Can CoolSculpting be used to remove a lipoma on my lumbar spine? Does cool sculpting work on back fat?

Question

I Have a relatively large lipoma on my lumbar spine and some left over back fat after my surgical procedure... and I dont really want to go back under the knife...and I was thinking about CoolSculpting to solve the problem... ....any thoughts?.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

CoolSculpting, or any other non-surgical method will not work for Lipomas as most have a capsule around them. It can be used for regular back fat if the fat is pinchable. For lipomas the most effective treatment remains surgical excision. Best

Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery - Grand Rapids · Answer

Hello there! I would not recommend using coolsculpting for a lipoma, but it will probably work well on leftover back fat. I would recommend consulting with an expert in your area in regards to the lipoma removal. As long as the back fat is pinchable, and is not just skin laxity, coolsculpting should remove 20-25% after one application. Good luck! Sarah RN BSN

Trilogy Medical Center - Midvale · Answer

Hi there. Thanks for your question. I love the way your mind was working for this, but Coolsculpting won't work for a lipoma. A lipoma has a capsule (sack) around it and the whole thing has to be removed or else it will just come back. If you want to gross yourself out, watch some videos of lipoma removals and you'll see what I mean! For the other fat in the area, Coolsculpting or even Kybella might be a good option, depending on the amount of fat deposit. If it's large, consider a surgical consultation as well to see which option(s) might be best for you, taking in mind the money, time, number of treatments, and recovery...all of those factors together can make what is the right treatment for one not the best for another!
Good luck to you!
@DrKatNP.trilogy

Scott R. Brundage, MD · Answer

As others have stated, Coolsculpting is not ideal for lipomas. Another consideration is that the lipoma could be submuscular (called a Hibernoma). These are very rare but are deeper. I have used localized liposuction for large subcutaneous lipomas but the main risk is recurrence. The advantage of this is minimal scarring. Direct excision is the gold standard.

Drew Varano, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting is not effective for lipomas since they are incarcerated in connective tissue. It can be used for other back fat such as the bra roll . You may want to consider kybella for a lipoma as a off labeluse and a non surgical option

Can CoolSculpting be used to remove a lipoma on my lumbar spine? Does cool sculpting work on back fat?

Answers (9)