Is there any other non-invasive treatments I could do that may work better or is liposuction my only option?

Question

I had coolsculpting done in March(flanks and lower abdomen) then again in June(lower and upper abdomen). The results were great for a couple months, then my lower belly pouch came right back to how it was before. My results didn't get better with time like coolsculpting claims. Im a 22 year old woman, I've always been slim(5ft 4, 127 lbs)but I've had this lower belly pouch since I was 16. Is there any other non-invasive treatments I could do that may work better or is liposuction my only option?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

I have not found any other of the several common non invasive procedures to work better on reducing body fat than coolsculpting. It is important to realize though, that some people regain fat in the area of liposuction, or in other areas, after liposuction if they continue to consume calories that exceed their daily requirements based on the energy they spend for their normal metabolism (basal metabolic rate) and the exercise they do daily. If there is an excess of calories, it has to go somewhere!The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Keep in mind, Coolsculpting needs a combination approach to get the most improvement and may need re-treatments to get desired results. For best results, I recommend adding radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish, Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing. However, a Vaser liposuction/liposculpture with ThermiRF/J plasma/Renuvion/InMode BodyTite procedure is the best combination for a toned result. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

There are other non-invasive fat reduction treatments, other than CoolSculpting.  SculpSure is another non-invasive treatment that uses a laser to heat the fat to destroy it.  There are some other devices as well, but CoolSculpting and SculpSure are the only ones I have used.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Without a photograph, it is difficult to recommend a procedure that may meet your needs.  My advice is to consult with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon who will be able to discuss both non-surgical and surgical options.  Best of luck.

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. We are sorry to hear that you're not thrilled with your CoolSculpting results. There is a new treatment called EmSculpt that may be an option for you. The treatment builds 16% muscle and burns 19% of the fat in the treatment area. This treatment is equivallent to 20,000 sit-ups in 30 minutes. The recommended treatment protocol is 4 treatments in 2 weeks. This results in a tighter, toner abdoment. Full results are seen 6-8 weeks after the last treatment. Please consult with a local provider to determine if this is the right option for you. Good luck!

Jeffrey Thaxton, MD FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Without photos of before and after treatment it is not possible to assess what the issues are with coolsculpting.  Liposuction and coolsculpting both give permanent results in the areas treated although there are reports of nonresponders to coolsculpting if you initially had a good response I'm not sure what to make of the area coming back.  There are other noninvasive treatments but coolsculpting is the most reliable noninvasive method.   I would suggest an consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience with coolsculpting to get an opinion on what would be your best option.  Be sure to find a board certified plastic surgeon and not some who claims board certified but does specify what board or someone who claims board certification by a board not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties such as the board of cosmetic surgery.Jeffrey Thaxton, MD FACSCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mary Beth Mudd, MD · Answer

Without photos, it is difficult to answer your question. It is possible that you have not given enough time for your results since it can take 4 months for final results. For some patients, it can take 2 treatment sessions of the same area to get desired results since only about 22% of the fat in the treated area is permanently removed with CoolSculpting. However, I still feel that currently CoolSculpting gives the best and most consistent results of the non-invasive treatment options available. Another possibility is that you are developing visceral or deep belly fat under your muscle if you are taking in more calories than you are burning up. I have seen patients that will lose the subcutaneous fat between the skin and muscle with CoolSculpting but then develop more deep fat under the muscle when they consume too many calories on a regular basis. If this is the case, then even liposuction will not help, only low carb/high protein diet such as South Beach and regular cardio 5-6 times per week to remove the deep fat stores. I would strongly suggest that you seek consultation with a physician who is experienced in assessing belly fat who can help you learn more about your problem and how to help it. Best wishes, Mary Beth Mudd

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting would be my preferred treatment for you in what you are describing.  Without photos it is impossible to give you exact advice.  However, without weight gain the results of Coolsculpting are permanent.  Liposuction is very aggressive and patients often have weight gain in areas that weren't treated. Please consult an expert in Coolsculpting for the best cosmetic results. Best, Dr. Green

Is there any other non-invasive treatments I could do that may work better or is liposuction my only option?

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