Will Pregnancy After Coolsculpting Cause Fat Cells to Multiply in Treated Area and Negatively Impact Long Term Results?

Question

I have had 2 Coolsculpting treatments on my lower abs, with excellent results. I have heard that fat cells divide during pregnancy. When I eventually have children, will my fat cells in the treated area multiply and negatively impact my long term results? Would it make a difference whether I got the Coolsculpting treatment on my lower abs before or after pregnancy--would the number of fat cells in the area be the same regardless? I am referring to fat cell number, not elasticity of the skin.

Melissa Chiang, MD, FAAD · Answer

It doesn't matter if you get pregnant after CoolSculpting.  As long as you can return to your prepregnancy weight, you should keep the great results.

	The number of fat cells that you have remains virtually unchanged after puberty.  If you gain weight, the existing fat cells get bigger; when you lose weight, they shrink.

	CoolSculpting permanently decreases the number of fat cells in the treated area.  There will always be less fat cells in that area.  When you gain weight, the weight should distribute evenly among your remaining fat cells.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting is safe to be done before pregnancy and the fat cells die. Not all, but about 20% of fat cells die with one treatment of CoolSculpting. If you are afraid that pregnancy will cause more fat, then you should feel comfortable that there will be less abundance of fat cells after pregnancy because you ahd CoolSculpting prior to becoming pregnant.  Fat cells may not divide until someone is 170% greater than their ideal body weight.

	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.

Jennifer Harrington, MD · Answer

First of all.....congrats on your EXCELLENT results! I love to hear that because I have had the procedure myself and I cannot be happier!!! I am now treating my patients with it and I am spreading the Cool Sculpting Love!!!!

	I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon - not a OB/GYN.  I am not aware of fat cells dividing after pregnancy. I would strongly recommend you check with your OB/GYN but from a Plastic Surgery stand point I am not aware of it.

	I am although aware of the skin becoming more in-elastic after pregnancy. Baby's seem to change women's body's in a way that is inexplainable.  Sometimes the change is minimal, and at other times significant. (Thankfully they are so loved Mom's deal with the sacrifices without much regret!)

	I cannot promise you that you will not want more Cool Sculpting after pregnancy or that you may even want a tummy tuck.

	Best of luck to you!  

	Glad to hear you are enjoying your results!

	 

	Jennifer L. Harrington  MD

Jay Zimmerman, MD · Answer

While pregnancy can induce many changes, if you maintain good weight during pregnancy, you should have a very limited increase in fat cells/ fat volume during the process.  Patients only need 400 extra calories/day during pregnancy in general.  Being healthy after your coolsculpting treatments is essential for patients - whether they become pregnant or not.

	To answer your question - I would wait until AFTER pregnancy to have your coolsculpting procedure.  I think you will be happier with your results long term.

Will Pregnancy After Coolsculpting Cause Fat Cells to Multiply in Treated Area and Negatively Impact Long Term Results?

Answers (4)

Answer: Fat cells have a very limited ability to divide

Answer: Fat cells have a very limited ability to divide

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Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

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Will Pregnancy After Coolsculpting Cause Fat Cells to Multiply in Treated Area and Negatively Impact Long Term Results?

Answers (4)

Answer: Fat cells have a very limited ability to divide

Answer: Fat cells have a very limited ability to divide

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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.