When is Best Time to Get Second Coolsculpting Treatment to Same Areas?

We have our patients come back to re-treat at 2 months.  We have done this a lot so we know when someone is going to need a second treatment for sure.  We don't wait 3 months when this is the case.Best of luck,

Sheila Nazarian

CoolSculpting is performed in "cycles" with each cycle taking an hour and covers one area. 60 minutes is required for the tissue to reach the correct temperature to cause the fat to shrink. Typically, separate cycles are needed for the upper and lower abdomen (each an hour), and each flank requires separate hour cycles. You can expect to see the full results in about 4 months, as the body's process of removing the fat is gradual and accomplished over time, so the complete changes aren't immediate. Estimates are that the CoolSculpting effects should last between 10-15 years, especially in those patients who maintain normal weight levels.

Physicians initially waited about four months after CoolSculpting to do another treatment as there was close to the maximum volume of fat lost by that time (around 20%). About a year ago we had been receiving reports from some physicians that second treatments at four to six weeks after the first treatment might have a better end result. Theoretically this makes sense when understanding that the fat cells that were damaged by the freezing but didn't die from the first treatment might be more sensitive to refreezing before they have more time to heal and this could make the second treatment even more successful. Unfortunately, I am not aware of any clincial studies that measured this scientifically but we certainly have seen this in our NYC practice and routinely retreat with CoolSculpting at one month. I am aware of other doctors stacking treatment and reapply the applicator immediately after the first treatment is over. This is the newest of the three protocols to have been presented but I am waiting for more data to be presented about stacking in terms of its safety and effectiveness.

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.