CoolSculpting® for Love Handles (Flanks) in Edmonton
What are love handles?
Love handles (sometimes called the flanks) are pockets of fat that accumulate around the sides of the waist, just above the hips. Excess calories can lead to fat being stored unevenly in the body, and the sides of the waist are among the common storage areas. A sluggish metabolism with age, hormonal changes and poor sleep habits can also contribute.
Why are they so stubborn?
When you exercise or diet, the body tends to use energy from fat stores in a way you cannot control. Some areas – like the flanks – hold on to fat even when other areas slim down. Genetics and hormones play a role, which is why love handles often remain despite healthy lifestyle changes.
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About CoolSculpting® and cryolipolysis
CoolSculpting® is the trade name for cryolipolysis, a non‑invasive technology that uses controlled cold to reduce fat in specific areas. Studies show that cryolipolysis can reduce 15‑28 % of fat in a treated area after a single session. It is not a weight‑loss procedure; instead, it is designed to sculpt areas that refuse to budge with diet and exercise. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the technique in 2012 for treating the abdomen and flanks, and it is now approved for many areas, including the hips/flanks, thighs, arms and chin.
How cryolipolysis works
| Process | Key points |
|---|---|
| Cooling fat cells | A paneled or cupped applicator draws the pinchable fat bulge into the device and cools it to a temperature that injures fat cells but spares skin, nerves and muscle. |
| Body’s response | Fat cells are more sensitive to cold than surrounding tissues. Once injured by the cold, the cells trigger an inflammatory response. Macrophages (immune cells) gradually remove the dead fat cells over several weeks. |
| Permanent fat reduction | Fat cells destroyed by cryolipolysis do not return; however, remaining fat cells can enlarge if you gain weight, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. |
Benefits of CoolSculpting® for love handles
- Targeted fat reduction – Each session can remove up to 25 % of the fat in a treated area, making it ideal for sculpting the waistline.
- Non‑surgical with no downtime – There are no incisions or needles. Patients can return to daily activities immediately after treatment.
- Minimal discomfort – During the first few minutes, you may feel intense cold, tingling or tugging. The area usually becomes numb quickly. Most patients describe the sensation as tolerable, and any discomfort resolves when the applicator is removed.
- Long‑lasting results – Visible changes often appear within three weeks, with dramatic results at two to three months. The body continues to flush out fat cells for up to six months. Results can last indefinitely if you maintain your weight.
- Improved body contour – Eliminating bulges around the waist can help clothing fit better and enhance confidence. Many people notice a positive difference in the way their clothes fit after treatment.
What to expect during your treatment at Albany Laser
- Personalised consultation – Every body is different. At your free consultation, our medical team reviews your medical history and evaluates the amount of pinchable fat on your flanks. Together we decide whether CoolSculpting® is right for you and create a tailored treatment plan.
- Preparing the area – On treatment day, a gel pad is placed over one flank to protect your skin. You will then relax in a comfortable position.
- Application of the CoolSculpting® device – The applicator gently suctions the love‑handle fat into its cup and delivers controlled cooling for about 35–60 minutes. You may feel tugging, pressure, tingling or an intense cold sensation at first, but these feelings subside as the area becomes numb.
- Massage – After the applicator is removed, your clinician massages the area for several minutes to help break up crystallised fat cells. The process is then repeated on the opposite side of the waist.
- Return to normal activities – There is no recovery time. You can drive yourself home and resume work or exercise the same day.
Who is a good candidate?
CoolSculpting® is designed for people who are near their ideal weight but have stubborn fat bulges.
| Suitable for | Not suitable for |
|---|---|
| Healthy adults with pinchable love‑handle fat within about 13 kg (≈30 lb) of their ideal weight | People with obesity or large fat deposits – these individuals may require weight loss before treatment |
| Those who want spot reduction without surgery and are committed to maintaining their weight | Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals; people with hernias near the treatment area; those with bleeding or lymphatic disorders |
| Individuals without open wounds or severe skin diseases in the area | People with abnormal cold sensitivity (Raynaud’s disease, cryoglobulinemia, paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria, cold urticaria or cold agglutinin disease) |
| Patients seeking minimal downtime and non‑invasive treatment | People with nerve disorders (e.g., diabetic neuropathy), inflammatory skin disorders or certain autoimmune conditions |
If you have questions about your suitability, our clinicians will review your medical history and discuss alternative options if needed.
Side effects and risks
Cryolipolysis is considered a low‑risk procedure. Common temporary side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, tingling, numbness, or mild cramping in the treated area. These usually resolve within a few days or weeks and do not require medication. Rarely, a condition called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia can occur, where the treated fat becomes larger instead of smaller. This complication affects less than one percent of patients and is more common in men and individuals of Hispanic ethnicity.
Your provider will provide you with a list of precautions, such as avoiding anti-inflammatory medications (like aspirin) before your session, to reduce bruising.
Results and aftercare
You may start to see your waistline slim down three weeks after treatment, with the most dramatic changes occurring around two to three months. Because your body continues to process the destroyed fat cells, improvements can continue for up to six months. Most patients are satisfied after one or two sessions; however, additional sessions may be scheduled six to eight weeks apart if you desire further contouring.
To maintain your new shape:
- Stay active and follow a balanced diet – CoolSculpting® removes existing fat cells, but remaining cells can enlarge if you gain weight. Regular exercise and a healthy diet will help maintain your results.
- Hydrate and massage – Drinking plenty of water and gently massaging the area in the days following treatment can help with swelling.
- Follow our aftercare guidance – We provide personalised aftercare tips to maximise your outcome and comfort.
Cost of CoolSculpting® for love handles
The price of CoolSculpting® depends on the amount of fat to be treated, the number of applicators used, and the number of sessions required. Nationwide, cryolipolysis treatment plans typically range from $ 2,000 to $4,000. Love‑handle treatments usually involve two applicators (one for each flank) per session. During your consultation at Albany Laser, we will provide a customised quote based on your goals.
Why choose Albany Laser & Cosmetic Centre
- Experienced providers – Our clinic specialises in non‑surgical body contouring. Our medical team is trained in CoolSculpting® and will ensure your treatment is safe and effective.
- Personalised care – We understand that everybody is different. We design tailored treatment plans to help you achieve a balanced, natural‑looking silhouette.
- State‑of‑the‑art technology – Albany Laser offers the latest generation of CoolSculpting® applicators, which shorten treatment times and improve comfort.
- Comprehensive consultations – Your journey begins with a thorough assessment and discussion of your goals, medical history, and lifestyle. We will explain the benefits and risks so that you can make an informed decision.
Book your consultation
Ready to reduce stubborn love handles and contour your waistline? Book a free consultation with Albany Laser & Cosmetic Centre in Edmonton today. Our friendly team will answer all of your questions and help you design a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle. Contact us or schedule an appointment online to begin your journey toward a slimmer, more confident you.