What Was CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting was the branded name for a cryolipolysis device made by Zeltiq, later acquired by Allergan Aesthetics and then AbbVie. It used controlled cooling — typically between −9 °C and −11 °C — to target and damage subcutaneous fat cells, which the body then gradually cleared over the following weeks. It was FDA-cleared in the United States and became widely available in UK aesthetic clinics from around 2012 onwards.
For many years it was the market-leading non-surgical fat-reduction technology, partly because of heavy investment in brand marketing and partly because the clinical evidence base was relatively strong compared with some competing devices. You can read a broader overview of the category in the fat freezing guide for the UK.
Why CoolSculpting Left the UK Market
In late 2023, AbbVie announced it was discontinuing the CoolSculpting and CoolTone product lines globally, citing a strategic business review. The brand did not issue a safety recall, and the decision was framed as commercial.
However, the brand had faced substantial litigation in the United States centred on a rare complication called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH). In PAH, the treated fat tissue enlarges rather than reducing, producing a firm, irregular bulge in the treated area that is generally not reversible without surgery. Estimates of its incidence have varied, but figures of roughly 0.05–0.39% per treatment applicator have appeared in the medical literature — low in absolute terms but not negligible given the volume of treatments performed.
The combination of reputational pressure, litigation costs, and a crowded market of competing cryolipolysis devices prompted the parent company to exit the category.
Is Generic Cryolipolysis Still Available in the UK?
Yes. The underlying technology — controlled cooling to disrupt fat cells — is not owned by any single brand. Dozens of third-party cryolipolysis machines are available to UK clinics, often sold under names like CoolTech, Cristal, or simply “fat freezing.” These devices vary considerably in quality, temperature regulation, and the evidence behind them.
Important note: Wumi Body & Face Studio does not offer fat freezing or cryolipolysis in any form. If you are researching this treatment, the information here is intended to help you ask informed questions of any clinic that does offer it. Wumi’s non-surgical alternatives work through entirely different mechanisms and are described below.
The Known Risks of Cryolipolysis to Understand
Before choosing any fat-reduction technology, it is worth understanding why some clients and practitioners have moved away from cryolipolysis:
- Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia — enlargement rather than reduction of treated fat, as described above.
- Temporary side effects — redness, bruising, numbness, and tenderness in the treated area for days to weeks are common and generally resolve without intervention.
- Uneven results — results vary significantly between individuals, and some people see little change.
- Multiple sessions often needed — a single session rarely produces dramatic results; most protocols involve two or more treatments per area.
For a full comparison of fat-reduction approaches, see the non-surgical body sculpting guide.
Non-Surgical Alternatives Wumi Offers
Wumi Body & Face Studio specialises in a range of non-surgical, no-downtime body-sculpting treatments that work without freezing. These can be combined into bespoke treatment courses tailored to your goals.
| Treatment | How it works | Typical target area |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound cavitation | Sound-wave energy disrupts fat cell membranes | Abdomen, thighs, flanks |
| Radio frequency (RF) | Heats deeper tissue to support skin tightening | Full body and face |
| Lipo laser | Low-level laser encourages fat cell metabolism | Abdomen, arms, legs |
| Vacuum therapy | Mechanical suction improves circulation and lymph flow | Buttocks, thighs |
| Wood therapy | Manual technique using wooden tools to contour and drain | Full body |
| Lymphatic drainage | Gentle massage supporting the body’s natural drainage system | Post-procedure or general wellness |
These treatments are covered in more detail on the non-surgical fat reduction service page and the non-surgical body sculpting service page.
What to Ask Any Clinic About Cryolipolysis
If you do choose to pursue fat freezing with another provider, here are questions worth asking before you book:
- Is the device CE-marked or cleared by a recognised regulatory body?
- What is the clinic’s experience with the specific machine they use?
- Have they seen any cases of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, and how was it managed?
- What is included in the consultation, and is patch-testing or a trial area offered?
- What aftercare is included in the price?
No ethical practitioner should pressure you to book before you have had time to consider your options. If a clinic discourages questions about risks, that is a warning sign.
Finding a Suitable Treatment for Your Goals
The right approach depends on what you want to achieve, your budget, your health history, and your lifestyle. Non-surgical treatments of any kind — whether fat-freezing or the cavitation and RF methods Wumi uses — are not weight-loss treatments and are not a substitute for a balanced diet and regular movement. They are body-contouring tools that can help address specific areas of concern and improve how you feel about your silhouette.
If you are based in Dartford, anywhere across Kent, London, or Essex and want an honest conversation about what non-surgical options might suit you, book a consultation at Wumi Body & Face Studio. The 30-minute session costs £20 and gives Wumi the chance to assess your goals, explain realistic outcomes, and recommend a treatment plan — with no obligation to proceed.
You can also explore the broader picture of what is available through the body sculpting guide for the UK or get in touch with any questions before committing.
Non-surgical treatments have no downtime, but results build gradually and vary between individuals. Not a weight-loss or medical service. A consultation and suitability check are required; you must be 18 or over.