Coolsculpting is like liposuction in that it simply removes fat. It does not tighten or remove skin.
If loose skin is a component of your problem, a tummy tuck may be a better procedure for you.
Be sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation to discuss your particular need. (Janet Woodyard, MD, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)
Coolsculpting works on fat cells by using cryo ( or freezing) technology to kill the cell.
Therefore fat cells are necessary for the procedure to work. It does not work on the skin, nor does it work on the fat around the organs ( visceral fat).
The great thing about coolsculpting is that a in depth consult is done before any procedure is done, as well as what to expect from your treatment. (Jeffrey Goldstein, DO, New York Physician)
If the overhang is skin than a more invasive procedure such as a tummy tuck maybe necessary. If you just have fatty tissue then Coolsculpting or liposuction maybe possible.
Coolsculpting works best on bulges of fat, not skin. (Drew Varano, MD, Washington DC Physician)
An in-person consultation is best for determining if you are an ideal candidate. The coolsculpting procedure requires you to have pinchable fat and little loose skin as it does not work in tightening your skin. (Martin Jugenburg, MD, Toronto Plastic Surgeon)
Coolsculpting will only remove fat from the area, but if there is excess skin it will worsen the appearance of that laxity. (Michelle Ellern, DO, Livingston Physician)
Coolsculpting reduces fat in particular areas of the body. It does not improve hanging skin. The only treatment for hanging skin is to have it surgically removed. I would consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for more specific details on procedures and costs. (Jeffrey B. Wise, MD, FACS, Wayne Facial Plastic Surgeon)
Coolsculpting does a great job w areas of fat. It is not meant to tighten skin. (Stephanie Martin, MD, Atlanta Orthopaedic Surgeon)
CoolSculpting does not tighten skin
Coolsculpting only treats the fat cells and will not tighten the skin. Having loose skin after the procedure is always a possibly and it depends on the elasticity of your skin. It’s best to schedule a in person consultation and learn about which options suits your needs. (Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS, Bay Area Plastic Surgeon)
CoolSculpting: Skin laxity
CoolSculpting does not claim to tighten skin; some patients do see a natural firming along with their fat reduction, however its not guaranteed with the treatment. CoolSculpting doesn’t cause loose skin, but some patients may notice laxity more once they reduce the subcutaneous fat.
A specialist can best help you determine if you are a good candidate, and help you set expectations for what you can expect in your results. In some physician directed practices, like Imagine Body Sculpting Centers, a doctor can evaluate your skin further and make recommendations if it is a concern of yours.
Most patients love their CoolSculpting results either way!.\ (Vincent A Marino, MD, Scottsdale Physician)
Tightening after CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting does not tighten the skin. Neither does it cause laxity. The skin will naturally tighten up over the lost volume. (Sheryl D. Clark, MD, New York Dermatologist)
Upper Arm Sagging and Thermage
CoolSculpting is a great procedure but will not help upper arm sagging. In my practice I have used Thermage with the new CPT total tip and have had fabulous success with sagging arms, tightening buttocks and abdominal area.
I have used Thermage in my practice to tighten jowls for years now but the new CPT total tip has taken Thermage on the body to the next level. Please find a board certified dermatologist with a lot of experience with Thermage for the best cosmetic results. (Michele S. Green, MD, New York Dermatologist)
Coolsculpting is great for bra fat
Our patients have been extremely happy with Coolsculpting for the back/bra fat area. Not only have they noticed the reduction of fat and improvement of contour but they have noticed skin tightening as well.
Though Coolsculpting is not indicated for skin tightening we do see nice tightening in the areas we treat, so even after the fat is diminished the skin isn’t left looking deflated or hanging. There are no lasers or lights in the applicator.
The suction is just a way for the fat to be frozen more safely and effectively. (Grant Stevens, MD, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)
Tumescent liposuction shapes waist and back.
This is the technique with by far the best record of working well and being safe. When done superficially, it can also tighten skin. In my opinion, there are too many disappointing results from Coolsculpting. (George J. Beraka, MD (retired), Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)
CoolSculpting is safe and effective for contouring and reducing fat in the arms.
CoolSculpting is safe and effective for contouring and reducing fat in the arms. After selective and controlled exposure to cold, the fat cells are destroyed and then the body removes them gradually over the next two to three months.
This allows the skin to accommodate to the loss of fatty tissue, and the final result is slimmer arms with good skin quality and elasticity. (Leyda Elizabeth Bowes, MD (not practicing), Miami Dermatologic Surgeon)
Does cool sculpturing leave extra skin hanging when done on upper arms or thighs?
CoolSculpting is designed to reduce excess fat, its main function is not for the treatment of excess or sagging skin. Patients typically are pleased with their results and do not see hanging skin after the treatment. (Daniel Shapiro, MD, Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon)
Does CoolSculpting tighten skin?
CoolSculpting will reduce isolated areas of unwanted fat but it will not tighten skin. If the skin is not loose prior to a CoolSculpting procedure, it will usually be elastic enough to contour to the area without having loose skin.
If there is loose skin present before a treatment, this issue will not improve. (Michael I. Echavez, MD, San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon)
Coolsculpting skin tightening
Although Coolsculpting does not have a significant skin tightening effect, some patients do experience mild tightening at the treatment site. I suspect it is due to the fat reduction effect and skin in good condition pretreatment will appear tighter.
Skin that is very loose to begin with will still look the same after treatment. I have been very impressed with reduction of the appearance of cellulite in areas like the abdomen and outer thighs, as the fat is reduced, it exerts less tension on the skin and the appearance of cellulite may be reduced. (Peter Petropoulos, MD, Potomac Physician)