After coolsculpting, at what point do the fat cells die? Directly during/after treatment, or later?

Question

With Coolsculpting, do the fat cells die immediately after the treatment and are cleared by the inflammatory process over several weeks? Or do they die over a period of several weeks?

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Around 25% of the fat cells in the treated area will die immediately after your treatment. It takes 4 months for all of the cells to be flushed from your body. If you have a moderate amount of fat you can be treated again around 1 month of your first treatment.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

CoolSculpting has FDA approval for fat reduction since 2010.  CoolSculpting freezes the fat cells. Fat cells are more susceptible to damage by freezing than the other cells, (nerve, vessel, bone, etc.), around them.  The fat cells die via a process called apoptosis, (programmed cell death).  The number of fat cells are therefore reduced.  The body will take these cells up, process them and excrete them, just as any other cell. Yes, the remnants are filtered through the liver, and then excreted eventually via stool.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.It takes 3 months to see the final resultsThe best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Fat cells die soon after the treatment is complete. It takes the body approx. 3 months to eliminate them from the body. Sincerely Yours,

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

The fat cells are traumatized by the cold temperature and start a genetically pre-programmed self destruction sequence called apoptosis immediately after the treatment is finished. The process by which the cells break apart and are disposed of by the body generally takes 2-4 months. By catching the second treatment 30 days after the first many of the cells that were shocked but did not die succumb and the efficacy of the treatment can be doubled.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

The cells begin to die soon after treatment and continue to do so up to 2-3 months.  This is why I wait to re-treat for 8 weeks.  If you wait, some patients won't need the second treatment, which saves them time and money...

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Cells die after 1-2 hours of the application and take 3 months to see the final outcome.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

During CoolSculpting, fat cells are irreversibly frozen until the point of cell death. This process is begun once your treatment is complete. Each application takes 1-2 hours depending on the type of applicator used. Once the treatment is complete, your body's natural processes then take over to eliminate the dead fat cells. This usually takes three months. That's why the results are not immediate.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

The cold temperature injures the fat cells and induces apoptosis, a process of "controlled" cell death. Not all fat cells will enter this process which explains the fat "reduction" and not total fat removal. The process takes time, usually 2 to 3 months.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It takes several months to see the full results after a CoolSculpting treatment, but the first signs of improvement can be seen as soon as a month after treatment.  The fat cells are not immediately killed off when the procedure is done, as it takes some time for the process to occur.

After coolsculpting, at what point do the fat cells die? Directly during/after treatment, or later?

Answers (12)

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