Does CoolSculpting penetrate through the fat and into any organs?

Coolsculpting is a cosmetic procedure which is designed to freeze fat cells and induce them ti involute and be absorbed by the body. Patients should not expect the treatment area to reach below the muscle wall and thus not reach visceral organs. In addition, patients who have hernias should be evaluated by a credentialed provider and alternative options discussed if a hernia is located in the treatment area. A Plastic Surgeon consultation is an excellent suggestion if you have any questions.

Dear Patricia, 
Thank you for your question. In general, CoolSculpting (with the latest version of the machines, latest applicator versions and latest protocols) is very safe and very effective.  Under normal body conditions with normal, intact abdominal walls, CoolSculpt does not affect any internal organs. CoolSculpt should not be performed in the presence of hernias, since as you know, a hernia means a defect in the abdominal wall, allowing the intestines to be very close to the surface and /or protrude, thus putting them in a position where they could be inadvertently accepted into the CoolSculpt Applicator and thus the intestines would be inadvertently treated - NOT a good scenario ! In patients with intact abdominal musculature, we have seen life changing results in our practice with the latest versions of the CoolSculpting Machines and they routinely come back to treat new areas since they are so happy with the results in their original area. Insurance does not cover CoolSculpting regardless of the level of obesity.
Hope this helps !
Best Wishes, 
Dr. Anna Petropoulos
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
North Shore Boston

Thank you for your question. CoolSculpting will reduce areas of pinchable fat, but will not improve visceral fat. With Coolsculpting, there is no down time, no risk of infection and you can achieve up to a 40% reduction with a retreatment of the same area. You'll need to have a consultation to determine how many treatments is recommended to get your desired results. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a Coolsculpting-certified practitioner.

Coolsculpting affects the external fat or pinchable fat . It does not penetrate into the abdominal fat which is also known as visceral fat . It does not hurt a hiatal hernia but if there is an umbilical or ventral hernia coolsculpting is contraindicated in that area . Insurance does not cover coolsculpting because this is considered a cosmetic procedure . Certainly there is no contraindication to coolsculpting if you are obese but  this is probably not your best option . Coolsculpting results in a 20 - 25 % fat reduction in a particular area and may  require additional treatments to Achieve  your desired result. Seek a consultation  with a board certified plastic surgeon .

CoolSculpting does not penetrate through the fat and into the organs. The fat is a more superficial layer and the treatment will not affect internal organs. Hernias are one of the contraindications for coolsculpting and is not advised to do treatments on them.
Coolsculpting is not covered by insurance because it is a cosmetic procedure that is not a medical necessity for any condition.

Consult with a trusted physician to determine if you are a good candidate for coolsculpting. They will discuss your expectations and treatment protocol. Thank you and good luck!

Hi imPATRICIA:The CoolSculpting applicator draws the fat and overlying skin up and applies cold via two chilling plates that are vertical to your skin surface.  Only the tissue between plates with the applicator is chilled. Therefore, it is impossible for any effects to occur in the underlying muscle or organs.However, it cannot be performed directly over a hernia of any type, since a hernia by definition is one’s gastrointestinal tract projected upward to lie just under the skin.CoolSculting is not covered by insurance and is generally not appropriate for anyone with a BMI over 30.

You should not get CoolSculpting anywhere near a hernia.  It can pull intestines through a hernia into the device.  If there is no hernia, then the CoolSculpting device will not injure internal organs.

Thank you for your question. CoolSculpting will reduce areas of pinchable fat, but will not improve visceral fat. With Coolsculpting, there is no down time, no risk of infection and you can achieve up to a 40% reduction with a retreatment of the same area. You'll need to have a consultation to determine how many treatments is recommended to get your desired results. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a Coolsculpting-certified practitioner. All the best, Dr. Dr. Aggarwal

CS treatments only affect the fat under the skin, and they will not reduce fat inside the body and in the abdominal cavity around the organs.  That fat can only be lost by exercise, diet, and weight loss.

CoolSculpting is designed to work on the fat sitting under the skin and on top of the muscle. It is not capable of placing cold under the muscle, and therefore, is not capable of hurting internal organs. The ideal candidate is within 20-30 lbs of ideal body weight since CoolSculpting is a fat reduction device and not for weight loss. Since a hiatal hernia is deep to the muscle, the CoolSculpting would not hurt this. However, if someone had a superficial hernia in the treatment area, it would be necessary to avoid treatment in this area. Insurance does not cover for CoolSculpting since it is a cosmetic treatment. Best wishes, Mary Beth Mudd