Ask a doctor

Can Coolsculpt Results Be Monitored Using a Body Fat Percentage Scale?

To me, weight loss is not the best way to monitor this but rather a body fat monitor (weight can fluctuate with water retention, muscle gain, etc). Can the results be objectified using this device before and after? Has this ever been documented?

Doctor Answers 5

Body fat measurement with CoolSculpting fat loss

August 20th, 2013
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

I'm not aware of this technique being done nor am I certain that it would reveal significant figures as the amount of fat lost in one area compared to the whole body content is small. Ultrasound measurements done during the FDA studies revealed that 80% of patients had 20% reduction in the adipose (fat) layer volume at the four month period after one CoolSculpting treatment.

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.

Web reference: http://www.thenyac.com/zeltiq/index.html

Ronald Shelton, MD


Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 37 reviews

Body fat percentage

February 2nd, 2013
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Interesting question - I have not seen this idea presented in the medical literature.  However, ultrasound imaging can directly measuring the thickness of the fat layer before and after the treatment has been used.  It's a very good way to assess the localized changes - and it clearly shows that Coolsculpting works.
Total body fat percentage may not be sensitive enough to look at localized changes in a small zone.  I'll have to look into that...

Web reference: http://day-spa-orlando.com/coolsculpting/

Thomas Fiala, MD

Best way to measure Coolscultping

January 28th, 2013
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

I believe the best way to measure the results of Coolsculpting is to monitor before and after shaping in an objective photography. Keep in mind this is shaping procedure not a weight loss procedure.

 

Steven Hacker, MD

Steven Hacker, MD
West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 4 reviews

CoolSculpting and Fat Loss

January 27th, 2013
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

That is an interesting question. In my Raleigh, NC CoolSculpting practice, we have not measured the difference in before and afters with a fat percentage scale.  You are correct that CoolSculpting is not a procedure designed to result in significant weight loss, rather stubborn areas of fat.

In order to provide elimination of fat as quickly as possible we do offer CoolSculpting Complete. This includes two systems, for twice the fat elimination in a one hour period. Vibrational therapy increases circulation and lymphatic drainage which my help waste, including damaged fat cells be eliminated with the body more efficiently. Finally, al of our patients receive a compression garment to help with skin quality and comfort. 

Web reference: http://www.bluewaterspa.com/coolsculpting.html

Michael Law, MD

Michael Law, MD
Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 111 reviews

CoolSculpting and Body Fat

January 17th, 2013
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

This is a very interesting question, but to my knowledge there have not been any studies that monitor body fat like that with respect to CoolSculpting.  The point of the procedure, however, is to bring down bulges in specific areas, and in my practice we have seen phenomenal success with this- CoolSculpting works very well!

Adam David Lowenstein, MD, FACS

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.