Does CoolSculpting only work exactly where the device is placed? Should the area treated be the same on both thighs? (photos)

CoolSculpting is very precise.  Our bodies, in general, are not symmetric, so sometimes the treatments may not be entirely symmetric.  A very important part of the treatment is the evaluation, assessment and planning.  We are lucky in our practice that we have a board-certified plastic surgeon with immense experience in body sculpting who has trained all  of us, including myself.It is very important to have CoolSculpting treatments done in an office that has experience.  CoolSculpting is very effective and creates permanent changes to the fat.  This is awesome, as long as the changes look good!  Correction after inappropriate CoolSculpting has been performed can be difficult and requires expertise (eg a plastic surgeon).  

Great question. Judging by your photographs it does appear that your CoolSculpting treatment was performed incorrectly.  When treating the outer thigh area the applicator should be placed directly over the bulge of the saddlebag.  The area you had treated is lower than ideally where the applicator should be placed. I suggest scheduling an appointment with your certified coolsculpting provider to express your concerns. Good luck! 

Thanks for sharing your concerns.  Coolsculpting typically treats the area that the applicator is placed.  The outer thighs are tricky in that the location of the fat is different in the standing and laying position.  Normally, the area is marked as the patient stands and this gives the best indicator of where to place the applicator.  This is done this way because people look at you and see the troubled fat when you are standing and not lying down.  From the pictures, it does not appear that the right side was properly placed (too low).  You will have to wait 2-3 months to see how this looks.