Can Coolsculpting Be Used on Fat Above the Knee?

Coolsculpting can absolutely be used to treat the fat located above the knee should the patient present with the proper type of fat that is treatable with Coolsculpting.  In order to adequately assess, the patient should have a thorough in clinic consultation.  For above the knee, the CoolMini applicator would be used to obtain the best results as this area is small.  The fat pocket must fit the applicator precisely in order to be treated; should the patient not be a candidate for Coolsculpting, Kybella can also be utilized to dissolve the fat above the knee.  Hope that helps. 
Best,
Dr. Paul Flashner

CoolSculpting has FDA approval for fat reduction since 2010. CoolSculpting freezes the fat cells. Fat cells are more susceptible to damage by freezing than the other cells, (nerve, vessel, bone, etc.), around them. The fat cells die via a process called apoptosis, (programmed cell death). The number of fat cells are therefore reduced. This happens over a period of time, so the body is not overwhelmed with dead fat cells. The body will take these cells up, process them and excrete them, just as any other cell. The remnants are filtered through the liver, and then excreted eventually via stool. Knees can be a challenge with any modality. CoolSculpting had been used in this area with good results. See an experienced CoolSculpting practice, they will determine if you are a candidate.

I have successfully treated the fatty region in the inner knee/thigh region.  As long as the tissue can be drawn into the applicator, you should be able to get some contouring in this region.  When the tissue is not pinchable, then I would recommend liposuction.

Unfortunately, the applicators that are utilized with the machine do not fit this area and therefore cannot treat the area above the knees. You may consider liposuction to the area, although it is more invasive. Your doctor should be able to advise you as to which alternative treatment would be recommended for your area of concern.

Currently there is no applicator that will fit that area well.  It is an area that liposuction has helped some and in others it can make more of a shelf if the skin sags further down after the fat removal.

I've found it nearly impossible to treat medial knee and medial thigh fat with Zeltiq. The treatment head is not designed for these areas. It works great for abdomen, flanks, dorsal rolls etc- assuming you are an appropriate candidate. On the other hand, liposuction using small cannulae works exceedingly well in this region.

Great question! With the new CoolSculpting applicator, the CoolMini, we can treat fatty pockets above the knee. CoolSculpting is a great method of noninvasive fat reduction with no downtown! It takes care of up to 25% of the fatty tissue in the treated area, but typically more than one session is needed to reach the desired result. 
Skin tightening with radio frequency is a great complement to CoolSculpting also! It can do wonders with loss of elasticity in the upper knee area. 

Hello and thank you for your question. With the CoolMini applicator, we can now treat pockets of fat above the knees. Coolsculpting is an excellent, method of nonsurgical fat reduction. 20-25% of fat cell loss after just one session. Please consult with a board certified dermatologist with experience. Thank you and best of luck to you. 

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, at this time the applicators that are used for treatment do not fit this area and therefore we cannot treat this area with CoolSculpting. The option you may want to consider is liposuction. I recommend having an evaluation with an expert to determine the best treatment for you. Best of Luck!

The CoolMini applicator allows us to use CoolSculpting on small areas that the original applicator could not reach. The CoolSculpting process freezes the fat and the body then eliminates it. Once the fat above your knees is gone, it will be gone for good. Please see a board-certified dermatologist to learn how CoolSculpting will help you.