Shelfing on abdomen from CoolSculpting after 5 months, is this extra skin or fat? (Photos)

CoolSculpting is quite effective but it's not as simple as slapping an applicator on the belly and pushing a button. I examine each of my patients in consultation and if they are a candidate for CoolSculpting I mark out where the applicators should go. Some patients need the older smaller applicators and some can fit the new CoolAdvantage larger applicators, while some patients get both of these applicators depending on their shape and which  applicator fits the best.  While it's the rare patient that needs one applicator, most have several, up to six for the belly. The sculpting process can involve two to three treatments, two months apart, and for rare individuals who are good candidates to begin with, may even need more. I would favor a few CoolSculptings before switching to a different modality such as SculpSure or UltraShape. One should allow the good treatment of CoolSculpting to be given its chance.The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs

Hello, Thank you for your question and picture. Based on what can be seen here it appears you may just need another round of Coolsculpting. As long as the fat is pinchable, you should be able to reduce that area pretty simply. Best of luck! 

In my opinion you could still benefit from a lower V pattern to correct or continue improvement on your abdomen. I would make sure you have a great experienced provider that knows how to avoid this situation and make it better. I would also recommend that you have the cool advantage applicator. Best of Luck! 

Hi,
It would be best to compare before and after pictures to know for sure, but it looks like you could benefit from another round of treatment to the area right below your belly button.  It looks like you were treated below that and as a result, formed a "shelf" there.  If you received another round below the belly button, it would even it out.  Again, if we could see the pre-treatment photos, right next to the photos you have shown above, it would help in making more accurate recommendations.
Hope this helps,
Dr. Garry K. Kim

My first question would be how many treatments you had done, and if your upper abdomen was treated?  We see the shelf happen occasionally when the lower abdomen only is treated, or when there is a need of a second/third treatment.  As the lower treated area smooths out, the upper abdomen tends to relax and 'fall' down.  Thus making a shelf like visual.  I would recommend looking further into having a second or follow up treatment completed.  Goodluck!  

I look at Coolsculpting as a series of treatments. It appears that the prior procedure was effective, but to blend it in with the surrounding fat, more is needed. Often, 2-3 procedures are needed to optimally treat the abdomen. Different patterns are needed as well as different handpieces. Go to an experienced practice. We have been doing Coolsculpting since 2009, prior to its FDA approval and when it was called Zeltiq. Make certain the Cooladvantage handpieces are being used because they give faster and more comfortable treatments. Also, the Zimmer Z Wave adds up to 100% more fat loss with every treatment.

Thank you for your pictures and question. It does appear that the ¨ shelf ¨  you are describing is fat. Coolsculpting is great at treating stubborn fat, the type of fat this is pinchable. You should expect great results with another round of Coolsculpting. I recommend seeing a Coolsculpting certified practice. All the best, Dr. Michon

Thanks for sharing your photos.  The area you point out does appear to be fat tissue, and you'd probably have an excellent outcome with another round of CoolSculpting.  I encourage you to schedule a consult with your cosmetic Derrmatologist for specific recommendations.