Does CoolSculpting permanently kill fat cells?

Thank you for your question. Throughout your lifetime, you generally do not gain or lose the number of fat cells you have - that is a predetermined, finite amount. Instead, the fat cells you do have can expand when you put on weight. CoolSculpting uses technology known as cryolipolysis or controlled freezing to crystallize some fat cells in the treatment area. The crystallized cells are eliminated over time through the body’s lymphatic system, so the results are permanent. However, if you gain weight after your CoolSculpting treatment, remaining cells can expand and alter your results. If your weight stays about the same after treatment, you can maintain your new shape for years because the total number of fat cells is reduced.

CoolSculpt will allow you to permanently lose fat cells. But keep in mind that unhealthy diets later in life post-Coolsculpt can still leave you susceptible to weight gain. A common misconception with weight gain and loss is the process of whether it involves fat cells or fat molecules. Here are the fundamental basics: Fat is a biomolecule used for energy in our body, fat cells store fat molecules. Weight gain is a process of fat cell expansion. Fat molecules (consumed by our diets) can be added to growing fat cells, but fat can be lost with shrinking fat cells (when we burn fat for energy). CoolSculpt freezes portions of the subcutaneous fat beneath our skin tissue. This fat is permanently removed and flushed from our body through excretion over a process of 3-4 months (your liver can only flush so many fat cells per day). Any remaining fat cells you have post-CoolSculpt will still expand and grow if you gain weight. This is why it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle after CoolSculpt. Best, Dr. Anil Shah

Thank you for your good question. We are born with a finite number of fat cells. That number does not increase with weight gain. Instead, the cells you have become larger, creating unwanted rolls and bulges in the body contour. CoolSculpting uses a process known as cryolipolysis or controlled cooling to freeze and crystallize unwanted fat cells in a treatment area. The treated cells are flushed out through the body’s lymphatic system, so they are permanently removed. However, remaining fat cells in the area can expand over time if you gain weight again. This will change the results of your procedure and may necessitate an additional treatment in the future. 

Once the fat cells have been killed they can’t grow back. However, other fat cells that were not removed during CoolSculpting can continue to expand, eliminating the results of CoolSculpting. As long as you continue to maintain a healthy weight, combined with diet and exercise, your CoolSculpting treatment should last a long time.

The number of fat cell you have is predetermined by adolescence. The number of fat cells you have do not increase if you gain weight, rather the fat cells expand. CoolSculpting will permanently kill about 20% of subcutaneous fat in the treated areas, per treatment. It is not meant for loosing weight, but its great for decreasing unwanted pockets of fat and "sculpting" the body.   

You do not gain more fat cells as you age but the fat cells you have can expand. CoolSculpting will permanently kill fat cells, but the remaining cells can get larger if you gain weight. Good luck.

Hi there, Thank you for your question. CoolSculpting does permanently destroy up to 25% of the fat cells in a treatment area. It is very effective in permanently reducing stubborn pockets of fat. Please consult with a local provider in person to determine the best course of action. Best of luck!

Hi there,Coolsculpt is a great non-invasive option for fat reduction. It permanently eliminates roughly 20% of fat cells in the area of treatment. So long as you maintain a balanced life style your results will remain the same indefinitely. You will still have fat cells in the area of treatment that can retain fat, making it possible for you to gain weight if you have unhealthy eating habits. I suggest partnering with your local expert service provider to determine if Coolsculpt is right for you. Good luck.

Thank you for your question. CoolSculpting will reduce the number of fat cells in the treated area by an average of 20% per treatment. This can be a permanent reduction as long as you maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle. However, with weight gain existing fat cells can enlarge and new fat cells can form. What you have read in your research is not accurate. Please make sure you see an experienced physician for an in-person consultation and examination. Best wishes.

The short answer is that yes CoolSculpting will permanently destroy fat cells in the area that is targeted. We tend to see about a 20% reduction in fat cells per treatment. For some patients this is enough, and for others subsequent treatments might be necessary.CoolSculpting employs cryolipolysis, it works by freezing unwanted fat cells under the skin without damaging the surrounding tissue and allows for the fat to be naturally broken down and eliminated from the body in the weeks that follow the treatment. It can take anywhere from 1-4 months to see the full effects of CoolSculpting. That said, CoolSculpting works best when patients are at their goal weight and are really just looking to get rid of small amounts of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. The most effective areas to treat are under the chin, in the upper neck, under
the arms, on the back, on the abdomen, the flanks, thighs, knees,
buttocks and under the buttocks. CoolSculpting will not however help
with excess skin from significant weightloss. It is also not uncommon to
treat one area anywhere from 1-3 times in order to achieve the results
you are looking for. I highly recommend that you book an in person
consultation with a certified CoolSculpting provider or plastic surgeon
in order to assess whether this is the right treatment for you and your
desired outcome.