How do I know if CoolSculpting works?

Question

My question is, I have had coolsculpting done around 3 weeks ago, I have generally been eating healthy and going to gym where I have lost 7lbs in a week, is this due to coolsculpting? or is this because I was being extra cautious? I haven't seen results as of yet on my arms or stomach and they still look floppy do they shrink themselves? how would I know if its working? do my arms and stomach look more floppier or more tone? I dont know how this is working? so what would I notice?

Landon Pryor, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question!  Coolsculpting is a treatment that requires patience.  It takes up to 3 months, sometimes even longer, to see your full results with Coolsculpting.  Most patients begin to see an improvement 1 month after treatment, however, that is just the beginning.  Depending on your expectations, a second round of treatment may be necessary.

John M. Hilinski, MD · Answer

At 3 weeks out from a Coolsculpting session, it is a bit too early to judge the results. It can take upwards of several months before many patients see cosmetic improvements from the fat freezing. It also depends on the skin elasticity that may or may not be present. Give it more time. Hopefully photos were taken prior to your Coolsculpting treatment, which allows you to compare more objectively the changes that may be taking place.

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Any weight loss would not be from the CoolSculpting treatment, that would be due to lifestyle changes such as eating healthier or adding in exercise. Most patients will not see much difference after 3 weeks of having the treatment and it takes up to 12 weeks and even 16 weeks to see the most dramatic difference. CoolSculpting offers gradual results so you wont be seeing drastic changes daily and that is why it is crucial for the provider to obtain specific baseline photos of the treated area that can be compared at your final follow up.

William Groff, DO · Answer

If you didn’t take baseline photos and measurements of your Cool-Sculpted areas, do so now. One session of CoolSculpting only eliminates about 25% to 35% of fat. If your skin quality is good, it should tighten slightly. Sometimes results take two to three months and up to six months to completely manifest. You also may need more than one treatment. Be sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist for your CoolSculpting and be sure to get baseline measurements, so you can see the changes for yourself.

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. CoolSculpting usually does not effect weight loss, that is probably due to healthy eating and working out. CoolSculpting results will be seen 3-4 months after treatment. You will notice that the treated areas appear smaller/more sculpted. You should follow up with your provider at that time and compare photos. Good luck and congratulations on your treatment!

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It can take up to 12 weeks to see the full effect from a CoolSculpting treatment and some people require more than one treatment to obtain the desired improvement.  CoolSculpting is not a weight loss treatment, so the 7 lbs. you have lost is most likely from diet and exercise rather than from the CoolSculpting treatment you had 3 weeks ago.

Andrew Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

CoolSculpting is a fat reduction procedure, not to be confused with a weight loss procedure. CoolSculpting will not help you lose weight, but rather shave down stubborn bulges to create a more visually appealing appearance. It is likely that the weight loss you are experiencing is from your healthy lifestyle. Way to go!
As far as the results from your CoolSculpting treatment are concerned, I would not expect for you to see any improvement at this point as it is just too soon. Expect to see results from CoolSculpting 3-4 months post-treatment.

Eugene Nowak, DO · Answer

Congratulations on your CoolSculpting treatment and thank you so much for your questions. When a patient has a coolsculpting treatment, results usually begin to become noticeable around 3-4 weeks, and fully developed at 3-4 months.  Remember, CoolSculpting is best for volume reduction and trimming inches, not necessarily for weight loss -  so the weight you are losing is likely from your hard work and dedication! In regards to knowing "if it is working" - we always extensively measure and photograph our patients prior to treatment to ensure we can track each patient's progress.  I would encourage you to follow up with the office who did your CoolSculpting so they can review this information with you. It is sometimes difficult to appreciate gradual improvements so these photos can be key to appreciating the changes in body contour. I hope this was helpful and wish you luck on your coolsculpting journey!

Barry Ginsburg, MD · Answer

i would not expect to see results yet.. it can take up to 3 months to see results.. also CS removes only 20 percent of the fat at the most.. your wt loss is not due to the CS but rather good life style changes

Emerico Csepanyi, MD · Answer

Although weight loss is a potential side effect of Coolsculpting, your recent weight loss may be attributed to your shift in lifestyle. With that said, often times, many patients begin to see reduction of the treated areas around the 3-4 week mark; however, bare in mind that Coolsculpting results may take up to 3-4 months to be complete. Also, depending on the size of the areas you had treated as well as the volume of fat, you may want to consider treating those areas a 2nd time for more "liposuction-like" results. Carry on with your revised healthy lifestyle and you will certainly see a change in your body and overall health and well being. Patients who pair Coolsculpting with a healthy lifestyle often see great results.

How do I know if CoolSculpting works?

Answers (12)

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