CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to target and eliminate stubborn fat cells in specific areas of the body. For people looking to reduce belly fat, CoolSculpting can be an effective option without the risks and recovery time of surgery. But how many treatments are actually needed to see results on the stomach area? The number of sessions needed can vary based on factors like the amount of fat to be treated and your body’s response. Here’s a closer look at what to expect.
What is CoolSculpting and how does it work?
CoolSculpting, also known as cryolipolysis, uses controlled cooling to target and kill fat cells. A device is used to apply cooling panels to the treatment area for up to 35 minutes per section. This causes the fat cells to crystallize and die off. Over time, the dead cells are naturally eliminated from the body.
Some key things to know:
It only removes fat cells
The cold solely impacts the fat cells. It does not affect skin, muscle or other tissue in the treatment area.
Results are gradual
Results are not immediate. It takes time for the body to naturally process out the dead fat cells. You may start to see changes in as little as 3 weeks, but optimal results will take 2-4 months.
It’s better for smaller areas
CoolSculpting works best on more contained fat bulges and areas of pinchable fat. Larger areas may require multiple applicators in one session.
Multiple sessions may be needed
Most patients need more than one CoolSculpting session to achieve their desired results. This is especially true when treating larger areas like the abdomen. Successive treatments can further reduce the fat layer.
How much fat can be removed with CoolSculpting?
Each CoolSculping treatment can reduce the fat layer in a treated area by up to 25%. With optimal candidates, some practices report an average fat reduction of 20-25% per treatment. However, patient results will vary based on factors like:
The amount of pinchable fat present
The more fat available to pinch in an area, the more fat that can theoretically be frozen and eliminated. Areas with minimal fat may see less dramatic reductions.
Your body’s fat cell metabolism
Some bodies are more efficient at processing out the frozen fat cells. Faster metabolism of these cells may result in faster and more noticeable reductions.
Your overall health and habits
A healthy diet and active lifestyle support the fat reduction process. Weight gain and other lifestyle factors can slow or minimize results.
How many sessions are needed for the stomach?
Most patients need 2-4 CoolSculpting treatments to effectively reduce unwanted fat on the abdominal area. Here are some general CoolSculpting guidelines for the stomach region:
Mild stomach fat:
For mild fat around the stomach or abdominal area, plan on 2-3 treatments. This can reduce the fat layer by up to 50-75% if properly spaced out.
Moderate stomach fat:
For moderate amounts of fat, usually 4-6 CoolSculpting treatments are recommended. This allows for a customized plan targeting different zones of the abdomen for complete contouring.
Significant fat deposits:
For significant fat volume in the stomach, you’ll likely need 6 or more treatments over multiple sessions. Targeting the upper and lower abdomen plus the sides allows for greater overall reduction.
Follow-up or maintenance treatments as needed. Some patients get treatments once or twice per year to maintain results.
Treatment planning based on stomach fat areas
One key factor in determining treatments is deciding which zones of the abdomen need to be targeted. Common treatment zones include:
Upper abdomen
The upper abdomen is one of the most common areas treated, targeting fat above the belly button.
Lower abdomen
The lower abdomen below the belly button is another trouble spot. This area can be treated separately or in conjunction with the upper abdomen.
Flanks or love handles
Stomach fat often extends around to the sides. Treating the flanks and love handles creates a slimming effect.
Back fat
For fat that wraps around to the back above the hips, this area can also be addressed.
Mapping out a customized treatment plan allows your provider to determine how many sessions you need to properly treat all of your desired zones.
What impacts the number of treatments needed?
While the average is 2-4 treatments, your specific case could require more or fewer sessions. Factors impacting the number of CoolSculpting appointments include:
Your treatment goals
Wanting a very subtle change may take fewer sessions than seeking dramatic fat reduction. Discuss realistic goals with your provider.
The amount of fat to be treated
More fat requiring treatment will likely need more sessions. It’s difficult to eliminate a significant fat volume in just 1-2 sessions.
Your body’s response
How well your body metabolizes and eliminates the frozen fat cells impacts results seen per session. Faster responses may require fewer treatments.
Whether you are combining CoolSculpting with other treatments
Some providers recommend combining CoolSculpting on the abdomen with other body contouring treatments for optimal overall results. Additional treatments may be factored into your plan.
Whether you maintain a healthy lifestyle
A poor diet and sedentary habits counteract your CoolSculpting results. Sticking to healthy eating and exercise extends your results.
Discuss your unique case and goals with a provider to decide how many treatments to plan for. You may need to adjust your number of sessions based on your initial response.
Are there options to reduce treatments needed?
While 2-4 sessions are often needed, there are some techniques that can potentially reduce treatments:
Treating larger surface areas per session
Using multiple CoolSculpting applicators in one visit allows you to treat more abdominal surface area per session. This can speed up results.
Utilizing larger applicators
Larger CoolSculpting applicators freeze more tissue. Fewer may be needed to treat the same area.
CoolAdvantage applicators
Special CoolAdvantage applicators treat tissue faster. Treatment times can be reduced.
DualSculpting
DualSculpting involves simultaneous CoolSculpting on both sides of the body. This doubles your treatment in one visit.
BodyFX treatments
Some practices use additional BodyFX radiofrequency and infrared treatments between CoolSculpting sessions to accelerate results.
Discuss enhanced treatment options with your provider to potentially reduce your number of sessions. But keep in mind more dramatic fat reduction will still require multiple treatments in most cases.
Results timeline for stomach
It’s important to have realistic expectations when undergoing CoolSculpting for the abdomen. While some mild changes may be visible within weeks, the full results take months to develop. Here is the general timeline:
Within 3 weeks:
Some minor fat reduction may be noticeable, but results will be minimal this early.
6-12 weeks:
You’ll likely see more noticeable progress by this point. Clothing may fit looser around your stomach. But optimal results still require more time.
3-4 months:
Most of your reduction will be visible within 3-4 months after your final session. Your provider can determine if additional treatments are needed.
6 months:
By 6 months, all your results should be fully visible. Maintain your healthy regimen to support long-term results.
Be patient throughout the process and stay consistent with your healthy lifestyle. While some results are visible early on, the final expected reduction takes several months to see.
Is there maintenance required?
While CoolSculpting permanently eliminates treated fat cells, it does not prevent future weight gain. Adding new fat cells in the abdomen is still possible. Therefore, some form of maintenance is highly recommended to sustain your sculpted stomach long-term.
Follow-up treatments
Many patients opt for maintenance CoolSculpting sessions every 6-12 months after completing their initial treatments. This helps remove any new fat accumulation.
Leading a healthy lifestyle
You should continue eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly for the long term after CoolSculpting. This will prevent significant new fat cell development.
Avoid weight gain
Preventing weight gain is key to maintaining your results. Just a 10% weight gain can impact your stomach’s appearance and contour.
Other body sculpting options
Some patients combine CoolSculpting with other non-invasive fat reduction procedures like truSculpt iD or Emsculpt for maintenance.
Discuss the ideal long-term plan with your provider based on your goals. Some level of maintenance is typically recommended to preserve your sculpted, slimmed abdomen.
Who is the ideal candidate for stomach CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting on the abdominal area works best for candidates who meet the following criteria:
– Have noticeable fat bulges or roll in the stomach area they wish to reduce
– Are close to their ideal body weight, within 30 pounds
– Have pinchable fat in treatment areas
– Are in general good health without conditions impacted by cold exposure
– Have realistic expectations for gradual, modest fat reduction, not dramatic weight loss
– Are committed to maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine
– Accept that multiple treatments are likely required for optimal results
If you are significantly overweight or looking for significant weight loss, CoolSculpting may not be the right treatment option for you. Discuss your options with a provider. But if you have moderate stomach fat and meet the above criteria, CoolSculpting can likely effectively sculpt and slim your abdominal trouble spots.
Frequently asked questions about CoolSculpting for the stomach
Some common questions about CoolSculpting for the abdominal region include:
How long do the results last?
When fat cells are properly eliminated during the CoolSculpting process, results can be long-lasting. But significant weight gain and new fat cell development can impact longevity.
When will I see results?
Initial changes may be visible within a few weeks, but optimal results will appear at around 3-4 months. You must be patient throughout the process.
Does it hurt?
Most patients do not find the procedure overly uncomfortable thanks to the CoolSculpting system’s integrated cooling. Some mild discomfort, tugging or pinching sensation may be noticed during the first 5-10 minutes.
What is the downtime?
A benefit of CoolSculpting is no significant downtime required. You can return to normal activities immediately following your appointment. Some mild tenderness or swelling can occur but resolves quickly.
How much does it cost per session?
Costs can range from $750 to over $1500 per CoolSculpting applicator used. Larger applicators that treat bigger areas tend to cost more per session. Overall costs depend on your custom treatment plan.
Discuss any other specific questions or concerns about CoolSculpting during your consultation. Your provider will recommend the ideal number of treatments to meet your stomach sculpting goals.
Conclusion
While some mild fat reduction may be noticed after just one session, most patients require multiple CoolSculpting treatments to see significant improvement in abdominal fat. On average, 2-4 sessions scheduled 4-8 weeks apart are recommended to effectively reduce moderate stomach fat. But your specific case and goals will impact your ideal number of treatments. Discuss your options with an experienced CoolSculpting provider. With consistent healthy habits and maintenance sessions as needed, the results of your stomach sculpting efforts can last for years.
