How many sessions of cool sculpting are needed to be effective?

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. It is the only FDA approved device  for fat reduction by freezing it.

My best,

Sheila Nazarian, MD, MMM

Beverly Hills, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

This is not protocol for Zeltiq's product so you are not getting Cool Sculpt by a clinically safe device. Make sure you are at a reputable center with a real physician. This is not a usual protocol for Zeltiq.

The treatment you describe doesn't make any sense. CoolSculpting of the abdomen is a 60 minute treatment followed by a 2-5 minute massage. There is an approximately 20% reduction in fat with each treatment. The number of treatments needed depend on the amount of fat in the area and will vary from person to person.

Thank you for your question. CoolSculpting is slighly different from the treatment you've described. I would recommend speaking with your provider. Regards, 

Patient selection and understanding patient's expectations in relationship to what Cool sculptingcan do is key for good outcomes.You should see some benefit with each treatment but the number of treatments vary per patient. The results are subtle at first. It is reasonable to expect up to a 20% reduction per treatment but it could be less.Best wishes.

I'm a little unclear on the
treatment process you're describing, but it sounds like you may be undergoing a
"knockoff" version of CoolSculpting. The CoolSculpting process
doesn't allow for a lot of customization -- and that's by design. It needs to operate
at a very specific temperature and for a very specific amount of time in order
to work effectively. The device needs to be in place on a treatment area for 1
hour, with a brief period of massage afterward. Please be sure your
practitioner is qualified and that he or she is using a genuine CoolSculpting
device, manufactured by ZELTIQ. Best of luck to you.

Dear shah210:If cryolipolysis is not performed with the #CoolSculpting device manufactured by Zeltiq, it is unlikely to be effective. There are no studies proving efficacy of any other similar device. With the Zeltiq device, up to 28% of the fat cells in the treated areas will be eliminated permanently. It is sad, but true, that there are bogus devices out there....Another reason to go to a board-certified, reputable dermatologist or plastic surgeon for your treatment. All the best, Dr. Clark

The treatment you are describing is not authentic CoolSculpting.  Unfortunately, other companies have tried, unsuccessfully, to "knock off" the proprietary CoolSculpting treatment.  Authentic CoolSculpting treatment is a 60 minute treatment with an applicator, followed by 2 minutes of massage.  This differs slightly for the CoolSmooth applicator, which requires 75 minutes, and the CoolMini applicator, which only takes 45 minutes. CoolSculpting is the only cryolipolysis procedure FDA approved to reduce fat.  I would consult with your provider to determine exactly what type of treatment you are receiving.  CoolSculpting has done extensive clinical studies to determine the safest, most effective way to reduce fat with cold.   

The treatment you described is not real CoolSculpting.  The real system by Zeltiq is a very standardized treatment where applicators are applied to the desired areas and the fat that is drawn into the cups is frozen for exactly one hour. The treated fat looks like a frozen stick of better when the treatment ends.  This is followed by vigorous massage or treatment with a Zimmer Z-wave to further increase fat cell death.   I am afraid that only 20 minutes of whatever you are getting will be of no benefit to you.  Make sure you are getting the real thing.  It works.

The CoolSculpting procdure/device by Zeltiq is the only authentic, FDA Cleared procedure to eliminate fat cells by Cryolipolysis. If you are doing any other type of treatment that is outside of Zeltiq direct, then this is not an authentic device/procedure. All treatments, in the areas you are describing being treated, are 60 minutes per area.