CoolSculpting did not work for me

Question

After much research & hearing about all the success stories on this website, I decided to have the procedure done. It's been week 11 now and absolutely no difference. I signed a non refundable contract & now this well renowned clinic refuse to help me any further. What would you suggest I do?

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Depending on how much fat you initially had, it could take two to three CoolSculpting sessions before you reach your goal figure. CoolSculpting also takes a while to work because it is more than just a process that your dermatologist does to you; it’s a process that your body completes by gradually excreting the fat cells killed during the procedure. It’s possible your body will take another four weeks to see results, as everyone is different.
 Many patients can’t “see” the results of their first treatment, but if you took Before and After photos or measured yourself before your treatment, the numbers and images can contradict your initial impression. It’s amazing how quickly we forget how bad the problem was at baseline! Many times, patients are surprised by the before and after photos seen side by side because a nice difference is seen even if not initially appreciated. It’s also possible that during this time you may have gained some weight, so be sure you weigh the same or less as the day you had your procedure. With that said, maybe you didn’t get a reduced fat bulge of at least 25%. That’s how much one treatment should give you. We use a Zimmer Zwave immediately after the procedure to push the result to 30% reduction. If you had a poorly placed applicator or no massage or Z-wave afterwards, this could explain less than ideal results. Please make sure to have a board-certified dermatologist to administer your CoolSculpting and request a session of Zimmer Z-Wave to maximize results.

Alan N. Larsen, MD · Answer

Correct patient selection is very important to achieve the
best results with Coolsculping. People who achieve the best results with
Coolsculpting have a good diet and exercise regularly, and are either at or
fairly close to their ideal weight, but have stubborn areas that are resistant
to diet and exercise.  Thank you for your question and best of luck.

Nancy Becker, DO · Answer

Hi! At our office, we always bring people in after 8-12 weeks and take pictures and compare. I am thinking 2 things here, a lot of times I hear people say they saw no difference until we take pics, but also often times people needs 2+ treatments to really get their desired results. It also CAN take up to 4 months to see full results as well. Hopefully the clinic will help you!

I hope that helps!

I hope that helps!

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

We typically recommend a minimum of 2 treatments in the same area for patients who get Coolsculpting.  The procedure treats on average 20-25% of the fat per area, and results always do vary.  If you have only been treated once, please consider a second treatment.  Depending on how much fat you have and your expectations you may be recommended by your provider to have a 3rd treatment.  Hope this helps.

Scott Gerrish, DO · Answer

Sunitha1:
With over 4 million treatments performed world-wide, CoolSculpting has a proven track record as a reliable and effective way to reduce fat. I understand your frustration in not seeing a significant change by the 11th week. All non-invasive fat reduction options are going to take time for the results to become visible. It will take up to 16 weeks in total to see the final result. The percentage of true non-responders from CoolSculpting is very low and being at 11 weeks post treatment, you still have approximately another month to go. 
Be Well
Dr Gerrish

Edward Stokes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I think it is important to remember 2 things. First, the majority of CoolSculpting patients will find that results do not show until between 12 and 16 weeks. Second, nearly every patient will need to be treated 2 times in any area that is treated. We always recommend that every patient treat twice.  The only time we ever hear that someone does not feel they have seen results is when they have only treated once. The second treatment is where the magic happens. Each treatment is going to permanently remove 20-25% of the fat cells from the treated areas. If you think about what one fifth of a fat bulge would be, it is not that much overall.  But with the second treatment, you really get the smooth natural looking results you are hoping for. Good luck with everything!

Joshua Weitz, MD · Answer

Dear Sunitha,
I'm sorry to hear that you feel you have not experienced a result with CoolSculpting.  If you have not already, I would recommend going back to have a conversation with the treatment providers, express your concerns.  In our experience (thousands of treatment cycles performed) we see true "non-response" in less than 1% of our patients.  This means that we determined the individual was a good candidate with subcutaneous fat (not visceral fat), we performed a thorough assessment, discussed goals/objectives, they completed the recommended treatment course and number of sessions and in the absence of a significant weight gain, the before and after photos do not show signs of improvement.  Although rare, it can occur.  That being said, we also work closely with those patients to try and make things right.  
Ultimately, try to continue the conversation with the clinic, ask to speak with a doctor and/or the ownership.  Look at the before and after photos with them and see whether or not they have recommendations on how to best move forward.  Most clinicians, especially those who care deeply about getting great results for their patients, will be happy to sit and try to do what's best for the patient. 
Be sure to go for your photos, in our experience many patients do not 'see a result' until they see the photos.  This has to do with the fact you see yourself in the mirror daily and it may not be as 'noticeable.'  If your photos show no improvement and you are one of the individuals who is a true 'non-responder,' I would encourage you to find a reputable plastic surgeon and consider liposuction to address any areas of ongoing concern.  
I wish you luck in your journey.
Best Regards,

Manish Khanna, MD, FRCP(C) · Answer

Hi Sunitha1,Thanks for your question. I appreciate your concerns so here is what I recommend. Typically we have a follow-up with our patients 3 months after the treatment is done. That would mean that you are due to go into the clinic to have photos taken to compare to the pre-treatment photos. As the results appear gradually over the 3-4 months following the treatment, sometimes patients have the perception that there is no difference but in fact there is. There is also a possibility that you were "undertreated", meaning you either had 1 treatment done when a two-treatment protocol should have been recommended or that the number of applicators used was fewer than what would have been ideal. I recommend going back to the clinic and having the discussion with them once the photos have been assessed. Best of luck, Manish Khanna, MD FRCPC

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi Sunitha1,Do you still feel a bit bloated? Patients have reported noticeable fat loss on the 13th week onwards. We've seen this kind of fat loss in patients sometimes on their 6th month. You would need to see your Provider for a treatment follow-up so that accurate measurements can be taken.Try to keep your weight and remember that only 25% of fat is bound to be lost as a result of CoolSculpting.All the best,Justin Harper, M.D.

CoolSculpting did not work for me

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