No change after CoolSculpting. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

I had cool sculpting to upper & lower abdomen 3 weeks ago and don't notice any change, despite working out & very healthy eating. (height 5'5", weight 141lbs procedure day, now 137). I understand it takes up to 3-4 months to see change with cool sculpting but after 5 weeks of eating well & exercising daily, I expected to at least notice a difference (as I would have prior to this procedure). Is this normal? I feel like I wasted my money and should have used it towards liposuction.

William Groff, DO · Answer

Coolsculpting generally takes about 3-4 months for results to show. Continue your workout regimen and drinking tons of water and if you do not see any results by then, I would follow-up with your CoolSculpting provider to discuss additional treatments or other options.

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

It is very rare to see results just after 3 weeks. It generally takes about 3-4 months for your body to completely eliminate the fat cells that were destroyed during your treatment. My recommendation is to wait the full 3 months to see results then follow up with your provider to discuss additional treatments or other options!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I recommend waiting the full 3 months to see results. You can follow up with your provider at that time to see if you need any additional treatments. Regards,

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Most people do not notice any real changes with CoolSculpting for about three to four months. Three weeks is too soon to worry about your results. During your procedure, fat cells in the treated areas were frozen and sent into a slow-death cycle that involves the cells destructing, macrophages consuming cellular debris, and the lymph system eliminating the dead cells through the urine. It's a long process, and you must be patient. Weight loss through diet and exercise also takes time, but the results of all of these are worth the wait. Please consult your board-certified dermatologist after three to four months if you don't start seeing an improvement.

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

CoolSculpting is a great, FDA-approved treatment for fat reduction of the abdomen. Patients in our office have seen an average fat reduction of 20-25% with each treatment. Depending on the patient's body composition and outcome goals, it may take more than one treatment to achieve optimal results. It takes about 2-3 months to get a general idea of the final results. The results are long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable healthy lifestyle.            Tweet

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

Great Question! It takes about three weeks to start seeing results and up to three months to see full results. Continue to eat healthy and exercise and it will only enhance your results. CoolSculpting kills fat cells through a process called Apoptosis which means " programmed cell death". Due to this process it takes some time to start seeing results! Continue to keep track of your weight and make sure your provider is doing before and after photos so that you can see the change happening with your body over time.

Sarah Mess, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting is a lot of things, but it's not quick! It's hard to wait three months to see the results from Coolsculpting. The change starts gradually, and most patients don't see significant changes until the after the second month. The amount of change may also depend on the level of treatment. Someone who received a 10 cycle treatment package is going to see more dramatic results than someone who only received a 2 cycle treatment. Stay in contact with you doctor and schedule a three month follow up. Best of luck!

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

You are correct that it can take 3-4 months to see the full effect from a CoolSculpting treatment.  Many people would not see any change yet at 3 weeks after the procedure, so it is not unusual that you see no change at this point.  Additionally, some people require more than one treatment session to obtain the desired result.

Margaret Weiss, MD · Answer

Don't worry. Very few people see results after only 3 weeks. As you noted, it generally takes about 3 to 4 months for your body to completely eliminate the destroyed fat cells so that you can see your results. Eating well and exercising daily doesn't necessarily result in weight loss; you have to burn more calories than you consume and you generally will not lose more than one pound a week even in an optimum scenario. If you don't see a change in three to four months, please check back with your board-certified dermatologist.

Jennifer Cova, DO · Answer

While this is not considered a weight loss procedure, many just like you ramp up and get a great jump start on their lifestyle changes.  It sounds like you are doing all the right things, and I would encourage you to keep going strong.  Typical results with Coolsculpting can be very independent to the patient, and come in fully by 12-16 weeks.  Waiting is the hardest part, but believe it will happen, keep making those good choices, and stay positive.  :)  If you only had one treatment to the area, you may consider a second, if you are not fully satisfied with results, this is pretty common for more stubborn areas.  Hope this helps and glad to hear you are striving to improve you health and well being.  Goodluck.

No change after CoolSculpting. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (12)

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