Was my CoolSculpting session too short?

Question

I had CoolSculpting done, on my stomach and flanks, are Elase in Salt Lake City. I keep seeing people say sessions should last 60 minutes per treated area, but I only got 30 minutes on each area when they did mine. Is there a reason for this? Will I still get good results?

Alan N. Larsen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, Michelle. The
treatment time of the original Coolsculpting applicators is 60 minutes. In
2016, the manufacturer of the Coolsculpting devices upgraded the applicators
and introduced the new Cool Advantage applicators. The updated applicators
cover a larger area, are more comfortable and most, but not all have a reduced
treatment time of 35 minutes.   Not all providers upgraded to the newest technology,
if a treatment is 60 minutes, the original applicators are most likely being
used.  Either device used delivers a
complete Coolsculpting treatment.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting is such an effective and popular body-contouring technique that Zeltiq has been able to introduce many advances. One of these is the CoolAdvantage applicator, which only requires 35 minutes to destroy 20% to 35% of fat in a treated area. This gives the same results as the older applicators in less time, with less trauma. Usually patients feel less soreness with these new applicators. Don’t worry, you’re sure to see results. You can maximize your results by following treatment with Zimmer Z-wave radial pulsed therapy. If you’re worried about whether your treatment was effective or not, you should contact your provider and see if further treatment is needed. You will see your final results at about the 3-month mark. Please be sure to find a board-certified dermatologist to perform the rest of your CoolSculpting treatments for best results.

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

Hi there,Great news! It sounds like your service provider is using the newest Coolsculpt technology. The newest applicators are only 35 minutes, unlike the older applicators which were 60 minutes. Some clinics are still using the older applicators, however, the newest applicators are much more comfortable and less time consuming. I wouldn't worry.

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

New applicators have been released in the last year. These applicators are more comfortable to the client and take nearly half the time to treat. The office you went to likely has the newest applicators available.

Ramandeep Sidhu, MD · Answer

The new applicators are faster and more efficient and you would need treatment for 35 minutes instead of full 60 mins with old applicators.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If it's with a CoolAdvantage applicator, treatment can be completed in 35 minutes. Keep in mind, for best results with Coolsculpting, a combination approach is needed. I recommend adding radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish, Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing. However, a Vaser with ThermiRF procedure is the best combination for a toned result, but requires more downtime. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. The newest CoolSculpting technology is 35 min per cycle. It is called CoolAdvantage. You may want to call your provider to find out if this was what you were treated with. The new hand-pieces are cooler which allows them to treat in less time, while still being just as or a little bit more effective. Congratulations on your treatment and good luck with your results.

Stanley Kovak, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Although you should not compare your treatments will somebody else (as treatments should be tailored to your body and needs), I do fully understand your concern. Luckily, CoolSculpting currently has 9 different applicators that range in treatment time from 35 to 75 minutes. The applicator that is used in your treatment is tailored to your body type/shape, so even if you and your friend were treated on the exact same area, you may have had a different applicator causing the treatments to be different lengths of time. Rest assured that if you are seeing a reputable provider, you will get the best and most appropriate treatment for YOU! I hope this helps. Best of luck.

Julie A. Maughan, MD · Answer

Hi, Michelle,  The CoolSculpting system recently introduced a new set of applicators with different time requirements for the applicators.  The new applicators are usually 35 minutes per treatment area.  Best wishes!

Jeffrey A. Hunt, DO · Answer

When Coolsculpting was first introduced to the market the treatments were 60 minutes for each applicator. They have since improved the technology and came out with new Cooladvantage applicators that are either 35 minutes or 45 minutes depending on the applicator used with the same efficacy as the original treatments. This allows for shorter treatment times and improved patient comfort.