Does CoolSculpt affect tattoos?

Question

I went to see about CoolSculpting. They told me that they couldn’t put the pads over any of my tattoos as there’s some kind of safety in the machine that causes it to stop if it was on a tattoo. Something about the tattoos don’t get cold enough so the machine shuts off. I don’t know. I’m really confused. I wanted CoolSculpting on my arms, bra bulge, and love handles, but I was told they can’t do it since those spots are covered.

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Coolsculpting over a tattoo can be done and we have treated many patients who have tattoos in my clinics with Coolsculpt.  There should also be no adverse effect on the tattoo itself.  Make sure to always do your research and go to a properly certified and trained provider.  Best of luck!

Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Inventive2667,
My office has offered CS to patients for over 5 years now and have not seen a problem with placing the applicators over tattoos. The newer applicators take less time and reach a colder temperature.  When an office has multiple machines, overall treatment completion times decrease with simultaneous machines working different areas-important since you have multiple areas to be treated. Consider a second opinion from another CS provider. Best wishes-Dr. Doolabh

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question. The CoolSculpting device itself should not have a negative effect on your tattoo, especially if you go to a certified CoolSculpting provider that has a lot of experience and expertise. That said, CoolSculpting targets the fat cells underneath your skin by freezing them and allowing your body to naturally eliminate them. Meaning that once the area where you are getting your treatment done slims down, so on your arms for example, this may distort your tattoo. In short, the CoolSculpting machine itself won't do anything to your tattoo but the results of your CoolSculpting treatment could change the look of your tattoo if that's where they happen to be located. If you're unsatisfied with the first opinion you received, I highly recommend that you get a second opinion with a CoolSculpting provider at a certified CoolSculpting practice.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I have performed CoolSculpting over tattoos without any problem.  The tattoo should not affect the results of the CoolSculpting or the ability to have the treatment.

Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting targets stubborn fat cells underneath the skin and you can safely get the treatment over your tattoos, I successfully treated patients with tattoos without any issues. In cases where a patient has too much fat, the tattoo may get distorted once the size of the area shrinks after the fat is reduced.. Always contact a certified health provider to discuss your options.

Does CoolSculpt affect tattoos?

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Answer: CoolSculpting over tattoos

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Answer: Can get CoolSculpting even with Tattoo

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Does CoolSculpt affect tattoos?

Answers (8)

Answer: CoolSculpting over tattoos

Answer: CoolSculpting over tattoos

Answer: Can get CoolSculpting even with Tattoo

Answer: Can get CoolSculpting even with Tattoo

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Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

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