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CoolSculpting for the Flanks (Love Handles)
CoolSculpting can reduce pinchable fat on the sides of the waist, often called love handles. The flanks often need 2 to 4 cycles, and change develops over 2 to 3 months. It treats localised fat and is not a weight-loss treatment.
The flanks are one of the most commonly treated CoolSculpting areas. Fat on the sides of the waist is treated with applicators shaped to fit the contour of the area. For how the treatment works overall, see our main CoolSculpting page.
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Who it suits
- Adults close to their target weight with pinchable fat on the sides of the waist
- Fat over the waistband that has stayed despite a stable diet and exercise
- People who want gradual change without surgery or time off
- Those who understand the risks, including the rare possibility of PAH
When it is not the right treatment
- Overall weight loss: CoolSculpting treats localised fat, not general weight
- An open wound or active skin condition in the area
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Cold-sensitivity conditions such as cryoglobulinaemia, cold agglutinin disease or paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria
How many cycles do the flanks need, and what does it cost?
The flanks often need 2 to 4 cycles. As a guide to price, two cycles are £970 and a four-cycle plan is £1,820. The number depends on the size of the area and the thickness of the fat layer, and is set at consultation.
Each cycle reduces the treated fat layer by around 20 to 25 per cent in clinical studies, so some people choose a second round 8 to 12 weeks later. Outcomes vary by individual.
CoolSculpting is priced per cycle, where a cycle is one placement of one applicator. At Berkshire Aesthetics a single cycle is £500 and two cycles are £970, and the per-cycle rate falls as the plan grows, to from £275 per cycle on plans of 18 or more. A consultation is £50 with a therapist or £100 with a doctor, and your exact plan and price are confirmed there.
Treating the flanks with the abdomen
The flanks and the abdomen are often planned together, because the waist is one continuous shape. Treating one without the other can leave an uneven contour. At consultation we look at the whole area and explain which placements would make the most difference, so you can decide what to include.
What happens at treatment
- 1Consultation and assessment of the area, including your medical history and goals
- 2Discussion of expected outcomes, limits, risks (including PAH) and alternatives
- 3Treatment plan and consent, with the area marked and applicators chosen
- 4Gel pad placed on the skin, then the applicator delivers controlled cooling for 35 to 60 minutes per cycle
- 5Massage of the treated area afterwards
- 6Aftercare guidance, including what is normal and when to contact us
When you will see a difference
- Weeks 1 to 3
- Initial changes may begin as the body starts to process treated fat cells.
- Months 1 to 2
- A progressive reduction becomes noticeable for most people.
- Months 2 to 3
- Most people see their final result as fat clearance completes.
- Around 12 weeks
- Review appointment to assess the outcome and discuss whether further treatment is worthwhile.
Outcomes vary by individual.
Risks
Common side effects are temporary: redness, swelling, bruising, numbness or tingling in the treated area. The main rare complication is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), where the treated area enlarges rather than reduces. We discuss this with every patient before treatment is planned.
CoolSculpting safety, side effects and complications in full
If CoolSculpting is not the answer
Other areas we treat
Why we start with a consultation
Every treatment begins with a medical assessment. We need to understand your medical history, current health, skin condition and concerns before prescribing any procedure. This protects your safety and ensures the treatment is clinically appropriate for you.
During your consultation, your clinician will explain what the treatment can realistically achieve, any risks specific to you, and whether an alternative might be more appropriate. Consultations are carried out by our doctors or advanced aesthetic practitioners, depending on the treatment or concern being assessed.
All bookings are subject to our Booking Conditions.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual suitability for any treatment is assessed during a consultation. Always seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
- CQC registered clinic — registered and regulated
- Clinical oversight and prescribing by Dr Selena Langdon (GMC 6159259)
- Complaints process and patient rights
Page last reviewed: October 2026
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A clinical assessment of the area, an honest view on whether CoolSculpting suits it, and a plan with the number of cycles and the price.