The US FDA granted 410(k) clearance to the CoolSculpting device in September 2010 for the non-invasive reduction of fat. This new approach of selectively freezing fat cells just below the skin to reduce localized fat bulges (e.g., love handles, mid-abdominal fat, and thighs) by cold injury. The treatment destroys fat cells, which are reabsorbed by the body over several months, resulting in gradual fat loss. The CoolSculpting procedure results in a 20% average reduction of fat in the treated area and improvement may be visible as early as 3 weeks following therapy, with maximum results occurring over 2-4 months.