If an obese person does not change their eating habits after fat removal, do the remaining fat cells take on more fat?

Question

I am wondering about the long term consequences associated with CoolSculpting. If a person is obese and does not change their eating habits after fat removal, do remaining fat cells - ones in organs, for instance, take on more fat? The worry is that remaining fat cells associated with the heart and other organs would expand in response to removal of more obvious surface fat.

Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for the excellent question. Since CoolSculpting is not intended to be used as a weight loss treatment, it would not be recommended if you are obese. The ideal candidate for CoolSculpting is at or near their ideal and manageable weight and only wants to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat. CoolSculpting works by freezing and killing stubborn fat cells in the treated area.  Over time, those cells die and leave the body, however some fat cells do remain in that area. This being said, yes, if a patient continues to eat poorly and put on weight after a CoolSculpting treatment, the remaining fat cells will expand and that area will become observably larger again. If you are looking to lose a significant amount of weight, some treatments that may be better are liposuction or a tummy tuck. I recommend you schedule a consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon who can assess you in person and give you advice based on your specific needs. I hope you find this helpful, good luck!

David L. Kaufman, MD FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. There is a difference between the fat most commonly linked to cardiovascular health (visceral fat) and the fat destroyed during CoolSculpting® procedures, called subcutaneous fat. CoolSculpting® can destroy fat cells using a process called cryolipolysis, but the procedure only affects the fat cells in the subcutaneous layer. Thus, if you gain weight after body contouring, the fat cells in this region will simply expand, but body contouring should not make you more susceptible to gaining visceral fat.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If a person gains weight after Coolsculpting, the remaining fat cells in the body would expand and store the additional fat. For best results, it is recommended to be at your ideal or stable weight before getting a procedure like Coolsculpting. Coolsculpting is not a weight loss procedure, rather it is for sculpting and defining and removing problem areas that cannot be removed with weight loss and diet / exercise alone.  I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a bariatric doctor or dietitian. Best, Dr. Emer

Patrick L. Basile, MD · Answer

Hi Patti LS- First, CoolSculpting is not intended as a weight loss alternative.  The ideal CoolSculpting candidate is someone at their normal BMI range with small stubborn pockets of fat.  CoolSculpting can "sculpt" and contour the body to the desired shape and size by freezing the fat cells in those areas for permanent cell removal. If a patient gains weight after CoolSculpting, the body will naturally store the fat in any remaining fat cells. It is recommended that a patient be at their ideal weight before a CoolSculpting treatment. My Best, Dr. Basile

Michael Temkin, DO · Answer

CoolSculpting is not a weight loss treatment. It is great for those patient who are already living a healthy lifestyle and are wanting to reduce an area/s that cannot be removed through diet and exercise alone. With the first treatment you are receiving a 20-25% reduction so those remaining fat cells will increase in size if one continues to gain weight.

If an obese person does not change their eating habits after fat removal, do the remaining fat cells take on more fat?

Answers (8)

Answer: Weight Gain after CoolSculpting

Answer: Weight Gain after CoolSculpting

Answer: If eating habits are not changed after coolsculpting

Answer: If eating habits are not changed after coolsculpting

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If an obese person does not change their eating habits after fat removal, do the remaining fat cells take on more fat?

Answers (8)

Answer: Weight Gain after CoolSculpting

Answer: Weight Gain after CoolSculpting

Answer: If eating habits are not changed after coolsculpting

Answer: If eating habits are not changed after coolsculpting

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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.