Which CoolSculpting applicator is best for lower abdomen on someone who's fairly small: 5'4" 120 lbs.? (photos)

Question

I've consulted with two different places and one recommended one giant applicator across my entire lower abdomen, but the other recommended two small applicators for the lower abdomen.

Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi superstarringme.  Two smaller applicators will contour your lower abdomen along its natural U shape, rather than a horizontal correction with one large applicator (can look rectangular).  If two small applicators are applied to the upper and lower abdomen to create a diamond shape, you will have the most natural appearance.  Of course, this depends upon the applicators fitting over the excess subcutaneous fat well.  The diamond shape technique is espoused by the advanced training provided during Coolsculpting University practicums.  Ask to view pics of patients that have had both techniques to help you decide, and inquire about whether your provider has had the advanced training and is CS certified. Good luck!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. When treating the abdomen, either the cool max (large) or the cool core (small) applicator is used. They are both great and deciding which to use really depends on your provider and their assessment during during your consultation.  The cool max is generally used when "de-bulking" an area or on a wider abdomen as it covers double the surface area. They are both effective. Regards,

Michael Kerin, MD · Answer

In general, I use the CoolMax when I have a large amount of fat in an area that I am looking to debulk. Otherwise, I find two small applicators covers a wider area and gives a better treatment.
Of course every patient is different, and you should have this discussion with your physician.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Both the large and small applicators can be used on the lower abdomen. There are certain situations which would make the use of the small applicators preferable over the large one, and vice versa. This can only be determined through an in-person examination of your fat distribution. I would ask your consulting physician to explain to you the rational for the recommendations they made. Best wishes.

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Neither suggestion is wrong. They are just using a different approach. The larger applicator will cover a larger area. If it will fit on you, then it may have a slight advantage, as more of the area will be treated. Sometimes individuals are not wide enough for this applicator, which may be why the other doctor recommended two smaller ones. Either treatment will still be effective! Good luck!

Sarah Mess, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It's hard to give a definitive recommendation based on photos. It looks like either plan could work for you. Contact the providers and ask why they chose one treatment plan over the other. The large applicator treats about 2.5 times the area of two small applicators, but it may not fit your frame as well as the two small applicators.

Patrick L. Basile, MD · Answer

The recommended treatment plan for CoolSculpting on the abdomen is in a V shape (2 applicators) or diamond shape (4 applicators) to sculpt out the natural curve and hour-glass figure of the body. Best results with the CoolSculpting procedure are done by a CoolSculpting Certified practitioner who understands the anatomy of the body and can precisely contour the fat to accentuate your curves and slim your waist and lower belly evenly. I would not recommend placing any applicator straight across the abdominal area to avoid demarcation. My Best, Dr. Basile

Lewis Heller, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Based on the pictures alone it looks like the larger applicator should work. If it were needed to treat the same area again we may have to use two smaller applicators due to volume reduction from the first procedure.

Nissan Pilest, MD · Answer

There are currently six different shapes and/or sizes of CoolSculpting applicators. When treating the abdomen, you are generally dealing with the CoolCore and the CoolMax, which respectively, are likely the “small” and “large” applicators you are referring to.  
It is difficult to say whether you would benefit more from two “small” applications versus one “large” without an in-person evaluation. In some cases, using multiple “small” applicators versus a lesser amount of “large” applicators allows for a more customized, sculpted result. However, this will vary depending on the size of the patient, how much fat is present, and how the fat “sits” on the body. 
  
Theoretically, both recommended treatment plans should cover about the same surface area, and you would likely get similar results with either. Something to consider is if either practitioner offers the new CoolAdvantage applicator, which provides for a shorter, more comfortable treatment, and minimizes post-treatment swelling and/or tenderness. Do not hesitate to contact either practitioner and ask more questions regarding their recommendations, or perhaps even get a third opinion. Best of luck.

Rafael Gottenger, MD · Answer

I recommend you to discuss your concerns with your certified provider, we usually use the CoolCore for this area, working left and right side. If necessary we can also use CoolMax, that is our biggest applicator in the lower abdomen, both plans could work for you.

Which CoolSculpting applicator is best for lower abdomen on someone who's fairly small: 5'4" 120 lbs.? (photos)

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