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

Question

I am in good shape and coolsculpting did help, but left this shelf below my belly button as shown in pictures. Is this extra skin or fat and what can I do to make it go away? Sculpsure? Another round of coolsculpting? Help!!

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

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

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

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!

Robert Heck, MD, FACS · Answer

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!

Garry K. Kim, MD · Answer

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

Jennifer Cova, DO · Answer

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!

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Another Round of CoolSculpting Can Help

Answer: Another Round of CoolSculpting Can Help

Answer: Shelf development

Answer: Shelf development

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Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Another Round of CoolSculpting Can Help

Answer: Another Round of CoolSculpting Can Help

Answer: Shelf development

Answer: Shelf development

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.