As you’ve researched noninvasive body contouring options, you’ve likely found yourself asking a lot of questions: How many CoolSculpting Elite sessions will I need for my stomach? Is CoolSculpting permanent? What does it cost? To help you plan your “fat-freezing” journey, we’re answering your top questions about what to expect—from the first consult to the final result.
Read on to get the details about the number of sessions you may need, how far apart to space your appointments, your potential total cost, how long the results last, and more.
1. How Much Weight Can You Lose With CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is excellent for fat reduction, but it’s not a weight loss solution. You can expect to reduce fat in the treated area by up to 25%, although the scale may not show a significant drop in weight. It’s more about contouring your body and reducing the stubborn fat pockets that diet and exercise alone can’t tackle.
2. How Many CoolSculpting Treatments Are Needed for the Stomach?
Most people at our San Diego medical spa need between 1 and 3 CoolSculpting sessions per targeted area. Keep in mind the midsection may encompass a few different areas depending on your goals, including the upper and lower abdomen, hips, and flanks.
Studies show us that CoolSculpting Elite can reduce fat by up to 25% in a treated area after just a single session. If you have a small, stubborn pooch that won’t shrink despite your best efforts, you may only need a single session to see results. However, if you have a bit more pinchable fat, you may need a couple more cycles to achieve your dream look.
Ultimately, this answer is different from person to person. That’s why the first step in your treatment is a consultation with a provider, who will let you know how many cycles you may need.
3. How Many CoolSculpting Treatments Are Needed for a Double Chin?
Because this is a smaller region, you’ll likely need just 1 or 2 sessions to treat a double chin with CoolSculpting Elite. We use a specially designed applicator that fits snugly under the chin to maximize your results and comfort. CoolSculpting sessions for the submental area take about 35 minutes. You can learn more about the applicators designed for specific areas in a related blog post.
4. How Many CoolSculpting Treatments Are Needed for the Inner and Outer Thighs?
Both the inner and outer thighs need about 2 sessions on average, but as with any treatment area, this varies from person to person. For the outer thighs, treatments take about 75 minutes. We can treat the inner thighs at the same time with a separate applicator. Treating the inner thighs takes about 35 minutes.
5. How Long Should You Wait Between CoolSculpting Sessions?
You’ll need to wait at least 30 days before you can schedule your next CoolSculpting session in the same area. It takes about this long for your body to begin processing and flushing out the treated fat cells. Keep in mind that it may take 2 to 3 months for your results to develop completely. Most people come back for follow-up treatment after 1 to 2 months, but once you’re past the 30-day mark, you can have your next session done at any time.
If you’re looking to treat a different area, you don’t need to wait between sessions. In fact, it’s common for people to have multiple areas treated during the same appointment.
6. How Long Does It Take To See CoolSculpting Results?
Wondering when you’ll start to see those stubborn fat pockets disappear? Many clients notice a reduction in fat as early as 1 month after their CoolSculpting Elite treatment. Your body is doing the behind-the-scenes work, naturally flushing out the treated fat cells. By the 2- to 3-month mark, you’ll likely experience significant changes in your appearance, making you look and feel slimmer.
7. How Long Does CoolSculpting Last?
Once the treated fat cells are frozen and naturally eliminated by your body, they don’t come back. This means the results are permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. But it’s important to note that CoolSculpting doesn’t prevent new fat cells from forming. You’ll need to stay committed to a balanced diet and regular exercise to maintain your results long-term.
8. How Often Can You Do CoolSculpting?
At La Jolla Cosmetic, we believe in a “treat to complete” approach. What does this mean? Simply put, it means we aim for the best possible results, which usually require more than a single treatment session in the targeted area. But once you’ve achieved those dream results, there’s good news: You won’t need to do CoolSculpting again for that area as long as you maintain a steady weight.
9. How Much Does Each CoolSculpting Cycle Cost?
At our San Diego plastic surgery practice and medical spa, the cost of a CoolSculpting session typically starts at $750+. We offer package prices for those purchasing multiple treatments, and we happily accept payments from third-party financing programs such as Cherry and CareCredit®.
| Procedure | Fee Range |
| CoolSculpting® Elite | $750 & up |
To see real examples of the results you can expect after CoolSculpting Elite, please visit our before and after photo gallery.
Have more questions about planning your CoolSculpting Elite treatment? Give us a call at (858) 788-7989 or request a consultation online to meet with one of our San Diego CoolSculpting providers.