FAQs for Coolsculpting!

Dr. Irwin
August 30, 2019
Re coolsculpt can this be done on someone with normal BMI of 22? Hi. Does cool sculpting cause loose skin after fat removal? Or, does it tighten the skin? Thanks, Shirley. I have raynauds— is coolsculpting ok? If not what is next best alternative —I’m 69 years old - otherwise fit except for this newly developed tummy !!!! Help!’!! And thank you soo much

Coolsculpting has gotten more popular.  There are good reasons for this.  First, it works.  Secondly, the results are quite consistent.  Third, it’s safety profile is good.

I tend to be skeptical about big pharma and many of the companies in the beauty industry, but I have to say this company is doing a good job. They continue to improve and innovate on their “adapter heads.”  They provide ongoing (not just initial) training for offices using the equipment, which is rare. And they have a good safety focus.

Areas that can now be safely and effectively treated include: the abdomen and flanks, fat under the chin (Coolmini), the upper arms, “bra” and back fat, the inner and outer thighs, and probably soon …knee fat. It works best if your BMI is 30-32 or under!  Some areas are FDA off-label so ask your provider if you are concerned.

Can this be done on someone with normal BMI of 22?

Yes……providing you have enough fat to fit into the adapter head in a specific area.  For example, one of our patients who works out a lot, had a pocket of stubborn fat and skin just above her C-section scar.  The Coolsculpting really helped.  It’s not perfect (there’s still a scar) but she has many more clothing choices than she had….without feeling self-conscious.  Feeling very comfortable in our bodies is a good goal no matter what our size or shapes.   This safe, relatively inexpensive, procedure may help.

Does cool sculpting cause loose skin after fat removal? Or, does it tighten the skin?

It tightens the skin. Originally, the company did not apply for “this indication” with the FDA, so they don’t market it.  But….we have all seen skin tightening, in the majority of patients,  post Coolsculpting.  It’s sometimes quite a bit….and sometimes less.  In our office and others, we’ve never seen “loosening” reported.

I have Raynauds— is coolsculpting ok?

This is a tougher one to answer because there isn’t enough data on this.  The company tends to leave this up to the judgment of the individual doctor treating.  In my opinion, with severe Raynauds, Coolsculpting would NOT be advised at any site.  Most patients though have mild to moderate Raynauds.  Generally, we are comfortable treating patients with mild Raynauds, and they have done perfectly.  With moderate Raynauds, in my opinion, sticking to areas that have good blood supply and plenty of fat to pinch (like the abdomen and flanks) makes sense.  Avoiding the arms, and knees also makes sense to me with moderate Raynauds.  Hopefully we will have more data soon.

Expect to need multiple treatments, unless you just have a few small rogue pockets of fat. Costs vary and you have to be measured in office for an estimate to be accurate.

Hope this helps,
Dr. Brandith Irwin
Founder, SkinTour
Director, Madison Skin & Laser Center
Follow my skin tips and travels on Instagram!
Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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