It's almost 3 months now and I can't see a clear good CoolSculpting result in any of the areas. Is that normal?

Question

i had 12 cycles of CoolSculpting in different area (abdomen, arms, love handles, double chin) in 30 January, it's almost 3 months now and i can't see a clear good result in any of the areas .. is that normal ? will it take my body more time to take the fat cells out of my system because i had too many cycles ?

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Treating multiple areas with CoolSculpting will not cause the results to be less than usual.  It does normally take 12 weeks to see the full effects from a treatment but it is not unusual for someone to require more than one treatment to obtain the desired improvement.  I would recommend returning to the physician who treated you so that your progress can be examined.  Your doctor should be able to advise you whether further treatment might be beneficial.

Monica Boen, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. While some patients do see positive results within three months after their first CoolSculpting treatment, others require more time to see the evidence. It is always a good idea to compare before photos to how you look now, as the changes can be subtle. It is also very common to need more than one CoolSculpting treatment to achieve your desired outcome. However, there are other procedures that can be more effective for body contouring, such as tumescent liposuction and ThermiTight. I suggest you schedule a follow-up with your doctor for further assessment and treatment recommendations.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

It is difficult for me to comment specifically on this case without seeing you as a patient in my office, or without the appropriate photographs, but typically, CoolSculpting is successful after multiple cycles, and shows its best results after about 3-4 months. Has anything else changed, such as your diet, weight or activity level? Each CoolSculpting application should result in 25 – 30% fat cell death, especially if it was combined with a Zimmer Z-wave or vigorous massage right after. I suggest you schedule a follow-up appointment with your provider so you can have a formal evaluation, and also compare with your before photos. At times, patients forget how bad the problem was until they see the before photos. Treatment failures are rare but perhaps the provider was inexperienced, or the device was not working properly. In my clinic we use tumescent liposuction, Thermi, Vanquish, and CoolSculpting, sometimes in combination, to address the unique body contouring needs of our patients. I recommend having all body contouring treatments with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist who is an expert in body shaping. In my practice we have more than 45 lasers that we use to customize treatment plans for the unique needs and goals of our patients.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You may have some swelling for 3-6 months after Coolsculpting. Most patients require a second treatment 2 to 3 months after the first to see better outcomes. For best results with Coolsculpting, a combination approach is needed. I recommend adding radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish, truSculpt iD, Venus Legacy, and Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing. 
If you still have specific problem areas that do not respond to non-invasive treatments, a VASER Hi-Definition Liposuction procedure with ThermiRF, Renuvion (J-Plasma), and InMode BodyTite may be needed to give more fat removal, contouring, skin tightening, and definition. I suggest getting a formal evaluation with a hi-definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hi There,Thank you for your question and congratulations on your treatment. Since CoolSculpting produces results over time many patients need to compare their before and after pictures to notice their transformation. There are cases that show results a bit later than the normal 12 weeks but you should definitely follow up with your physician to discuss your results. Best of luck!

Lee B. Daniel, MD · Answer

Having CoolSculpting on several areas shouldn't have any impact on your overall results. While most clients do see results within that time period, it wouldn't be uncommon for results to take a little longer. It may also be that you're not noticing them as greatly since results to happen gradually over time. Have you taken before and after pictures? If you're not seeing the results you're looking for, you may want to consider additional treatment sessions to help you meet your goals.

Scott Gerrish, DO · Answer

That is a great question. Typically patients will notice significant results at the 3 month follow-up appointment. In my experience, since the results appear gradually over time, patients may not notice their response until the before and after photos are placed side by side. I would recommended following up for post treatment pictures and comparing to your before pictures. 
Be Well
Dr Gerrish

Vibha Gambhir, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  It typically takes more than one cycle to reach desired results.  Patients can see results in as little as 3 months, some may take a little longer due to swelling post procedure, 4-5 months.  It is difficult to assess without seeing you in person.  Take a look at before and after photos of yourself, you may find that there has been an improvement in the areas.  Everyone responds differently to treatments according to the type and amount of fat in the areas as well as the condition of the skin in treated areas etc.  Be patient and continue with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Cheryl A. Hull, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  In most cases, it takes more than one series of treatments to achieve a "Wow" result.  When you visit your provider for your updated photos, you may be pleasantly surprised with your before and after pictures.Nutrition and exercise will also contribute to your results.  Wishing you best of luck on your CoolSculpting journey!

John Hernried, MD · Answer

I would say about 50% of our patients notice no or little change after their first round of Coolsculpting.  However, when we show them the before and after photos, they can see the changes and are happier.  When you look at the treated area everyday, you will not notice the change. 
That said, it is rare that one round will provide the best results.  Most need two rounds and some even more.  Everyone is different and that is where a follow-up with your provider is important.  Go in for a follow-up even though you are not scheduled for another treatment.  This should be complimentary.
If you are worried about the cost, you may want to focus on just one area (like abdomen or chin) for future cycles.  Not everyone responds to Coolsculpting treatment and it is impossible to know who will respond before or after the first treatment.

It's almost 3 months now and I can't see a clear good CoolSculpting result in any of the areas. Is that normal?

Answers (14)

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