CoolSculpting after weight loss surgery? (Photo)

Question

Hello! I'm considering coolsculpting. I'm 31, done having kids and I've had weight loss surgery. I have an apron of fat and I'd rather not have plastic surgery if I can avoid it. Would cool sculpting be a good option for me?

Brian S. Glatt, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Judging by the photograph you provided you would not be the ideal candidate for CoolSculpting. You would benefit from a surgical procedure such as a tummy tuck; which addresses both the excess, laxed skin you present as well tightening of your abdominal muscles. CoolSculpting aims to rid smaller, pinchable areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise and is not used as a skin tightener. I suggest scheduling a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss these differences in more detail. Good luck!

Elisa A. Burgess, MD · Answer

In my practice when there is a patient that has a hanging apron of abdominal tissue, it is best to do an abdominoplasty for the most magical result. The rectus muscles are fixed and the excess skin and fat area removed.  However, I have a few patients that absolutely do not want to do surgery, so we do coolsculpting. But we spend a lot of time talking about reasonable expectations, and that the tissue may hang more after it has been defatted from coolsculpting. We now have ThermiSmooth (radiofrequency) in our practice which is approved for improvement in the appearance of skin and cellulite. So we will be layering the ThermiSmooth over the coolsculpting areas to see if we can get some skin improvement too. Best to you and congratulations on your weight loss.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you appear to be a better candidate for a tummy tuck and liposuction, which can be done at the same time. For best results, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Landon Pryor, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. Based on your photo, Coolsculpting may not be the best option for you as it will only address the fat and not the skin laxity. From your photo, it appears that you are a better candidate for a tummy tuck. I suggest seeking the opinion of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Best of Luck,

Paul Pietro, MD · Answer

Hello canoodieroo,Thanks for your question and photo. Based on the information you have provided it appears you would be better served to attain the results you seem to desire with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). CoolSculpting although very effective for stubborn pockets of fat in those at, or very close, to their ideal body weight will not likely give you results you desire. CoolSculpting will NOT have any effect on skin tightening and you already have a good amount of laxity thus any fat that is removed will only make this appear worse. Secondly the amount of time and treatments needed to reduce what we can see in the photo would be pretty close to the cost of the abdominoplasty +/- liposuction which would give you desired results in one setting. Seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to explore your options more closely.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

CoolScultping is best for those areas where the overlying skin is tighter.  Loose skin and fat are not addressed with CoolSculpting.

Arun Rao, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Coolsculpting is effective for treating stubborn areas of fat. However, based on your photos I do not think Coolsculpting will get you the results you are hoping for. In the photo you have redundant skin as well as stubborn fat. You would likely do better with a tummy tuck. I would recommend you find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your options.

Patrick L. Basile, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question Canoodleroo.  Typically, a CoolSculpting candidate is someone at their ideal weight with small areas of stubborn subcutaneous fat. You mentioned you have an "apron of fat" which is very common for post weight-loss patients.  While CoolSculpting can de-bulk the fat in the abdomen area, it is not intended to tighten the skin, or in your case the "apron".  The best way to remove an apron of fat and tighten the abdomen would be an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).  I would recommend you visit a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area to consult on all options.

Jeffrey M. Hartog, DMD, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting is great for someone who had small to medium size pockets of fat.  Based on your picture it looks like you have quite a bit of skin laxity, which cannot be tightened with CoolSculpting.  An abdominoplasty would most likely give you the best results for a flatter tummy.  It would be best to see a board certified plastic surgeon to find out your options.

James Fernau, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.I would recommend scheduling a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for a physical examination and to discuss your cosmetic goals.  Based on your photograph, I think you would be a better candidate for an abdominoplasty.  This procedure would firm the abdomen and tighten muscles by removing excess fat and correct sagging skin .  Coolsculpting is a good option for modest fat bulges and will not tighten the skin.  You may not be able to achieve your desired goal with Coolsculpting.  In my practice we perform surgical procedures and also do coolsculpting.  During the consultation, we can recommend the best treatment plan based on the individual patient.  Best of luck in your endeavors!Sincerely,
James Fernau, MD, FACSBoard Certified ENTBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryMember of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics & Science

CoolSculpting after weight loss surgery? (Photo)

Answers (11)

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