Is there a certain amount of fat percentage you need before considering CoolSculpting?

Question

Is it recommended to have a certain body fat percentage before doing Coolsculpting? I am also 24 but I want Coolsculpting because I hate how I look and just can not get rid of a stomach bulge and love handles/muffin top

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

When CoolSculpting first came out, the applicator used suction to pull the fat into the treatment area and freeze it. So, therefore, we generally recommend you have some “pinchable” fat — about an inch or two of extra fat.
However, Zeltiq came out with CoolAdvantage, which is a flat cooling panel that treats the thighs and other flatter areas that have excess fat, but perhaps not enough to “pinch.” From your description, it sounds like you might be an ideal candidate for CoolSculpting with either the original applicator or CoolAdvantage. Please find a board-certified dermatologist for an in-person consult so you can know for sure if you would respond well to body contouring with CoolSculpting.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Body sculpting can be achieved with Coolsculpting alone, or in 
combination with tissue tightening and skin toning therapies such as 
Liposuction, Exilis Multiplane Tissue Tightening, Venus Legacy, Hidef 
Fractional laser, and the Brazilian Cellulite Treatment with Stretch 
Mark Laser. I would use Coolsculpting to address excess fat deposits as 
it is non-invasive tool that can re-establish body proportions to 
improve your body silhouette. 
We specialize in Hidef Liposuction options and Coolsculpting in our office, depending on a carefully curated protocol.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

If you have unwanted fat that you can pinch, then you are most likely a good candidate for Coolsculpting. It tends to work particularly well for a "muffin top" as you described. See someone with extensive experience. I feel you ultimately get a better result from someone that has a lot of experience.Andrew Campbell, M.D.
Quintessa Aesthetic Centers

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no set body fat percentage before doing CoolSculpting. In general, for best results you should be within 10-15% of your ideal body weight and your Body Mass Index (BMI) should be less than 30. CoolSculpting is not a weight loss procedure. It is a body contouring treatment. Make sure you see an experienced physician provider for an in-person consultation and evaluation. Best wishes.

Richard J. Wassermann, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Although there is not a specific BMI required for CoolSculpting, it is recommended to have a BMI around 30 or less to get the best results. If your BMI is higher than 30, CoolSculpting can still work for you, it just may take more treatments to get the results you are looking to achieve, therefore costing more. Most practices in our area offer FREE CoolSculpting consultations so that you can learn how many treatments it would take to get you the results you are looking for. Good Luck!

Shamim Shakibai, MD · Answer

If there is enough tissue for the machine to get a good vacuum seal, then it can be treated. It does only target the subcutaneous fat and is not a replacement for diet or exercise, but it will show a reduction in those stubborn areas. Everyone has a different amount of treatable tissue and you would need to go into an in person consultation to get a proper evaluation.

Lisa Airan, MD · Answer

A good candidate for Coolsculpting is someone who has pinchable pockets of fat in areas where the handpiece is applied.  No specific fat percentage is needed for treatment.  Each treatment with Coolsculpting will result in approximately 25-30% reduction of fat in the targeted area.  I recommend making an appointment for a proper assessment with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with experience using Coolsculpting

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

It is ideal to be within your ideal body weight. CoolSculpting is by no means a weight-loss solution. It is really meant to help contour those stubborn fat pockets. It is best to schedule a consultation with a CoolSculpting expert near you to see if you are a candidate.

Jeffrey M. Hartog, DMD, MD · Answer

No, it is not recommended to have a certain body fat percentage before doing CoolSculpting.  However, it is recommended to be at or near your goal weight to get the best results.  It is, also, best to be at a stable weight you can maintain to keep your results.  CoolSculpting is a cosmetic treatment and helps with body contour and the reduction of fat bulges.  It would be optimal to see a board certified plastic surgeon and a Certified CoolSculpting Specialist to see if you are a good candidate for CoolSculpting.

Michael P. Dunn, MD · Answer

This is a common question.  Certainly the areas that you mention are prime areas for targeting in CoolSculpt.  CoolSculpting is a body sculpting procedure and should not be thought of in terms fat percentages (or body mass as it is also referred to).  Some patients with excessively large treatment areas would be better candidates for plastic surgery.   But, in answer to your question, if you have some trouble areas that you want addressed I would recommend getting with your local CoolSculpting practice for an evaluation to see if this is the right procedure for you.  Best of luck!

Is there a certain amount of fat percentage you need before considering CoolSculpting?

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