I Froze My Belly Fat. No, Really

{CoolSculpting was inspired by a popsicle and the dimples kids get from eating them.}

The “bagel.” That’s what I like to call the stubborn orb of fat circling my belly button. And no matter how hard I diet and exercise, the bagel stays stuck to my midsection much like lox to cream cheese (pun intended). After the birth of my children (AKA the Desecrators of the Female Form) the bagel got wigglier and I recently  felt like it was time to tackle the yeasty beast head-on with the closest thing to liposuction — minus the surgery — with relatively new, FDA-cleared, safe and proven effective CoolSculpting.

As a beauty writer, I’ve been closely monitoring this non-invasive procedure to combat stubborn fat for two years now. I’ve read time and time again that CoolSculpting’s results are much like lipo — without the scalpel, cannula, anesthesia and down time. How’s it work, you ask? CoolSculpting freezes the fat cells which are later eliminated.

I got my procedure done at Miami Plastic Surgery (8940 N Kendall Dr #903E; (305) 595-2969) with Physician’s Assistant Tanya Patron. I chose to CoolSculpt my lower and upper abdomen which took a total of 4 hours and 4 applicators (the cost is $700 per applicator). The procedure can be best described as uncomfortable at times — but I napped through most of the treatments…shocker! A nozzle is placed on the area, suctions onto the skin and freezes the fat. Seven days after the treatment, I did experience shooting pains in my lower abdomen (never the top) which were manageable with good ol’ Tylenol.

Here’s the skinny on how CoolSculpting works: Following treatment, the crystallized fat cells are gradually removed in the next few weeks and months by the immune system (via one’s pee). In other words, you basically eliminate the fat the way you would after a greasy meal. Remaining fat cells condense, thus reducing the fat layer. The end result? A major improvement in appearance.

It’s been 1 month since Tanya froze my belly and I’m already spotting less jelly. Tanya tells me that the best results come at the 2-month mark. And while most patients don’t lose pounds (remember, fat doesn’t weigh much) or inches, I do feel like my jeans fit better and my stomach appears way more taut.

Which ultimately means…sayonara, bagel. You will not be missed.