What is the best fat removal procedure for relatively minimal love handles? (Photos)

Question

I exercise regularly but my love handles aren't going anywhere! I love my butt, but I feel like my love handles ruin the shape, making it square-ish instead of a "tear drop" butt which I want. What is the best procedure to provide the shape I want in terms of cost and invasiveness? Is it possible to use kybella off-label? Or would cool sculpting be best? Less invasive is preferable but I am open to suggestions!

Jason D. Bloom, MD, FACS · Answer

While Kybella can theoretically be used off-label on the love handles, it would be very expensive, due to the high volume of product, and multiple sessions.  In my opinion, CoolSculpting is ideal for your situation.  It remains the safest and most reliable non-invasive fat reduction device.  There have been more than 5 million CoolSculpting treatments world wide, so you also can't deny the safety experience.

Christine A. Hamori, MD · Answer

You would be a perfect candidate for Coolsculpting. Coolsculpting is a great way to spot treat those undesirable areas. It can kill up to 25% of the fat cells in the area.

William Groff, DO · Answer

You look like you would be an ideal candidate for Zeltiq's CoolSculpting system, which uses cryolipolysis to freeze away fat. You would probably get the results you want after just one treatment. I wouldn't recommend Kybella; it would be expensive to use it on love handles. Plus, if you are looking for the least invasive procedure possible, CoolSculpting is the way to go. Be sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist who has been trained by Zeltiq to administer CoolSculpting.

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and Thank you for your question,CoolSculpting is a great, FDA-approved treatment for fat reduction of the abdomen and love handles. Patients in our office have seen an average fat reduction of 20-25% with each treatment. Depending on the patient's body composition and outcome goals, it may take more than one treatment to achieve optimal results. 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 healthy lifestyle. I recommend you schedule a consultation with a certified plastic surgeon for information on coolsculpting.            Tweet

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

Coolsculpting is a great choice if you're looking for an effective treatment that will permanently eliminate fat from your body using a non-surgical approach.  Each treatment area requires 35 minutes, and 4 weeks for initial results to become visible.  12 weeks for optimal results.  Best of luck,Dr. Philip Solomon, Solomon Facial Plastic, Toronto, Canada

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Coolsculpting is great for treating small pockets of fat. Based on your photos alone, coolsculpting seems to be a great option for you. An in person assessment is always best. Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Regards,

Richard J. Wassermann, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for reaching out. From the photos you have provided, I do think that CoolSculpting would give you a fantastic result in those troublesome areas. There have been many patients treated in our office that maintain a very healthy lifestyle, some going to the gym 5-6 times a week, but can't seem to get rid of those stubborn areas like love handles. No anesthesia, no downtime and no post operative garment makes CoolSculpting the perfect answer for patients with busy lifestyles. Best Wishes.

John Pierce, DO · Answer

I highly recommend coolsculping over Kybella (off label). The newest coolsculpting heads (Cool Advantage) are able to treat areas that previously could not be treated due to there not being enough fat to reach the treatment area of the applicator. This issue has essentially been eliminated as the new applicator is almost entirely active treatment area. The procedures used to take an hour to perform and now are down to around 30 minutes.  Plus it is totally non invasive. No injections.

Kybella off label can be very dangerous. The compound was not intended for other areas and the fat is different in make up in different areas. I have seen horrifying photos of Kybella used off label on the inner thighs. It liquefied the fat as intended, but also necrosed the skin and left the patient with large open wounds that required surgical closure. The scaring on this patient will be quite noticeable on the inner thighs. I can not imagine if that were to transpire on the flanks.

Vinay Aggarwal, MD · Answer

While some physicians may use Kybella off-label to treat areas not yet approved by the FDA, I wouldn't recommend it for your love handles. It would be very costly, require a lot of injections and repeat treatments. 
Coolsculpting is a great choice, especially for individuals like yourself with minimal fat pockets. It is requires no surgery and no downtime. I offer Dual-Sculpting at my practice, so I can treat both sides at the same time, which cuts down on the total treatment time. You can resume your regular daily activities right after your session.

Maurice M. Vick, Jr., MD · Answer

Coolsculpting is my recommendation. It is quick, comfortable and non invasive. I would definitely not use Kybella in this area. Check your treating physicians experience and own before and after pics. Use someone who has the new treatment heads. They are quick and much more comfortable than the old ones. The newest one is the Cool Petite which would be perfect for your body. Be sure they have it. Best Wishes, Maurice Vick MD

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