Signs of Good Results With Coolsculpting?

Question

I had my love handles treated with Coolsculpting yesterday. I am a fairly thin person, so the small applicator was used. When the applicator was taken off, I did not see a "stick of butter". Would that mean my results will not be as dramatic? Also, is feeling soreness around or above/but not the actual area treated a bad sign as well? I also feel no tingling or prickling, but I have little red dots (bruises?) on the upper portion of the love handles.

Eric Chang, MD · Answer

the cooling effect of coolsculpting comes from the cooling pads.  the tissue has to be "drawn up" in to the device to actually sit in proximity to these cooling pads.  the "stick of butter" is what you see if the tissue is well frozen.   Some areas respond with a more pronounced frozen effect than others.  For instance, the amount of tissue draw in the abdomen is typically better than that of the love handles.  As for the other symptoms, I would not make too much of them.  Wait, be patient, and if you are not seeing adequate results in about 8 weeks, talk to your doctor.

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Sometimes the "stick of butter" may not be as dramatic in patients who have less tissue to be drawn into the applicator by the suction. The little red dots you see are temporary bruises due to the suction and should resolve over the next few days or so. Side effects can vary from person to person and are not necessarily indicative of results, and results are usually not apparent for the first month. If you do not see results after 2-3 months, you should consult with the person who provided your treatment.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

The stick of butter refers to the elevated and hard skin envelope around the frozen fat cells that thaw after CoolSculpting and become softer again. Not all patients develop this, especially if they have minimal fat. Bruising is variable. You may still develop a good result but you should ask your provider the questions as they know your physical examination.

	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.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Patient selection is the key to a good coolsculpting treatment. Each patient will heal differently so do not be overly alarmed if you do not see the stick of butter that you expected.

Grace Liu, MD · Answer

Hi,

	It sounds like you are in fairly good shape since you had the small applicator was used for your love handles.  Usually the "stick of butter" results are correlative to the amount of fat that you had.  Usually you see this more with abdominal fat or the large applicator than the smaller applicator.  You will still have a good result since it sounds like you didn't have a lot of fat to start off with.  The pinpoint bruises are normal and can be seen with a higher vacuum to draw the fat into the applicator.  These go away in several days.

	 

	Warmly,

	Dr. Liu

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