Is it better to get CoolSculpting when thin or heavy?

Question

I recently had a coolsculpting appointment and it was explained to me how we have fat cells but when we are heavier the fat cells are larger than when we are skinny. So in this thought, would it be better to get coolsculpting when you are thinner so it freezes more fat cells because they are smaller? I want to do coolsculpting but am thinking of losing some weight first so that it freezes more fat cells.

David L. Kaufman, MD FACS · Answer

CoolSculpting is not a weight loss procedure. Therefore, you're more likely to get your optimal results by getting to a healthy weight you feel comfortable maintaining first. This is true any time you plan to have a body contouring procedure, surgical or non-surgical. Instead, CoolSculpting is a great option for those looking to remove stubborn pockets of fat that remain regardless of diet and exercise.

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

Hi there,
Coolsculpting is a great treatment to help rid stubborn fat, however, it is not a weight loss solution. With that being said, the most ideal candidate is someone who is close to their ideal weight, but may still need a bit of extra contouring. It is great for those small bulges that are resistant to diet and exercise. If you are not close to your ideal weight, you will most likely need a second before you're satisfied with your results.  It is important to have a consultation with a skilled provider who can better assess your situation and give you realistic expectations.Best,Dr. Paul Flashner

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

To get the best result, you should try to be at your goal weight. CoolSculpting isn't for weight loss, it is designed to get rid of small pockets of fat that diet and exercise won't get rid of. Good luck!

William Groff, DO · Answer

It’s important to remember that CoolSculpting and all of the other surgical and nonsurgical fat-removal techniques are designed to contour your figure by removing inches, not pounds. They’re not weight-loss techniques. It’s best to be near your ideal weight simply because you will get a nicer result and you need to be healthy enough to maintain your results over the long term. However, the same percentage of fat cells will be killed in a CoolSculpting procedure whether you are fat or thin: About 20 to 30% at most centers. We actually can eliminate about 35% of fat in a single session because we have performed many CoolSculpting procedures, have the most updated applicators, and give our patients a session of Zimmer Z-Wave radial pulsed therapy directly afterward to help break up the fat cells and make the results more uniform. Be sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist who has been certified by Zeltiq as a CoolSculpting practitioner.

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Coolsculpting works best on individuals that are at their ideal weight.  However some patients start their Coolsculpting sessions alongside starting a weight loss program as an incentive. Coolsculpting results can be obvious on both heavier and thin patients. Try not to get too hung on "how many fat cells you are freezing", rather focus on your weight loss goals and your Coolsculpting provider should ensure you get the most out of every Coolsculpting session. Hope this helps. Dr. Philip Solomon

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello, 
 Thank you for your question. Yes Coolsculpting does work better on individuals who are at their ideal weight. Some may use it during their weight-loss process as an incentive. However it'll always do best on patients who are at a healthy weight, living a healthy lifestyle. Good luck with your treatment and weight loss goals!

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is generally preferred that patients be close to or at their ideal weight before being treated with CoolSculpting.  It is possible to treat people that are heavier, but this usually would require multiple treatment sessions to get to the desired goal and possibly treating multiple different areas as well.  It is still possible that more than one session would be needed in someone near their ideal weight, but generally speaking, the results are better for these people than heavier ones.

Maurice M. Vick, Jr., MD · Answer

It is better to be as close to your ideal weight as possible. You will remove more fat cells, and be happier with your results. Best Wishes, Maurice Vick MD

Shareef Jandali, MD · Answer

It shouldn't matter whether you are heavier or lighter with getting Coolsculpting.  Whatever fat is suctioned into the applicators, about 20% of this gets frozen and is permanently lost.  Coolsculpting is definitely not a form of weight loss and should only be used on stubborn areas. The area cannot be too thick or it doesn't fit the applicator. Please see a certified physician for assessment.

Drew Varano, MD · Answer

It is best to do coolsculpting when you are within 20 lbs of your ideal body weight. In general " smaller " size individuals will require less treatments than someone larger