Does coolsculpting permanently change the shape of my body?

Question

I am tall, thin/lean and athletic but would love my arms to have less weight on them as I feel they are out of proportion to the rest of my body. lately they seem to have a bit of cellulite on the backs of them too. one of the first places weight goes on my body is on the backs of my arms. If I were to get cool sculpting to reduce the size of my arms would my new body proportions stay the same if I were to gain weight?

Tina B. West, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting does indeed change the shape of the area treated, by the process of killing the fat tissue underneath the skin.  As with liposuction, once the treated fat tissue is gone, those fat cells are neither replaced nor regrown.  However, the remaining untreated fat cells in that area, as well as throughout the body, are still capable of expanding and storing more fat.  Cellulite is minimally affected by CoolSculpting.  Some studies show CoolSculpting to be promising, but there are better option to more specifically to address cellulite.

David L. Kaufman, MD FACS · Answer

CoolSculpting® is not currently FDA-approved for use on the arms and therefore, the arms are considered an “off-label” treatment.  However, many people have experienced great results with the controlled cooling technology, to target stubborn fat cells and eliminate them from the body.  Although CoolSculpting® does destroy the targeted fat cells for good, the treatment won't protect you against future weight gain in any treated area and won’t improve the appearance of cellulite.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Zeltiq's CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis to freeze and permanently eliminate up to 24% of fat cells in a treated area we usually see closer to 30 – 35% when we combine this with the Zwave massage treatment. Once the fat cell's death has been triggered, it will not return. If you gain weight after your CoolSculpting session, the fat will probably be distributed more evenly throughout your body, as the arms will have fewer fat cells than before so your body will be more proportionate, even at a higher weight.  However, don’t ruin your investment! The best strategy is to maintain your weight with sensible diet and exercise, which you seem to be doing. Based on the information you provided, you would be a good candidate for CoolSculpting. See a board-certified dermatologist about how you your arms can be treated to match your sleek athletic body

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting is an excellent form of non-invasive  fat reduction for
the right patient. Some applicators take 1 or 2 hours but the new advantage
applicators take only 35 minutes and have significantly less risk for delayed
onset pain (especially in the abdomen). Results are seen at 2 months and
typically 1-3 treatments will be necessary on each area to achieve ideal
results. The number of treatments depends on the amount of fat there and the
patient's goals.  There is not downtime and the results can be impressive
in the right patient.  We also use the Zimmer Z-wave for improved patient
comfort and added results. The best candidates are those who are in pretty
good shape with areas of stubborn fat that won't go away no matter what.

My best,

Sheila Nazarian, MD, MMM

Beverly Hills, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question. A benefit of CoolSculpting is that the final results are permanent. Once the fat cells are eliminated, they will not return, even if you should gain more weight. However, the remaining fat cells will still increase in size. To get more information about CoolSculpting, schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience in the noninvasive procedure.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is hard to say without photos or an assessment. I would recommend speaking to a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation. This way, you can explain your concerns, learn more about the procedure, and determine if you are a candidate. Regards,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting and other non invasive options are permanent but in a very small amount compared to liposuction.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank-you for your question.CoolSculpting is a great, non-invasive solution for fat reduction and contouring of the upper arms. CoolSculpting has been FDA-cleared for fat reduction of the abdomen and flanks. It can be used safely for off-label treatment of the upper arms, inner/outer thighs, bra-strap area and above the knees. The advance cooling technology selectively targets and eliminates fat cells gently and gradually without affecting the surrounding tissue.Patients Patients in our office have seen an average fat reduction of 20-25% with one treatment. Several treatments may be required. I use the "treatment to transformation" method to achieve smooth contours.It takes about 2-3 months to get a general idea of the final results. The results are long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight through healthy lifestyle. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in body contouring to determine if your an ideal candidate for CoolSculpting. If there is skin laxity of the upper arms, CAST liposuction with a mini brachioplasty or full brachioplasty may be a better option. Best wishes< Andrew Lyos MD, FACS

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting does not change the shape of your entire body, it treats a bulge in a given area and reduces the bulge by 20 percent.  It is a fabulous machine that I have been using for over 7 years with great results.  Best, Dr. Green

Josh Waltzman, MD, MBA · Answer

Yes!  The results of CoolSculpting are permanent.  This of course assumes that you maintain a similar weight, exercise, and eat right.  The fat cells that CoolSculpting freezes are permanently removed from the body.  Your remaining fat cells can still get larger if you gain weight, but the cells which are eliminated after recovering from Coolsculpting are gone forever.  Best of luck!

Does coolsculpting permanently change the shape of my body?

Answers (14)

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