Does Cool Sculpting Potentially Leave Saggy Skin, Like Liposuction Can?

Question

I'm looking for non-surgical ways to get rid of small saddle bags and slim down thighs. I have had 2 children so I already have a little loose skin on the inner thigh, but not nearly enough for me to justify the down time or scarring to do a thigh lift. I am 34, 5'2" and weighing around 100lbs. I don't want to do anything that potentially leaves me with sagging skin....

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

You sound like a perfect candidate for CoolSculpting because you are small and, at 100 lbs, your fatty deposits are probably not too big.  CoolSculpting should give you a beautiful slimming result. I have not ever seen CoolSculpting cause sagging, in fact just the opposite. It often actually tightens the skin to some degree.  Whether this effect is enough to benefit you depends on the quality of your skin now and how much fat is being removed. Please find a board-certified dermatologist to evaluate your skin and fat in person, to determine if CoolSculpting alone will give you the taut, healthy look you want, or if you need Ultherapy too for extra tightening. This could be performed a few months after CoolSculpting if needed.

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello, Thank you for your question. Without pictures it is difficult to give an exact answer, however based on your description it does sound like CoolSculpting may be a great option for you. While no provider can guarantee that there won’t be sagging, the treatment works slowly over time, allowing the skin to retract as the fat diminishes. However, please consult with a local physician in person, they will be able to discuss what to exopect in your specific situation. Best of luck!

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

The applicator that is normally used to treat the inner thighs is the CoolFit. The applicator suctions the tissue in order to bring it closer to the cooling panels to freeze the fat. Each cycle takes 1 hour. Normally patients do not have problems with sagging skin post treatment if the skin was supple and not sagging to begin with. CoolSculpting is noninvasive and no downtime fat reducing treatment and does not offer skin tightening as a benefit. It is always best to have a consultation so that you may be assessed in person to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Irregularities after liposuction are not uncommon on the inner thighs. The fascial supporting structures may hold the tissues in this area differently than the outer thighs. Although the CoolSculpting technology by Zeltiq is not FDA cleared for thigh fat loss, physicians may use the technology as an off-label procedure. There seems to be a more even reduction of fat in the inner thigh with CoolSculpting as the tissues are evenly frozen unlike the cannula that is passed back and forth with liposuction creating a mechanical trauma, which could weaken the support.

	There is no guarantee that dimpling, uneveness, asymmetry, and skin sagging wouldn't occur, but there is less of a chance in the inner thigh using the CoolFit flat applicator. Every patient needs to be evaluated and counseled individually about the risks vs. the benefits and to determine if they are a candidate for CoolSculpting fat loss by Zeltiq.

	The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! CoolSculpting is a great technique for those looking for an alternative to liposuction. It is non-invasive and non-surgical. As the fat freezes, it dies off and is deposited through the body’s natural waste removal process. What is left behind is a more sculpted you. Your skin laxity depends on your body and your previous experience with skin laxity. Best of luck!

Does Cool Sculpting Potentially Leave Saggy Skin, Like Liposuction Can?

Answers (10)

Answer: CoolSculpting for fat loss as an off-label procedure for the thighs

Answer: CoolSculpting for fat loss as an off-label procedure for the thighs

Answer: CoolSculpting is a great technique for those looking for an alternative to liposuction.

Answer: CoolSculpting is a great technique for those looking for an alternative to liposuction.

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Does Cool Sculpting Potentially Leave Saggy Skin, Like Liposuction Can?

Answers (10)

Answer: CoolSculpting for fat loss as an off-label procedure for the thighs

Answer: CoolSculpting for fat loss as an off-label procedure for the thighs

Answer: CoolSculpting is a great technique for those looking for an alternative to liposuction.

Answer: CoolSculpting is a great technique for those looking for an alternative to liposuction.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

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