How Much Time the Cool Sculpting Takes?

The number of cycles needed can vary greatly from person to person. Each cycle takes about an hour and there is a massage at the end of each cycle that lasts about 2 minutes. The only way to determine the number of cycles you will need is to have a consultation. The consultation will provide you ail detailed treatment information and cost, as well as allow the clinician to determine if you are a good candidate for the CoolSculpting treatment. 

In my NYC practice I examine all patients who will undergo CoolSculpting. I determine if they're a candidate and evaluate per area of interest, how many applicators will be used, their location of application, and how they will be overlapped, if multiple applicators are necessary per area. Each applicator takes about 70 minutes (60 for the cycle, then a massage and preparing the next site for another applicator).

The amount of fat above the muscle wall may determine how many sessions will be necessary. Compared to three years ago when we waited four months to have a second session, we are now reapplying the applicators in coolsculpting as soon as four to six weeks seeing a greater result than when we waited four months. The most number of sessions I have recommended, for the larger adipose masses, has been three, but this does not need to be a finite number.

The good news is that Coolsculpting works to permanently destroy the fat cells tat are treated. Ideal candidates are patients with diet and exercise resistant small to medium size fat deposits around your abdomen and flanks. In my practice I am the point of contact for all new patients and patients who are scheduling second and third sessions to fully correct a treatment area. This way i can evaluate the patients expectations and plan their treatment protocol. Most patients who have a fat collection need 2-3 treatment sessions 2-3 moths apart to fully correct the area. Because the applicators are of a certain size the fat bulge needs to be analyzed for the best approach to treat it. There are only a few size applicators so I have found that the pre procedure plan for placing the applicator is very important. As the fat dissolves and the fat deposit shrinks I reevaluate the area and decide the best applicator to use to retreat. Often times the retreat area is slightly different than the original site. For example if a patient has a bulge in the upper and lower abdomen i often recommend a 6.3 inch applicator size for the upper abdomen and an 8 inch applicator for the lower abdomen. At 2 months the lower abdomen might only need a 6.3 inch  applicator to treat the fatty deposit that shrunk 20-25%. Each treatment session is on average 1 hour, therefore in this example a patient may spend 2 hours the first time treating the upper and lower abdomen and then another two hours  2-3 months later if the areas need a second session to achieve full correction. Their are many cases that require a third session. The key is to work with a board certified plastic surgeon who can review all the procedures that are safe and reliable to help you reach your goals of reducing isolated areas of fat that are exercise and diet resistant.

Hi Naveena,

Each CoolSculpting cycle takes approximately one hour to complete and you should start to see results in about a month (full result by three months.)  The number of cycles required will depend on your existing size and personal goals. Your doctor should review these with you and develop a treatment plan to achieve your goals. We have patients that require only two treatments, but we see the best results with a more comprehensive treatment plan. Have you heard the term "treat to transformation?" CoolSculpting can truly offer liposuction like results without surgery. Not everyone is a candidate, but if you are CoolSculpting is great procedure.

Hi Naveena--  After your 1st treatment session, you can start to see improvement  in the area in about 4-6 weeks.  The results usually continue to improve for up to 4 months.  Some patients only need one treatment, others might need 2-3 treatments to achieve the desired result. Treatments can be done every 3 months on the same area, in most cases.

 

  Take care, Dr. Groff