Body Contouring

Does CoolSculpting Tighten Skin?

What You Need to Know About Fat Reduction and Skin Firming With CoolSculpting

If you’re thinking about trying CoolSculpting to get rid of stubborn fat, you might be wondering: Will it also tighten my skin? The short answer? Not really. While CoolSculpting is amazing for freezing away unwanted fat, it doesn’t do much for loose skin. But don’t worry—if skin tightening is your goal, there’s a way to get both fat reduction and firmer skin.

Keep reading to learn how CoolSculpting works, why skin tightening is a separate process, and how combining CoolSculpting with Thermage can help you get the results you’re looking for.

How CoolSculpting Works (And What It Can’t Do)

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive treatment that uses freezing technology (called cryolipolysis) to kill fat cells. Once the fat cells are frozen, your body naturally eliminates them over the next few weeks, leaving you with a more sculpted shape. The best part? Once those fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good!

Where Can CoolSculpting Reduce Fat?

CoolSculpting is great for areas where you can pinch the fat, like:

  • Belly
  • Love handles
  • Inner and outer thighs
  • Upper arms
  • Back and bra fat
  • Double chin

So… Will CoolSculpting Tighten Loose Skin?

The key thing to remember is that CoolSculpting is for fat reduction—not skin tightening. If your skin has good elasticity, it might naturally adjust to your new shape. But if you already have loose skin, CoolSculpting alone won’t fix it. It works best for people who have firm, elastic skin that will naturally shrink back after fat loss.

If your skin is already loose (due to weight loss, aging, or pregnancy), you might need an extra step to help it firm up. That’s where Thermage comes in.

The Secret to Tightening Skin: Thermage

If you want to get rid of fat and tighten your skin, Thermage is your new best friend.

What is Thermage?

Thermage is a non-invasive skin tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) technology to heat up the deeper layers of your skin. This kickstarts collagen production, which helps firm and smooth your skin over time.

Why Combine CoolSculpting and Thermage?

  • CoolSculpting reduces fat cells so you get a slimmer, more sculpted look.
  • Thermage tightens and firms the skin, making everything look smoother and more toned.
  • Both treatments are non-invasive—no needles, no downtime, no surgery.
  • You get long-lasting results (as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle).

By pairing these two treatments, you can get the best of both worlds: a more contoured shape plus firmer, tighter skin.

Who’s a Good Candidate for CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is perfect for you if:

  • You’re close to your ideal weight but have stubborn fat that won’t go away.
  • You have pinchable fat in areas like your stomach, thighs, or arms.
  • Your skin is firm and likely to snap back after fat loss.
  • You’re looking for a non-surgical way to sculpt your body.

Who Might Need Something Else?

  • If you have significant loose skin, you might need Thermage or another skin-tightening treatment to get the results you want.
  •  If you’re looking for major weight loss, CoolSculpting may not be the right choice as it’s best for those who are already close to their ideal weight. 

What to Expect If You Do Both CoolSculpting and Thermage

If you decide to go for the CoolSculpting + Thermage combo, here’s what your treatment plan might look like:

  • CoolSculpting Session: Fat cells are frozen and start breaking down over the next few weeks.
  • Thermage Session (If Needed): Radiofrequency energy stimulates collagen production to firm up the
  • Results Start Showing: Fat reduction happens gradually over 2–3 months, while Thermage results keep improving for up to 6 months as your body builds new collagen.

You’ll need to wait a minimum of one week (or until the area is healed) in between your CoolSculpting and Thermage treatments. 

The Bottom Line

  • CoolSculpting is great for fat reduction, but it doesn’t tighten skin.
  • If you’re worried about loose skin, pairing it with Thermage can help.
  • Both treatments are non-invasive, have no downtime, and deliver long-lasting results.

Is CoolSculpting (or Thermage) Right for You?

If you want to sculpt your body, reduce fat, and tighten your skin, you might be the perfect candidate for a CoolSculpting + Thermage treatment plan.

The best way to know for sure? Book a free consultation with us to talk to one of our treatments specialists about your goals!

References:

  1. “Assessment of the Efficacy of Cryolipolysis on Abdominal Fat Deposits: A Prospective Study,” Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, May 3, 2023.
  2. “New Technologies in Skin Tightening,” Facial Plastics, October 11, 2021.
  3. “Significant Improvement in Body Contour with Multiple Cycles of CoolSculpting: Results of a Prospective Study,” Dermatologic Therapy, February 21, 2021.