Can CoolSculpting Be Used Back of Thighs and Inner/outer Thighs?

Thank you for your question! Coolsculpting can do a wonderful  job treating the inner thighs as well as other parts of the body and is one of the top non-surgical, non-invasive procedures on the market today with no downtime. My thoughts on outer thighs, I discuss in my video below which I think will be helpful. It is important to remember that CoolSculpting does not address the skin's elasticity or cellulite alone but can be combined with other treatments to improve overall results. To know what areas are best suited to CoolSculpting on your body and if in fact different treatments are needed, I suggest contacting a preferred physician or Coolsculpting specialist for a private  consultation. By doing this you will have a custom tailored treatment plan to reach your goals and a stronger understanding of why CoolSculpting may be best for some areas of the body but not all. I hope this information was helpful. For more information regarding your question, please see the video below. Good luck to you!

CoolSculpting has FDA approval for fat reduction since 2010. CoolSculpting freezes the fat cells. Fat cells are more susceptible to damage by freezing than the other cells, (nerve, vessel, bone, etc.), around them. The fat cells die via a process called apoptosis, (programmed cell death). The number of fat cells are therefore reduced. This happens over a period of time, so the body is not overwhelmed with dead fat cells. The body will take these cells up, process them and excrete them, just as any other cell. The remnants are filtered through the liver, and then excreted eventually via stool. CoolSculpting now has an applicator for thighs.  CoolSculpting had been used in this area with good results. See an experienced CoolSculpting practice, they will determine if you are a candidate.

Zeltiq has come out with a new applicator called the CoolFit that can address fat reduction on areas such as the outer and back of thighs. It is contoured to fit these areas better than the previous applicators that didn't fit these areas. It's always a good idea to obtain a consultation to see if you are a good candidate for this treatment.

Certainly, CoolSculpting by Zeltiq, has been FDA cleared for the abdomen  and the flanks and doctors are able to utilize it, off-label, on the outer thighs. Now with the recently acquired CoolFit applicator, which is flat compared with the curved CoolPlus, 6.2,6.3 and 8 applicators, we are looking forward to seeing results on the inner thighs using the CoolFit off-label. There may be side effects or risks that will be more apparent after a time during which many doctors treat many patients with the device for the thigh areas so stay well informed and ask your doctor many questions.

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.

Coolsculpting is a fabulous procedure and there is a special adaptor for both the inner and outer thighs.  We have had great results with these adaptors and also for the back of the buttock area. We are certified by coolsculpting an have all of the latest adaptors to make your treatment easy and successful.

Thank you for your question.

The most common areas for Coolsculpting Treatment are the flanks and abdomen.  This treatment is FDA approved for those areas.  If you were to use it on your thighs, it would be an "off label" use.  Many people choose to have their thighs treated and end up with nice results.  I would recommend that you visit with a doctor who can examine the areas of concern for you and determine if Coolsculpting with help improve those areas.

Best Wishes.

CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared for the flanks (love handles) and abdomen and is proven to be a safe and effective treatment. It is not approved for use on the thighs. 

CoolSculpting is not FDA approved to treat the thigh area.  Also, they do not have an applicator designed to fit that area.  Smartlipo would be a good alternative, it will remove the fat in addition to tighten your skin.

Coolscultping is not FDA approved for the thighs and occasionally treatment of the inner thighs could be problematic so we avoid that area. However, well circumscribed localized fat on the outer thighs does respond quite well.

Coolsculpting can be done in areas other than the abdomen, but only if there is sufficient fat that can be drawn into the treatment chamber.  Coolsculpting relies on suction to pull the tissue to be treated into the applicator so it can come into contact with the panels that will then cool and freeze the fat cells.  Without sufficient suction and contact with these panels the treatment will be ineffective.  Portions of the thigh are often not soft and malleable enough to be drawn into the chamber and therefore may not be treated sufficiently.  The inner thighs can often work well but the outer thighs and posterior thighs below the buttocks can be a challenge.  Hope that helps.

Dr. Grant Stevens