will relax comfortably as the applicator is positioned over the chosen area. You may feel intense cold at first, which soon settles into numbness.

Following your session, you can immediately resume your daily routine, whether you’re heading to work, exercise, or social engagements.

How Long Do Results Last?

Once destroyed, fat cells cannot regenerate. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle ensures the results of your CoolSculpting ELITE® treatment are long‑lasting and beautifully natural.

Most patients see optimal improvements between two and six months, with small enhancements continuing beyond this window.

Why Choose The Clinic by Dr Maryam Zamani?

A globally recognised oculoplastic surgeon and facial aesthetics expert, Dr Maryam Zamani blends medical precision with aesthetic artistry. Her clinic in Chelsea offers a complete selection of non‑invasive face and body treatments, all performed with meticulous care and cutting‑edge technology.

Featured in leading publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Tatler, and Vogue, Dr Zamani is known for her advanced, science‑driven approach to enhancing individual beauty.

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