Does a higer frequency give a better result?

Question

I just had Sculpsure done yesterday. They told me after that bc I was doing so well, they increased the setting to 1.4. Do I want the frequency to be as high as I can tolerate? Will that give me a better result? I have another treatment set up for two days shy of 6 weeks and wonder if I should try to push for higher. Also, everywhere I read it says wait at least 6 weeks to see any results. So is there no changes at all until 6 weeks or is it a gradual process up until 6 weeks with the final results at 12 weeks?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, it's recommended the settings be as high as you can tolerate. Keep in mind, with Sculpsure, a combination of treatments is needed. I recommend combining Sculpsure with Vanquish and Venus Legacy/Exilis Ultra treatments. We currently use a fire and ice treatment with Coolsculpting and Vanquish for good results in fat removal. However, a VASER hi definition procedure would give you the best results with fat removal, contouring and definition. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Patricia Faraz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.You may start seeing your SculpSure results as soon as 2 weeks. However, full results are seen at 12 weeks.The same area can be retreated with SculpSure as soon as 4 weeks. With SculpSure there are certain zones that your provider will want to keep you at. Each patient is different as to what their settings are during their SculpSure treatment. The highest energy setting for SculpSure is a 1.4. Enjoy your next treatment and your overall results!

Judith F. Rubin, MD · Answer

The highest setting on the body for Sculpsure is 1.4 so you were at the highest energy setting. Increasing the energy does not give your better results. You want to be at zone 4 where you feel prickling, pressure, waves of heat. This is the zone of fat destruction. Going higher to zone 5 does not give you a better result it just makes you uncomfortable.

Judith Rubin, MD
Gig Harbor, WA

Judith Rubin, MD
Gig Harbor, WA

Heather Reese, MD · Answer

1.4 is the highest setting and there is some data to show that 1.3-1.4 gives the best results, however, my patients that can only tolerate lower settings still report loss of fat in the treated area.  The area may be retreated as soon as 4 weeks as long as no nodules are present but it still takes 12 weeks to see full results.

Jim Brantner, MD · Answer

Sculpsure is a laser treatment with many variables. According to the developers' testing, the best results are obtained with the highest setting you can tolerate without undo discomfort.. Since the laser is designed to be absorbed by the wavelength of fat, higher power does not necessarily produce better results even though it seems like it should. The above criterion indicates the wavelength for maximum absorption for an individual.
Treatments can be done as little as 4 weeks apart, but 6 weeks is the more common recommendation. You should see results (gradually) by 6 weeks, but it takes 12 weeks for essentially the full effect. Slight improvements in contour can continue for several months. Consult with a plastic surgeon who not only knows how to do the treatments but who also understands the physics behind the treatment. This is likely where you will get the best advice.

Vinh Ngo, MD · Answer

Some patients begin to see results in as little as two to three weeks, but maximum results are seen at twelve weeks.  Treatments are typically spaced anywhere from four to six weeks apart.  You may be treated sooner than six weeks if you have no more tenderness in your treatment area.  To achieve the best results you should be in a zone 4 during your treatment.  A zone 4 is where you feel the heat at the peak of the cycle and are happily relieved when the cooling cycle starts again.  The highest energy setting for the body is 1.40.

Lawrence Eisenhauer, MD · Answer

It is my feeling that you should receive the highest energy level you can tolerate without pain. It stands to reason that the higher the energy, the hotter the fat, and the more injury to the fat that occurs. It is not possible to go higher than 1.4.You want injury to the fat  but not the skin.Six weeks is the minimum between treatments and you have not gotten maximum dissolving by that time. You may be reheating areas that have died if you are doing this sooner and reducing the overall effect. There will be more “bang for the buck“ if you wait the appropriate amount of time.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

The heat will damage and kill the fat. It would make sense that if you can reasonably tolerate a higher setting, then you should do so. however, someone should not torture themselves either. you will continue to improve for 3 months after your last treatment. Results will vary from person to person.david berman md

Sara A. Kaltreider, MD (retired) · Answer

You may see some initial results at 4-6 weeks, but your final results will be evident at 6-12 months. The treatments may be done 4 weeks apart, but it makes more sense to wait until 6 weeks unless you want a different area treated. Your energy setting should be as high as you can tolerate, but even the lower settings 0.9-1.0 will kill fat cells. It is tempting to think that the longer you are at the higher wattage up to 1.4, the greater the results will be, but this is not necessarily true according to the available data. The energy in the fat cells continues to build up throughout the entire treatment. Best wishes with your treatments!

Does a higer frequency give a better result?

Answers (9)

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