Can I get CoolSculpting with very little body fat? 18%

Question

I have an athletic body type and when I gain weight it tends to go to my thighs and butt. I don't mind this but I gained a little weight on my midsection also. Because of my body type, when I gain a little weight on my midsection... I lose my figure. I do not mind The weight on thighs and butt. But when I exercise that's the first thing to go as opposed to my midsection weight. You can't target weight loss. W/ very little body fat will I be able to Coolsculpt my midsection for a smaller waist?

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting is a great option for patients that have stubborn pockets of fat, and it requires a minimum amount of “pinchable” fat so that it fills the applicator cup! Be sure to visit a CoolSculpting expert, so they can assess you in-person and recommend the best treatment plan that is customized to you!

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting is designed to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat. If you tend to gain weight in just a few areas, CoolSculpting can reduce the number of fat cells so that they will be more proportionate. Ideally, though, you should keep your weight stable so that you can maintain the benefits of your contoured figure. You may also want to consider other noninvasive fat-elimination techniques, such as Vanquish and ThermiTight. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist who has a variety of fat-elimination techniques for you to choose from.

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Without seeing any photos, I can't give you a definitive answer. With that being said, usually if there is "pinchable" fat in an area, it can be treated. CoolSculpting is very effective on patients that are at a healthy weight, living a healthy lifestyle. So it sounds as though you would be a good candidate. You will need to have a consultation in person with a local physician to determine the best course of action. Good luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, Coolsculpting and body contouring procedures are ideal for people near their ideal body weight and have stubborn areas of fat. For best results with Coolsculpting, I recommend a combination approach. I recommend adding radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish, Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing. VASER with ThermiRF is a great alternative for shaping the abdomen. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting is ideal for people at or near their ideal body weight who have isolated areas of unwanted fat.  An examination of you would ultimately be needed to determine if you might be a good candidate for the procedure, but there is no reason that someone with 18% body fat could not be treated.

Payman Kosari, MD, FAAD · Answer

In my opinion, coolsculpting is meant for those who are very close to their target weight but have the resistant pounds that don't want to go away with diet and exercise.  With that said, it all depends on how much fat is available for the handpiece to grab.  If the handpiece can grab it, it can be treated.  Coolmini is a new handpiece meant for the submental neck.  It is a very small handpiece that can be used on the abdomen if needed.  This handpiece may be what you need to get to small resistant areas  on the abdomen.  Best of luck!

Lewis Heller, MD · Answer

Really good question! If you're overall content with your weight and/or other body areas but want one of them reduced due to more volume there than you prefer then yes, Coolsculpting is an excellent option. Different applicators can target different shaped areas of volume. You can be very lean overall but still have a pocket of fat that you want gone. My end answer to people interested in Coolsculpting is to come in for a consultation to make sure you're a good candidate.

Julie A. Maughan, MD · Answer

The best way to answer this question is to have a personalized consultation with a CoolSculpt provider.  The CoolSculpting process requires a minimum amount of "pinchable" fat that can be treated by an applicator.  You need to have enough fat to fill the applicator cup.  That said, in general, CoolSculpt is great for patients with stubborn pockets of fat such as abdomen and love handles, particularly if they are already doing well with diet and exercise.

Paul Pietro, MD · Answer

Hello Matrixdsstn,Thank you for your question however without at least a photo we can only give you general information and speculation. Best would be to present for an in person consultation at a "CoolSculpting Center of Excellence" from CoolSculpting University and be assessed. Generally speaking if you have a pocket of fat that is pinchable and of sufficient quantity to be drawn into the CoolSculpting applicator you can have it done and get results. By your description you do sound like a good candidate. Be well.

Manish Khanna, MD, FRCP(C) · Answer

Hi Matrixdsstn,You actually sound like a great candidate for the treatment as you are at a desirable weight and wish to get rid of certain pockets of fat in order to sculpt your waistline better. Indeed, diet and exercise do not always help target specific pockets of fat and CoolSculpting is a great option. Of course, you have to have enough fat for the applicator to able to suction the area. This can only be determined during a consultation during which the Coolsculpting technician and physician will pinch the fat to assess whether you have enough for the treatment to work. Best of luck, Manish Khanna MD, FRCP