Coolsculpting with gastric band. Is it safe since the band is under my skin? Will it be affected by the cold? (photo)

If you have a subcutaneous port from your banding surgery, you will not be able to have CoolSculpt directly over the port as it could become displaced. If there is no port, CoolSculpt should be OK. Be sure to go to an experienced provider and tell them about your previous procedure.

Yes, you can have Coolsculpting with a gastric band. For best results with Coolsculpting, a combination approach is needed. I recommend adding radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish, Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing. However, a Vaser with ThermiRF procedure is needed to give more contouring, fat removal, skin tightening and definition. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

CoolSculpting is designed to reduce superficial fat that is just below the surface of the skin.  It will not affect anything within the abdominal cavity, including a gastric band.  

In general, Coolsculpting after a Gastric band is not a contraindication.  This is a great question because it gets at the heart of what Coolsculpting will address and what it won't address.  There are two kinds of fat in our bodies.  Visceral fat insulates your organs and exists in your abdominal cavity which is beneath your muscles.  Subcutaneous fat lies outside of your abdominal musculature.  Coolsculpting freezes the "pinchable" subcutaneous fat, not the fat that surrounds your abdominal organs.  But, I would recommend seeing a Coolsculpting certified practice to have a consultation.

A gastric band is not a contraindication for coolsculpting. However, to understand your options best, consult in person with an experienced and expert board certified plastic surgeon with a Certified Coolsculpting Center (not all centers with coolsculpting are certified). 

Your gastric band is inside the abdominal cavity. Coolsculpting does not effect that area. It reduces superficial fat under the skin. It is safe for you. Best Wishes, Maurice Vick MD