Is DIY CoolSculpting Dangerous?

As CoolSculpting becomes increasingly popular, more and more people are looking for an affordable way to undergo the noninvasive fat reduction treatment loved by celebrities including Molly Sims, Khloe Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan, and Jennifer Aniston. The procedure has become so popular, in fact, that some have taken to skipping medical professionals all together and finding their own way to do it to themselves at home. But is DIY CoolSculpting dangerous?

If you haven't heard of CoolScuplting, it's a treatment that involves freezing fat cells using an FDA approved device, quickly followed by a machine that's commonly referred to as a vacuum. As Dr. Alan Matarasso, M.D., FACS, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, told Refinery29, "Over two to three months, the fat cells in that area die," and eventually, once your body has broken down the dead cells, it rids itself of them, reportedly leading to a loss of fat.

Though CoolScuplting may sound relatively simple, Healthline is quick to warn people who are using ice, ice packs, and other freezing materials to mimic the procedure at home. Using these kinds of DIY materials, rather than the professional equipment, can actually damage your skin, and Healthline lists frostbite, numbness, burning, pain, and tissue damage as possible side effects. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Brian Reagan, M.D., of CosmetiCare, agrees, noting that in addition to potentially harming yourself, you won't actually see any results at home. 

Instead, if you are considering CoolScuplting, you must always invest in a professional service. According to Refinery29, the treatment can cost anywhere from $2000 to $4000, but it is more than worth it if you want to see results while staying safe. Be sure to always do your research when looking for a clinic, and don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you may need before you commit.