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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 6

Use Before-and-After Photos to Keep Track of CoolSculpting Results

January 23rd, 2017
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Ultrasound imaging of areas treated with CoolSculpting are used during studies to verify the percentage of fat reduction (usually from 20% to 30% after one treatment). A body-fat monitor assesses overall fat, so it would be difficult to ascertain the difference in one small treated area. Because CoolSculpting is a body sculpting procedure, the best way to measure your results is to actually compare how you look after the treatment as opposed to before. After all, it would be meaningless to you if you objectively lost fat and yet could not see the difference in your shape. Please take “before” shots prior to your procedure. In the meantime, you can look at some of our before-and-after-photos on the link below. Please find a board-certified dermatologist to get the best results from CoolSculpting.

Web reference: https://clderm.com/san-diego-coolsculpting/

William Groff, DO


San Diego Dermatologist
4.8 out of 5 stars 48 reviews

Body fat measurement with CoolSculpting fat loss

August 20th, 2013
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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

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 38 reviews

Body fat percentage

February 2nd, 2013
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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

Thomas Fiala, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 80 reviews

Best way to measure Coolscultping

January 28th, 2013
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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
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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 120 reviews

CoolSculpting and Body Fat

January 17th, 2013
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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

Adam David Lowenstein, MD, FACS
Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 56 reviews

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.