Will Cool Sculpting (Zeltiq) Address Skin Laxity?

If your skin has lost its elasticity, it will probably look even looser after you have zeltiq.   A good analogy is the abdominal skin in a pregnant woman.  If the skin has lost its elasticity, it can look wrinkly and hang down after the mother has given birth and lost weight.  If the skin is tight, it will shrink back after the baby is born.    This is why patients with tight skin get the best results with zeltiq.  People with loose skin should consider a surgical procedure to remove both skin and fat (eg tummy tuck).

Your question is a common one. CoolSculpting is not designed to tighten the skin, it is a nonsurgical option to remove 25% pinchable fat per treatment. You did not include photos, so it is hard to tell how much loose skin result after fat reduction. Some patients who are younger may have skin which will respond favorably so that the skin laxity is not severe. However, depending on the amount of fat removed, others will be left with loose skin. However, there are also patients who report that along with the fat reduction, they have noticed some skin tightening. Another option would to have SkinTyte done after CoolSculpting to help with this. I recommend that you consult with a physician or provider with experience in treating these areas, and take the time to look at before and after photos as well. 

Recently, Coolsculpting studies revealed that when the neck is treated with coolsculpting there is a significant amount of skin tightening that accompanies it.  Presumably, this should also happen to skin in other areas of the body as well.  Of course, it can't get rid of all skin laxity and we all have differing amounts of inelasticity so seeing a reputable coolsculpting provider to discuss your options is a good idea.  Going to a plastic surgery office might be best as they can offer all possible options in addition to coolsculpting. 

The only area Coolsculpting will help treat any skin laxity or to help tighten the skin is only submental tissue, which is typically under the chin. The cool mini applicator is used to treat this area. Although the procedure time is longer than other treatment areas it does have impressive results. Fortunately, cool sculpting does not create further skin laxity for any treatment area either. 

CoolSculpting is only FDA cleared for fat reduction. As the CoolSculpting reduces the fat in that area, your skin may have more laxity. If your skin has good elasticity you may see your skin contract slightly.

Thank you for your question! CoolSculpting kills 20% to 25% of the fat cells in the treated area but does not correct or address excess loose skin or loss of elasticity or firmness. There are however treatments that can be used in combination with CoolSculpting to address this. In our clinic we marry a treatment using CoolSculpting Cryolipolysis for the reduction of fat and the CORE V-FORM to restore collagen to improve the skin's overall elasticity and firmness. I recommend scheduling an in person consultation with a CoolSculpting specialist or preferred physician in your area for a physical evaluation and the opportunity to discuss a custom treatment plan that will deliver the best results for your specific areas of concern. By meeting for a consultation, you will know what other types of treatments can be combined to address the skin's elasticity to achieve your desired results. For more information regarding your question, please see the video below. Good luck to you!

Coolsculpting is a non-invasive way to permanently remove unwanted fat cells from the body. When fat cells are removed there can be additional laxity or lose skin depending on the natural elasticity of the skin of the patient or the laxity that was present prior to the Coolsculpting treatment. Combining Coolsculpting with another modality such as Venus Legacy is a synergistic approach to treating both unwanted fat and lax skin. The Venus legacy device uses radio frequency heat to stimulate the body's natural collagen and elastin to help tighten, tone and smooth the treated area. Combining both services will yield a more desired overall result for the patient, reducing fat and also address skin laxity concerns.  Hope that helps. 
All the Best,
Dr. Paul Flashner

Cool Sculpting is strictly for fat reduction and doesn’t
tighten skin.  If you are already having issues with excess skin, removing
the remaining fat may  worsen the
appearance.  I would suggest consulting with a reputable provider in your
area to see what the options might be to help you feel more satisfied with your
backside.

Thank you for your question!  CoolSculpting is designed to eliminate stubborn fat when diet and exercise have not worked. Unfortunately, the technology does not address loose skin. Younger individuals with good skin elasticity before treatment will generally not have any issues with skin laxity.  However, if poor skin elasticity is already an issue, reducing the volume of fat in the area may make the skin appearance worse. Also, in certain patients we do not recommend treating the “banana roll” with CoolSculpting, as it may make the buttocks appear to drop or sag. Having a consultation with an experienced provider will be the best way to get a customized treatment plan specific to your needs!  Best of luck!

Hello 9670anon,


The loss of buttock support from above, causes formation of
the banana roll, resulting in a sagging appearance in the skin/fat. Coolsculpting
technology will not help or harm the skin, and is not indicated for treating
skin elasticity. The Banana Roll is a new treatment area with the new CoolAdvantage
applicator, the new design allows for a better draw of the tissue for
treatment. Reduction of fat in the Banana roll area with Coolsculpting will
provide an improvement, although will not eliminate the roll.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding
your Coolsculpting treatment it is important to refer back to your original
provider.


 


Best of Luck!


Dr. Thomas E. Kaniff

I prefer Coolsculpting of the arms over liposuction (even though I do both) because the slow fat loss with Coolsculpting allows time for the skin to retract.  Sometimes, when the skin is not very elastic, you can get saggy looking skin after liposuction.  Discuss with a plastic surgeon to see which he or she recommends.Best of luck,

Sheila Nazarian