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

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.

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.

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...