How is Coolsculpting for fat removal from knees/calves?

While the coolsculpting technology certainly works, you have to be able to fit an applicator to the area in question.  Knees and calves are hard to fit - so, it might not be possible to treat you.  Best to go have a consult with a surgeon that offers Coolsculpting, and see if the applicators are compatible with your anatomic shape.

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. This happens over a period of time, so the body is not overwhelmed with dead fat cells. The body will take these cells up, process them and excrete them, just as any other cell. The remnants are filtered through the liver, and then excreted eventually via stool. Knees can be a challenge with any modality. CoolSculpting has a specific applicator that has been used in this area with good results. Calves may be more difficult.   See an experienced CoolSculpting practice, they will determine if you are a candidate.  Would also consider seeing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, who can give advice on both CoolSculpting and Liposuction.

Unfortunately, CoolSculpting cannot be done on these areas with the applicators currently available. The treatment area needs to have pinchable and pliable fat in order to fit into the applicator properly.

Coolsculpting is FDA approved for abdomen, back, inner thighs and outer thighs. It is not approved for knees and calves.  I have seen some photos from other providers that do not look pleasing if these areas are treated.

CoolSculpting is not FDA approved for fat reduction from the knees or calves.  It is possible to sometimes treat a non-FDA approved area, but you would need to be examined to determine if that might be possible.  

Thank you for your question.CoolSculpting is a great treatment for removing unwanted areas of fatty tissue without the need for surgery, needles, anesthesia or downtime.  The procedure uses suction to pull the skin and fat away from the warm body temperature and cooling plates to decrease the temperature in that area.  After one hour of cooling approximately 20% of the fat cells in that area will be permanently damaged.  The damaged fat cells will be removed over the next 3-4 months.  The most common areas we treat are the abdomen, flanks ("love handles"), low back, bra fat, and medial thighs.  Because the device uses suction to pull the skin and fat away from the body, I have not been able to treat the calves and knees.I hope this helps!William J. Vinyard, MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPalm Beach  

Hello Coolsculpting (Zeltiq) has very specific areas that the applicators work on, and knees/calves is not one of them.  You may want to consult in person with a Coolsculpting practice near you so you can find out what the actual options are. 

CoolSculpting is a great way to
reduce fat non-surgically, which means no downtime! The latest applicator that
was released is designed for use in "non-pinchable" fat areas, which
includes the knees and calves. This applicator is called CoolSmooth, and it can
be used in any area that you can not pinch 2 inches of fat and skin. Unlike the
older applicators where each treatment takes 1 hour, because this does not
pinch the fat and skin, each treatment takes 2 hours. Thanks for your question!

Coolsculpting has a new cool fit applicator which is approved for the inner thighs. There is no applicator that has been specifically designed for the knees or calves. The company is working on new adaptors so in the near future there may be one. For the best cosmetic results please consult a board certified dermatologist with experience in coolsculpting.

Coolsculpting is an excellent nonsurgical fat reduction treatment. However, knees and calves are areas that do not have FDA approval. Be cautious and be ensured to consult with an experienced physician who can offer you multiple options (both surgical and nonsurgical).