I think I was just treated with a CoolSculpting knockoff machine. Can you advise? (photo)

Question

Today I trialled what I thought was a ZELTIQ CoolSculpting machine. I now realise I might have been treated with a knock-off, called "CoolSculpture" (pic attached). I assume the original ZELTIQ machine is superior. When they took the suction away my stomach immediately started fading down into the rest of my torso, unlike the demos I've seen where the fat stays hard protruding for a few minutes. Have I wasted my time and money? Your thoughts on the efficacy of these knockoffs?

William Groff, DO · Answer

The photos do not show a Zeltiq CoolSculpting machine. There are no data on “knockoff” treatments, so I cannot comment on what kinds of results you might expect. Your situation, however, confirms how important it is to receive cosmetic procedures from a board-certified dermatologist. Please do consult with one the next time you need a treatment.

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

As evidenced by your photos, you were definitely not given an authentic Zeltiq CoolSculpting treatment. We have seen amazing results with CoolSculpting, provided it's performed by a certified expert who is using the authentic technology. It's a procedure that's been tested for several years and we know we can use it safely and effectively every time, provided the patient is a good candidate. These knockoffs just don't have the same scientific evidence to back them up - worse still, they are not only ineffective but they can also be unsafe. I would advise you not to return to this practitioner.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Wow- I'm sorry you have been victimized this way. There is no doubt at this point that one must be very wary when making decisions about their aesthetic care...As mentioned by my colleagues below, Coolsculpting is THE ONLY machine with the track record of safety and efficacy that results in US FDA approval.I agree with Dr. Fiala- get your money back and find a Certified Coolsculpting Center near you.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

The photo of the machine shows it to be an imitator machine.Coolsculpting is the only FDA approved machine for freezing fat.  All the other ones are knock-offs - and we don't know the details of the parameters they use.  Also, they don't have many of the safety features that are built in to the Coolsculpting machine, so we're starting to hear reports of more adverse effects from these knock-offs.Get your money back and go to a place with the real deal.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, that is definitely not the CoolSculpting machine manufactured by Zeltiq. The Zeltiq CoolSculpting machine is the ONLY device of its type that has been FDA-approved for fat reduction using the cryolipolysis method. Results and Safety of these other machines cannot be guaranteed as they have not had the FDA-approved clinical studies that Zeltiq has had. It's unfortunate that this happened to you. This highlights the importance of doing your research prior to committing to treatments such as CoolSculpting.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I am not familiar with the machine in your picture, known as CoolSculpture but it is definitely not a Zeltiq CoolSculpting machine.  I cannot comment on how effective your treatment might be because I have never used the device with which you were treated.  The Zeltiq CoolSculpting machine is the only FDA approved device for cryolipolysis in the United States.

Glenn Murray, MBBS · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question.
This answer is not about this machine specifically as i do not know this machine well. 
It is of great concern to us that there are many cheap machines that come on the market and the safety is of concern also. 
Also, in some non-medical clinics pre and post treatment care is questionable. 
We have heard terrible stories of people out for a quick buck who push multiple people barely dressed into one room with cheap machines that frankly are dangerous or barely work.  There are some medical conditions that are higher risks for these treatments. 
Some clinics use the Coolsculpt name (a trustworthy machine) although the machine is a cheap rip off.  Other machines use the name Lipo when it is obviously not a Lipo machine.
Online group voucher offers is not a place to buy medical treatments and the buyer should avoid these.Cheap is not good when dealing with your health and clinics choosing these tactics should not be rewarded with your business.
Wishing you all the best,
Dr Murray from Absolute Cosmetic Medicine

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting is a great procedure for the stomach and other areas of the body where you would want to reduce your bulge.  The photos and description that you are showing are NOT of cool sculpting by Zeltiq.  There are no studies of these fake machines and if they are effective.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

This is not Coolsculpting!  Coolsculpting is an effective FDA non invasive treatment for excess fat. I have seen some impressive results with a series of 2-3 treatments. However, the results do vary from patient to patient. Remember, cool sculpting requires no surgery and it will generally yield at least 10-20% improvement each treatment.  It will take up to 3 month to appreciate your final results after each treatment. However, you must understand that cool sculpting is NOT liposuction. Liposuction is a surgical procedure and will yield more definitive results. Please visit with a board certified PS to learn more about your options.Dr. BasuHouston, TX

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Definitely not a CoolSculpting machine.  I would be very concerned that your skin is going to get damaged.  Also that is a faery deep applicator.

I think I was just treated with a CoolSculpting knockoff machine. Can you advise? (photo)

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