If you gain weight after a CoolSculpting procedure, will it distribute more to untreated areas like is does with liposuction?

No. Because Coolsculpting causes 20-25% fat destruction in the targeted area, when you gain weight the fat will be accumulated in the same distribution as normal.  However, in the case of liposuction there is a much higher percentage of fat (>50-75%) removed and therefore the body will not add fat in the treated area.  Therefore, in liposuction patients, patients who gain an excessive amount of weight, the fat will be redistributed to other untreated areas.  This is not pretty thing and often the patient looks worse!

Thanks for your question. Coolsculpting reduces fat cells in treated areas from 20 % - 25%. If you do gain weight following the procedure, less weight will accumulate in the treated areas compared to the untreated as there are less fat cells. If weight gain does occur, all existing fat cells may enlarge. It is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle following this procedure for best results. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn which treatment may be suited to you. Regards, 

Yes, the fat will first redistribute to untreated areas first, but if weight continues to be gained, it will affect treated areas as well. For best results with Coolsculpting, I recommend adding a combination of radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish, Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing. In our practice, we use a Fire and Ice treatment of Coolsculpting with Vanquish and are getting great results. VASER with ThermiRF are a great alternative. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Hello alpinesirk,
Thanks for your great question. Yes, you are correct that if you were to gain weight after any fat reduction procedure, whether it be liposuction or cryolipolysis with CoolSculpt you will add those pounds preferentially to areas where fat was not previously removed/destroyed.
Since CoolSculpting is not a weight reduction treatment most patients, if appropriately selected, will not be prone or allow themselves to gain a significant amount of weight were this will be a noticeable issue.
Best of luck,
Oscar A. Aguirre, MDAguirre Specialty Care - Pelvic Surgery & Intimate Aesthetics®

Thank you for your question. Yes, when you gain weight with Coolsculpting it will accumulate first in the untreated areas. Typically, we see a diffuse of weight gain everywhere. This includes the treated areas. You will notice less accumulation of fat in the treated areas because the number of fat cells that can expand and contract is less. I recommend you have a consultation with an expert to determine if you are a good candidate and to discuss your concerns.