Can Zeltiq CoolSculpting Be Used on Calves?

Question

I am 5'6" and 127lbs and tend to carry weight below the waist. I used to have athletic yet lean calves, but since pregnancy 2 years ago my calves are huge and fatty. I managed to get all other areas back in shape, but my calves are resisting the weight loss and I can't zip my boots or wear certain jeans. I think there is plenty of flesh/fat for the applicator to grab, but I can't find much information on Zeltiq for the calves. Will Zeltiq help?

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting works well for areas such as the abdomen, flanks, back, inner thighs and sometimes arms. The calves are usually not treated because the area is not pliable enough to be effectively pulled into the applicator by the suction in order to be treated with the cooling panels. You may consider liposuction instead. It is always a good idea to consult with a physician to see if you are a good candidate for particular treatments.

Melissa Chiang, MD, FAAD · Answer

The reason that you've not heard about Coolsculpting for calves is that it is not typically used in this area. The reason is that that the flesh of the calves is typically quite firm (not soft and squishy). It would be difficult to get the flesh into the applicator. It you truly do have excess fat (and not large calf muscles), you might consider liposuction.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

I am very impressed in some patients, with the results of Zeltiq but I am not aware of studies that have been done on fat reduction on the calves with CoolSculpting. Currently there is no applicator that specifically is designed for the calf. I would question the possible side effects on the lower extremity that are not a concern on the outer thighs, abdomen, love handles, etc. such as exacerbation of varicose veins or sensory or motor nerve problems. I am awaiting results of pateints treated with CoolSculpting of their lower legs before I recommend such.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Coolscuplting is not the best modality for calves as there is usually insufficient laxity of the calf tissue to be mobilized into the Coolsculpting probe. Liposuction or SlimLipo can provide a great alternative for shaping the calves.

Laurie A. Casas, MD, FACS · Answer

CoolSculpting or Zeltiq has been tested extensively on the flank areas and reliably reduces the fat bulge by 20-25% with each treatment. Calf Coolsculpting has not been performed to my knowledge in any clinical studies.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Coolsculpting has not been FDA approval for calves. Proceed with caution with this area. An in person consultation with a board certified physician who provides surgical and coolsculpting options will be beneficial.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

This is not a FDA approved treatment area.Body
reshaping can be performed with a cannula that removes fat via liposuction or
with noninvasive technology like Cool Sculpting.  With Cool Sculpting there is no cannula
inserted into your body.  All treatments
are performed on the surface from the outside in using technology that freezes
the fat.  Don’t hesitate to give us a
call in Austin regarding a Body Reshaping Consult at the Upper Room.  On our Facebook Page there is an Interview I
recently did with KVUE, a local news station in Austin, that was picked by
affiliates around the United States, including Miami.  During the Interview we discussed the
technology of Cool Sculpting as well as it application process.

The discomfort from treatment does resolve.  Taking
over the counter tylenol or naproxen resolves this in the majority of cases.
 If you have swelling that is persistent then a waist binder is helpful.

C. Edwin Pittman, MD · Answer

Hi Brigitta,

	CoolSculpting® is FDA-cleared for fat reduction of the abdomen, hips, and flanks for both men and women.  Though CoolSculpting is appealing because of its non-surgical nature and no downtime, it is NOT recommended to treat other areas of the body like the calves.  If you are an otherwise healthy individual, you might speak to a board certified plastic surgeon in your area about liposuction as it is better suited to eliminating fat in localized areas like the legs whereas CoolSculpting®’s specialized applicators could not as effectively access.

Daniel Shapiro, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. CoolSculpting is not a weight loss solution for people who are obese, or a substitute for surgical methods such as liposuction. Good candidates have noticeable bulges in certain areas they’d like to get rid of. Your doctor will determine if treatment is right for you during a one-on-one consultation. However, I would not suggest using CoolSculpting on calves.

Eric Chang, MD · Answer

there is not enough excess skin in this area for an applicator to attach to. the calves are amenable to liposuction, but any liposuction here needs to be done very carefully as imperfections are very easy to show.

Can Zeltiq CoolSculpting Be Used on Calves?

Answers (16)

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