Coolsculpting Was Applied Unevenly on Hips - Will This Affect Results?

the placement of the applicators in Zeltiq's coolSculpting, is best when the applicator is placed over the bulkiest tisse. Many people have an asymmetry, some related to a curvature of the spine and the coolSculpting can be used to make these sides more even.

With the understanding that not everyone has perfect symmetry, it may be necessary to position the Cool Sculpt device at a slightly different position when performing a bilateral treatment. I recommend contacting the practitioner who performed your Cool Sculpt procedure and ask to see your pre-treatment photos to see if there was asymmetry in the area you were treated. If in fact the device was not placed properly, I would recommend waiting 12 weeks before undergoing a second Cool Sculpting treatment. It is best to wait to see the results from your first treatment in order to properly “even out” the area.

Every patient has a unique body and the CoolSculpting provider must find the best placement for each applicator.  When using two applicators for one treatment, such as hips or love handles, the provider will find the highest peak of the fat bulge on each side.  These bulges may not be symmetrical and that is very common.  If your provider did apply the applicators appropriately then you should expect good results.  Many patients will need multiple treatments to achieve desired results.  This may be several applications in different locations on the body, or multiple sessions on one area.  Free CoolSculpting treatments are available at my Raleigh NC practice through Instant Rebates.  My patients enjoy one free CoolSculpting session with each session purchased.  CoolSculpting Complete is a complimentary package that CoolSculpting patients in my office receive.  CoolSculpting Complete includes dual machines, compression garments, and vibrational therapy.CoolSculpting results are not fully achieved until after three months.  At this point you should have your follow up photos taken and you can discuss further treatment options with your provider.

It is difficult to say with any certainty without seeing you why the applicators may have been placed asymmetrically.  Many patients are to some extent asymmetric to begin with but are unaware of this until they have some type of procedure which draws their attention to it.  When applicators are placed, we focus more on the fat distribution, 'the peak of the bulge' and placing the applicator in such a way that the maximum amount of fat can be drawn in to the applicator.    Talk to the office that treated you and ask them if there was a reason for the uneven placement.  If for some reason it was an error or oversight, it is not difficult to correct any asymmetry once the results are apparent.

Thank you for your question.

It is very difficult to give you good advice without knowing more history and examining you. Sometimes, the applicators are placed in different positions due to where the treatment is needed the most - it is not unusual.

It may be in your best interest to either speak with your doctor and view your before photos or allow for things to heal and see if any additional treatment will be necessary.

Best wishes.