Will CoolSculpting on sides of my upper thighs make my skin sag?

Question

I am interested in getting coolsculpting done on the sides of my upper thighs (in the saddlebag area) and my butt (which is getting wrinkly and dimpled). I’m a relatively thin person, am active and maintain a very healthy diet. I would be happy with my figure if it weren’t for those random lumps of fat. However, I am nervous that if I get coolscultping done I will leave those areas with slightly saggy skin after the fat has dissipated. Is this a possibility?

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

The FDA has formally recognized CoolSculpting’s skin-tightening effects and now recommends it as a skin-tightening and fat-removal treatment for double chins. If you are thin and have just a small amount of fat to remove from your thighs, then your skin will most likely accommodate the loss in volume and contract sufficiently to avoid any kind of sagging.  On the outer thighs, the skin is quite thick and elastic. I have never seen more sagging in that area from either CoolSculpting or tumescent liposuction. However, if your buttocks are already saggy, you may need CoolSculpting to remove the fat, but in addition, a skin tightening treatment. In that case, your dermatologist may add in ThermiTight, Thermage or Ultherapy. Please find a board-certified dermatologist to treat you to ensure that you get the right treatments you need to obtain the beautiful results you want.

Elyse Rafal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your concerns.  Everyone has different skin, its not possible to give an answer to your concern without having a proper examination as to whether you are a good candidate for cool sculpting.  If you are a candidate for this procedure and your skin does sag after treatment, there are different options available to treat sagging skin.  It is recommended to consult with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon in your area for your best treatment options.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This will depend on skin laxity. Coolsculpting is good for removing stubborn areas of fat, but lacks skin tightening. For best results, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction, which can be performed at the same time as a lifting procedure, depending on skin laxity. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermiRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Himansu Shah, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. It is difficult to answer your question without examining you or seeing your photos. It is best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine what is the best procedure for you. Good luck.

Rosalind Jackson, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting targets fat cells and destroys them.  But as a  bonus when there is an inflammatory response or damage to an area collagen is also recruited to that area.  So the bonus is you get some tightening with coolsculpting!  The company does not advertise this but it's a natural response to how the body responds to any injury in the body.  Infact most lasers work because they cause and injury and the injury cause collagen formation.

Will CoolSculpting on sides of my upper thighs make my skin sag?

Answers (5)

Answer: Will CoolSculpting on sides of my upper thighs make my skin sag?

Answer: Will CoolSculpting on sides of my upper thighs make my skin sag?

Answer: Skin laxity

Answer: Skin laxity

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Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

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Will CoolSculpting on sides of my upper thighs make my skin sag?

Answers (5)

Answer: Will CoolSculpting on sides of my upper thighs make my skin sag?

Answer: Will CoolSculpting on sides of my upper thighs make my skin sag?

Answer: Skin laxity

Answer: Skin laxity

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.