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

Question

I know that with liposuction, with increasing weight the degree of fat accumulation in a previously treated area is proportionately less than in untreated areas, and after liposuction, relatively less fat accumulates in treated areas compared to untreated areas. Is this true for CoolSculpting also?

John Tang, MD · Answer

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!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

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,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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

Oscar A. Aguirre, MD, FPMRS · Answer

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®

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

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.

Edward Stokes, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting will permanently remove 20-25% of the fat cells from the treated areas.  Most clients need to do two or more treatments for optimal results. One of the great things about CoolSculpting is that post treatment weight gain is more evenly distributed throughout the body  The former "problem" areas will appear to remain smooth if additional weight is gained, as opposed to seeing fat accumulate in the usual "go to" spots.  Just keep in mind that there will still be a healthy number of fat cells in the treated areas. If you were to gain weight, you would not get really large in untreated spots while the treated areas stay flat and lean. The remaining cells in the treated areas will still enlarge with weight gain, there simply won't be as many cells as there previously were in these areas.  The best thing is to find a healthy plan for diet and exercise that you can enjoy and stick with.

Ravi Jain, MBBS · Answer

Will it distribute more? Yes, as there will be more fat cells in other areas. Will it be noticeable like with Liposuction - maybe not as there will be more fat cells left behind after Coolsculpting.

Bottom line: If you are worried about putting on weight again (even before you have  fat reducing treatment) then perhaps you should focus on a longer term solution to your weight issues such as dietary support. I have found when this question is asked, long term satisfaction from any treatment is not usually possible.

Remember to recognise your natural body shape and work with it rather than against it.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat will distribute per the pattern of weight gain that you have generally had. While there are fewer fat cells in the treated area, the existing fat cells in the treated area can still grow in size obscuring your results.

Michelle Ellern, DO · Answer

Fat will distribute evenly.  Areas where the fat has been removed via liposuction or coolsculpting will accumulate less in an area where fat has already been removed vs where it has not.  Good luck with your treatment.

Jeffrey M. Hartog, DMD, MD · Answer

If you gain weight after CoolSculpting, you can still accumulate the fat wherever there are fat cells in your body.  The fat usually distributes throughout your body, including the treated areas.  Like liposuction, the treated areas may not gain as much of the fat since there are less fat cells after the CoolSculpting treatment.  If you are looking into CoolSculpting or any other cosmetic treatments, it is good to be at a stable weight that you can maintain to get and keep the best results.  Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon and a certified CoolSculpting specialist to see what your options are.

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

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