Stubborn Fat
Some fat just doesn't respond to effort. The important thing is to know that it’s not a personal failure. It's biology. And it's exactly what CoolSculpting was built to address.
Localized fat deposits in areas like the abdomen, flanks, inner thighs, and arms can persist no matter how regularly you exercise or eat well. The body draws from fat reserves in a genetically predetermined pattern, and some pockets just aren't touched by general weight loss. CoolSculpting permanently eliminates fat cells in these specific areas through controlled cooling, with no surgery, no needles, and no recovery time. Element Dermatology has been performing CoolSculpting since 2009 and is the most experienced provider in Central Minnesota.
About This Condition
Why Some Fat Won’t Budge and What to Do About It
Fat cells throughout the body are not all the same. Some areas have a higher concentration of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which inhibit fat breakdown in response to exercise and caloric deficit. The abdomen, inner thighs, flanks, and upper arms are among the areas where these receptors are most concentrated, which is why these spots are often the last to change and the first to accumulate. CoolSculpting addresses that specific frustration by targeting individual fat pockets rather than relying on general fat loss.
Areas we commonly treat:
Abdomen and Flanks
The most common treatment areas. Abdominal fat and love handles are genetically prone to accumulation and are often exercise-resistant. CoolSculpting can address the upper and lower abdomen, as well as the flanks, in a single treatment session.
Inner and Outer Thighs
Thigh fat is strongly influenced by genetics and hormonal factors, making it one of the areas where exercise produces the least localized result. CoolSculpting applicators are available for both the inner and outer thighs.
Under the Chin
Submental fat creates the appearance of a double chin and often doesn't respond to general weight loss. CoolSculpting under the chin produces a visibly sharper jawline within 2 to 3 months and is one of our most requested treatments.
Arms, Back, and Other Areas
Upper arm fat, bra-line bulges, and back fat are areas where many patients feel self-conscious yet struggle to see results from exercise alone. CoolSculpting applicators are sized and shaped to treat these areas effectively.
A Note on CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is not a weight loss treatment. It's a body contouring treatment for patients who are at or near their goal weight and want to address specific areas that haven't responded to diet and exercise. The ideal candidate is someone living a healthy lifestyle who has localized fat deposits they'd like to reduce. It won't address fat that's distributed broadly across the body.
Targeted Treatments
How We Treat Stubborn Fat
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling to freeze and permanently eliminate fat cells in targeted areas. The treated cells are cleared by the body over two to three months, leaving the area visibly slimmer and more contoured. Element Dermatology started offering CoolSculpting in 2009 and has performed over 9,000 treatments, making us the most experienced provider in Central Minnesota.
Exilis Skin Tightening Treatment
Exilis uses radiofrequency energy to address both fat and the overlying skin in the same treatment. Its fat-reduction mode disrupts fat cells in localized areas, while its skin-tightening mode firms the underlying tissue. Exilis works well on its own for mild fat concerns and loose skin, and works well as a follow-up to CoolSculpting in areas where skin tightening is also a goal.
Schedule Your Consultation Today and Get Rid of Stubborn Fat Deposits
Frequently Asked Questions About Stubborn Fat
Are the results from CoolSculpting permanent?
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The fat cells that CoolSculpting destroys are permanently gone and don't regenerate. However, the remaining fat cells in the treated area can still expand if you gain weight. For patients who maintain a stable weight, results tend to hold well in the long term. It's worth noting that new fat can accumulate in untreated areas if weight is gained, which can shift the body's overall contour even if the treated area remains slim. Maintaining your weight is the most important factor in preserving your results.
What does a CoolSculpting Treatment feel like?
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At the start of each treatment, you'll feel intense cold and possibly some pulling as the applicator draws the tissue into the cooling panels. This settles within a few minutes as the area becomes numb. During the treatment, most patients read, work on their phone, or simply relax. After the applicator is removed, the treated area is massaged briefly, and it may feel firm and cold. Most patients return to normal activities the same day.
Can CoolSculpting and Exilis be done together?
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Yes! And for many patients, the combination produces a better overall result than either alone. CoolSculpting reduces the fat, and Exilis tightens the overlying skin in the same area. This is a good approach for patients with both fat and some skin laxity, for example, the abdomen after weight loss or pregnancy. We'd generally recommend completing your CoolSculpting treatments first and allowing the results to settle before adding Exilis, but we'll build the right sequencing into your plan at your consultation.
I’ve heard about a rare side effect called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. Should I be concerned?
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Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) is a rare complication where the treated fat expands rather than shrinks after CoolSculpting. The current estimated incidence is well below one percent. It's more common in male patients and in certain treatment areas, including the abdomen. At Element Dermatology, we discuss this risk honestly with every patient before treatment, assess individual risk factors, and document it as part of the informed consent process. Knowing the risk exists and understanding how to identify it early is the most responsible approach, and we'll make sure you have that information before you decide to proceed.