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As we age, we start to notice sagging skin and excess fat around the body. Unfortunately, back fat is a common example of these unwanted areas of fat. Back fat can accumulate in many different ways, including under the armpit, across the lower back in the form of love handles, and, for women, in the mid-back resulting in the “bra bulge.“ Even those who maintain a healthy lifestyle and are in excellent shape still may have issues with fat bulges in certain areas, such as the back. For those who struggle with excess fat and are self-conscious with the way they look, non-surgical fat reduction has been revolutionary. One of the most popular procedures in expert, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green’s NYC dermatology office is CoolSculpting for the permanent reduction of unwanted fat.

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive treatment for fat loss that reduces the appearance of fatty tissue in a variety of specific areas of the body, targeting belly fat, double chin, inner and outer thighs, upper arm fat, and back fat–including “bra bulge” or bra fat that women commonly experience. It uses fat freezing technology to isolate and eliminate fat cells in the treated area without any need for more invasive surgeries that a plastic surgeon might offer. FDA-cleared in 2012, CoolSculpting has permanent fat reduction results and requires no down-time following the treatment.

If you are frustrated by stubborn areas of back fat, bra fat, abdominal fat, or any other body area, FDA- cleared CoolSculpting treatment may be the solution you’re looking for. The first step when it comes to having a body contouring treatment that provides you with natural-looking, long-lasting results, is scheduling a consultation with expert cosmetic board-certified provider, Dr. Michele Green. Dr. Green has been treating patients with cutting edge technologies and innovative techniques in her Upper East Side New York City Dermatology office for more than 25 years. She is internationally recognized and appreciated for her expertise and experience in many types of skin care procedures including dermal fillers, Botox, CoolSculpting, Kybella, laser resurfacing treatments, and more. She is deeply dedicated to helping her patients to look and feel like the best versions of themselves, which is well-reflected by the fact that she is consistently voted as one of the best dermatologists in New York City by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine.

How does CoolSculpting work on back fat?

When it comes to firming up and toning, some areas of the body naturally react faster than others towards diet and exercise. When we age, even if weight loss has occurred, individual pockets of fat can often remain. These areas of stubborn fat are typical when it comes to areas that retain fat deposits, such as the love handles or the abdomen. Similarly, both the upper back and lower back can retain pockets of fat. CoolSculpting treatment works for men and women to target these areas of fat, using a fat-freezing technique to help remove fat cells from the body. The technical name for fat freezing is cryolipolysis, and CoolSculpting cryolipolysis technology is FDA-approved for fat reduction on the body. The fat removal technology behind CoolSculpting was discovered by two Harvard medical researchers who observed the temporary “freezing” of fat cells on a child’s cheek while eating a popsicle. They realized that fat cells die at a higher temperature than other cells in the body, and thus can be fully eliminated through the use of targeted fat freezing application.

The CoolSculpting procedure is able to freeze fat cells, which can then be metabolized naturally in the body. This non-invasive process starts with initial body contouring that continues to improve for several weeks post-treatment, leading to permanent fat reduction with no downtime necessary. One of the main benefits of CoolSculpting is that you don’t need liposuction or plastic surgery to see improvements. CoolSculpting is a non-surgical fat reduction treatment that works will with instances of stubborn fat. For those individuals with “banana rolls” and fat bulges on the back, CoolSculpting can be used to permanently eliminate fat in as little as one treatment.

LG 59 coolsculpting flanks 4 5 months MGwatermark

What is CoolSculpting treatment for fat freezing?

The process for CoolSculpting treatment is painless and easy. First, you’ll have an initial consultation with Dr. Green during which you will have the opportunity to review your medical history, as well as goals for body contouring and fat removal. Dr. Green will carefully and frankly assess the potential treatment areas and design a treatment plan that meets your needs.

During your CoolSculpting procedure, an applicator is placed on the body in the treatment area. The skin is then cooled down to the point where the fat cells are destroyed in the surrounding area. The entire process takes, on average, 35 minutes to one hour–the exact timing depends on the size of the adaptor and treatment area.

Since CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that requires no down time, individuals are free to resume their normal activity straight after the treatment. After three to four months, you should see visible results from the treatment, as CoolSculpting actually continues to work for up to six months post-treatment. As the fat in the treatment area has been permanently removed from the body, pockets of fat are unlikely to return, but you will need to maintain a healthy lifestyle if you wish to keep the results, like any healthy exercise or diet plan might require.

Who is a Good Candidate for CoolSculpting treatments for back fat?

A good candidate for CoolSculpting is someone who does not have an extreme amount of fat in the treatment area.  Typically, side effects from the procedure are fairly limited.

There are some contraindications for CoolSculpting treatment. These include:

  • Cryoglobulinemia
  • Cold Agglutinin Disease
  • Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria
  • Pregnancy

When undergoing the treatment, patients may feel a little pain or stinging. Following the procedure, there may be some minor swelling, redness or bruising in the area where the applicator has been placed. Recovery time is typically quite minimal in these instances, but each individual case can differ. In all cases, it is best to discuss with Dr. Green what your potential options may be and what will work best for you during your initial CoolSculpting consultation.

CV Coolsculpting 37 lovehandles thighs 9m BACKL MGwatermark

Before and After – 9 months, love handles and thigh area

Are there other fat reduction treatments I should consider?

From New York to Los Angeles, CoolSculpting has become the gold standard for non-invasive fat removal. When considering non-surgical fat reduction treatment, CoolSculpting is one of the best treatments available to eliminate fat cells and reduce the appearance of pockets of fat almost anywhere on the body. CoolSculpting is one of Dr. Green’s most popular cosmetic procedures because it is safe, simple, and incredibly successful. One unique aspect to CoolSculpting treatment is that it can be combined with other cosmetic treatments in order to create maximal body contouring and rejuvenation.

Combination treatments

For areas of the body in which smaller pockets of stubborn fat can emerge (such as the double chin or underarm areas), CoolSculpting can be combined with Kybella treatment to target smaller areas of fat cells and completely remove the remaining submental fat in a treatment area. Kybella is an injectable that uses a naturally occurring substance, deoxycholic acid, to absorb and break down dietary fat. Thus, CoolSculpting is able to eliminate an initial, bulk amount of excess fat, and Kybella is able to dissolve any remaining fat cells in the treatment area. As Dr. Green mentions in her interview with Authority MagazineKybella and CoolSculpting have also been game changers in that previously patients had to have liposuction to remove unwanted fat, and now there are effective non-invasive treatments that have a proven track record of success.”

Additionally, CoolSculpting can be combined with secondary treatments. For those who notice skin laxity (loose skin) in the treatment area, or who are experiencing cellulite in the treatment area, Dr. Green may recommend Thermage, a radiofrequency energy treatment that stimulates collagen production to tighten and smooth skin. Whatever your specific needs, Dr. Green will work with you to ensure your aesthetic goals are achieved.

Non-invasive fat reduction vs. Liposuction

Before non-surgical fat reduction procedures like CoolSculpting were developed, liposuction was essentially the only way to reduce the appearance of excess fat on the body. However, since the advent of CoolSculpting and other non-invasive fat removal procedures, surgical liposuction has become a much less popular fat reduction technique. Liposuction is an invasive surgical procedure that not only causes significant bruising, but also leaves behind fat cells which are then redistributed to other parts of the body. This sudden fat decrease causes excess skin laxity, which leaves patients feeling dissatisfied and frustrated. CoolSculpting, on the other hand, is a completely noninvasive process that eliminates fat cells rather than redistributing the cells to other areas of the body and does not cause any skin laxity, making it much easier to access. CoolSculpting results are often equivalent to liposuction, and can be even more permanent, and CoolSculpting treatment has the added benefit of having no downtime.

How much does CoolSculpting cost for back fat reduction?

When patients ask, how much is CoolSculpting for back fat, the answer is: it depends. To determine the CoolSculpting back fat cost, a patient must factor in both body contouring needs and aesthetic goals. Different CoolSculpting applicators target different areas of the body, and these applicators vary in intensity and cost per treatment.

Typically, for upper back fat and/or bra fat, either the CoolMini or CoolPetite is used, which cost $1,000 and $750 per treatment, respectively. For those with larger amounts of excess fat on the lower back or flank area, the CoolAdvantage applicator may be best, which combines the strength of three smaller CoolSculpting applicators to optimize both effectiveness and treatment time. The CoolAdvantage applicator costs around $1500 per treatment, depending on the size of the treatment area. Optimal CoolSculpting results frequently require just one treatment, though some patients may choose to maximize fat removal through a second, follow-up treatment. When you have your worry-free consultation with Dr. Green, she will be able to determine the applicator that works best to meet your needs.

The incredible benefit to CoolSculpting is that it permanently removes excess fat without any need for downtime, allowing you to look and feel your best without any of the risk that an invasive plastic surgery might require. For most patients, the ease and effectiveness of CoolSculpting treatment is well worth the cost.

cool tone 8w 4w allergan

Before and After – 8 weeks first treatment, 4 weeks after for second, source: Allergan

Is CoolSculpting treatment worth it?

CoolSculpting is a revolutionary fat reduction technology that is able to transform the body without any need for invasive procedures. Though optimal CoolSculpting results are dependent on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the amazing body contouring results from a single treatment has proven to be inspiration for countless patients in our office.

However, not all CoolSculpting treatments are created equally. It’s important to work with an expert in CoolSculpting, like Dr. Green, who can review your medical history and current body contouring needs, and create a realistic treatment plan for fat reduction treatment. Oftentimes, “med spas” will offer CoolSculpting treatment that is inconsistent with a patient’s needs, promising unrealistic changes or even applying the CoolSculpting device ineffectively for the treatment area. For these reasons, we always recommend you work with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York.

Dr. Michele Green was one of the first NYC-based cosmetic dermatologists to incorporate CoolSculpting into her boutique practice over ten years ago, and has consistently produced outstanding cosmetic results.

Can CoolSculpting get rid of back fat?

CoolSculpting is a highly effective procedure for eliminating pockets of stubborn back fat, which can take many different forms, including armpit fat, lower back fat, underarm fat, and fat that accumulates in the mid-back. CoolSculpting works to reduce the appearance of subcutaneous fat, fat found under the surface of the skin, which is the type of fat that contributes to bulges on the back. As such, when it comes to sculpting the back, Dr. Green will frequently recommend the use of CoolSculpting, which eliminates up to 25% of the accumulated fat in the targeted area after each session. Significant reduction of back fat can occur after only one treatment session, but depending on the concentration of fat cells in the area, Dr. Green may recommend multiple sessions or to pair CoolSculpting with an additional treatment, such as Kybella injections.

Does CoolSculpting work on bra bulge?

CoolSculpting is a highly effective treatment to treat the area of back fat known as the “bra bulge,” which is the pocket of fat that accumulates on the upper back and under the armpit, or the concentration of back fat that is accentuated when wearing a bra. The risk factors for developing a bra bulge can include genetics, hormone fluctuations, a patient’s rate of metabolism, a lack of exercise, and a diet that is high in carbohydrates, fats, and sugars. With the many possible causes for bra bulge fat accumulation, CoolSculpting for bra bulge is one of the most popular uses for CoolSculpting in Dr. Green’s office. She is able to expertly target the bra bulge area, typically using the CoolMini or the CoolPetite, depending on the concentration of fat cells in the area.

How does CoolSculpting get rid of fat?

CoolSculpting works through a process known as cryolipolysis to freeze fat cells at the treatment area. Fat cells freeze at a higher temperature than the surrounding tissue, which allows the CoolSculpting applicator to target the subcutaneous fat while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. The fat bulge is placed by the applicator, which cools the area to the temperature at which fat freezes. This causes the fat cells to rupture and the dead cells are then metabolized via the body’s natural processes over time. This process occurs over the span of 3 to 4 months and within that time frame, patients will observe a 25% reduction in the concentration of fat cells in the targeted area.

coolsculpt 4w flanks allergan

How much fat does CoolSculpting remove per session?

CoolSculpting is a highly effective fat reduction treatment that leads to a 25% reduction in fat cell concentration after each session. Dr. Green often recommends, for the best results, that patients schedule multiple CoolSculpting appointments several months a part to more fully de-bulk the area. Dr. Green may also recommend pairing CoolSculpting with other treatments, such as Kybella, in order to more eliminate a higher concentration of fat in the treatment area. When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will examine the treatment area and make a recommendation about the number of CoolSculpting sessions necessary to meet your aesthetic goals.

When does CoolSculpting start to work?

CoolSculpting employs the use of a process known as cryolipolysis, which involves the freezing of fat cells at the treatment site in order to reduce the amount of fat in the area of the body. After freezing the fat cells in the treatment area and causing them to rupture, the procedure trigger’s the body’s natural metabolic response. Over time, the ruptured fat cells are metabolized and flushed out by the body, permanently reducing the number of fat cells in the treatment area. Due to the natural processes at play in the body, results will begin to be visible 6-8 weeks after the procedure with full effects of the treatment becoming visible 4 months after receiving treatment.

Does CoolSculpting permanently remove fat?

Yes! CoolSculpting is a fat removal treatment that permanently eliminates fat cells at the treatment area. When the applicator is applied to the skin, the fat cells in the area freeze and rupture, meaning they are permanently destroyed and will be flushed out of the body. However, while the targeted fat cells are destroyed, if patients gain weight following the treatment, fat cells may accumulate again in that area. Patients can help to maintain the results of their treatment by following an exercise and diet routine.

Does fat come back after CoolSculpting?

If you’re worried that you can gain fat back after CoolSculpting, you’re not alone. When it comes to fat cell reduction treatment, many patients wonder, can back fat come back after CoolSculpting or does CoolSculpting fat come back?  It’s important to note that CoolSculpting is not a tool for weight loss. For this reason, patients should come in for a CoolSculpting treatment within a thirty pound range of their ideal weight. If you maintain a routine of regular exercise and a healthy diet, you should have no issue after your CoolSculpting treatment. If a patient undergoes a substantial amount of weight gain or loss of muscle, new fat cells can develop and return to common stubborn fat areas of the body. However, the fat cells that were eliminated during CoolSculpting treatment are removed permanently. If you’re still concerned about whether fat cells can come back after CoolSculpting, be reassured: CoolSculpting treatment works to eliminate fat cells during initial treatment, and these fat cells will continue to be metabolized by the body for a few months post-treatment. Once fat cells are frozen and metabolize within the body, those cells do not grow back.

Do fat cells come back after CoolSculpting?

Many patients wonder, do fat cells grow back after CoolSculpting? CoolSculpting is a treatment that permanently destroys the fat cells in the targeted area. Once the fat cells that have accumulated in the treatment area have been frozen, they rupture and are metabolized by the body. For that reason, CoolSculpting is a procedure with permanent results. However, CoolSculpting cannot prevent the accumulation of new fat cells if patients gain weight after the procedure. As such, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and an active lifestyle in order to enjoy the permanent effects of the CoolSculpting treatment.

Is CoolSculpting safe?

CoolSculpting is a safe and effective treatment for getting rid of back fat by eliminating fat cells in that area of the body. The procedure is FDA-approved, meaning that clinical trials demonstrated that the treatment has limited adverse effects and fulfills its intended purpose. The common side effects associated with the treatment are mild and will resolve on their own within several days, and may include swelling, numbness, redness, tingling, stinging, soreness, or bruising at the treatment site. In very rare cases, patients have experienced paradoxical adipose hyperplasia as a result of the treatment.

coolscuplting back fat

Can Kybella Injections be combined with CoolSculpting for Fat Bulges?

Yes! Kybella injectable fat dissolving treatment is excellent to pair with CoolSculpting for even more impactful fat reduction. FDA-approved in 2015 to reduce fat cells in the submental region, Kybella can also be effectively used off-label to treat back fat. The Kybella treatment works via the injection of a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which breaks down the membranes of fat cells in the treatment area to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat. Kybella treatment works well for moderate to severe fat bulges and requires no downtime following the procedure. Often, Dr. Green will pair CoolSculpting with Kybella, with CoolSculpting used to “de-bulk” an area with a high concentration of fat cells before Kybella is used.

Who does CoolSculpting?

When receiving any sort of cosmetic treatment, it is important to choose a well established, trusted physician provider, such as board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green. Dr. Green has over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the most discerning patients from around the globe with the best non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including CoolSculpting for fat removal. Her dedication to her patients and her practice is well-reflected by the fact that she is consistently voted as one of New York‘s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors.

How can I get rid of back fat with CoolSculpting?

Sometimes, even despite maintaining a regular exercise routine and a consistently healthy diet, some stubborn bulges of fat refuse to budge. Though many areas of the body may be affected by stubborn fat, back fat and bra fat in particular can be especially challenging to reduce with traditional weight loss methods. Luckily, there are non-surgical fat reduction and body contouring treatments that can help patients get rid of back fat without any downtime whatsoever. If you are frustrated by stubborn fat in different areas of the body that are unresponsive to other fat loss methods, CoolSculpting with Dr. Michele Green in NYC may be just the solution for you.

Dr. Green is an internationally renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the most discerning men and women from around the globe with the best non-invasive cosmetic treatment options available, including non-surgical fat reduction procedures such as CoolSculpting. Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors consistently identify Dr. Green as one of the best dermatologists in New York City for her dedication to her patients and expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that is catered to your specific skin concerns and personal aesthetic goals, so that you both look and feel like the absolute best version of yourself. Contact us online or call the NYC-based office at 212-535-3088 to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Green today.

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