CoolSculpting is one of the most popular fat removal treatments on the market. It has been FDA-approved for nearly two decades and works via the incredible power of cryolipolysis, or freezing.

First, a cool gel is applied to the treatment area. Then, a roll of your fat is placed between two panels and the device is turned on. The CoolSculpting device freezes the fat without damaging the surrounding tissue, such as your skin and muscle cells. Eventually, the fat cells die. The treatment area is massaged to break up frozen blocks of fat, and the dead fat cells go through your lymphatic system.

Your lymphatic system is made up of several types of tissues, including lymph vessels, nodes, and ducts. Collectively, your lymph vessels form a network of branches that reach nearly all of your other tissues. They function very similarly to your blood vessels and work in tandem with your blood vessels to return fluid from the tissues.

But your lymphatic system doesn’t just assist in transporting fluids. It also transports dead fat cells. Whether you have dead fat cells in your chin, underarms, the backs of your knees, or your buttocks, your lymphatic system has reached there. It will pick up the dead fat cells and transport them throughout your body until they arrive at your gut and are “eaten” by deoxycholic acid.