CoolSculpting Side Effects: What to Expect After the Procedure
If you’re considering body contouring, finding information about CoolSculpting can be overwhelming.
It’s already a little intimidating to think about having the procedure, but it can be a lot less stressful if you know what to expect.
You want to know what CoolSculpting side effects you can expect so you can decide if it is right for you.
There is a lot of information out there, but no one wants to spend hours or days reading article after article just to get the facts. Good news — you don’t have to!
This article will walk you through CoolSculpting and tell you what you need to know before scheduling your appointment.
Table of Contents
What Exactly Is CoolSculpting and How Does it Work?
A lot of people think of ‘body contouring’ and think of liposuction. But fat reduction surgery is not the only option available today.
And for many people, it isn’t even the best method for getting rid of excess fat.
CoolSculpting offers a safe and effective nonsurgical method of body contouring.
Instead of having to undergo anesthesia and spending days, or weeks, recovering from surgery, CoolSculpting uses a device to freeze fat cells. These fat cells are then purged from your body by the liver.
CoolSculpting, also known as Cryolipolysis, is similar to how the body reacts to frostbite. The fat cells crystalize and are then broken down by the body. The process is simple and noninvasive.
The procedure usually takes about an hour, and fat cells begin exiting your body within a few days. Full effects are generally seen within 12 weeks.
CoolSculpting provides a more gradual and natural slimming than liposuction. The results are permanent, and no one needs to know you’ve had a procedure done.
This outpatient procedure can help you blast those stubborn fat cells and get the body shape you want.
Areas commonly treated with CoolSculpting include:
Buttocks
Tummy
Thighs
Batwings
Chin and upper neck
Back
If you have already lost weight but still want to smooth out areas with stubborn fat deposits, CoolSculpting may be just what you’re looking for.
The trained professionals at Barnett Dermatology can not only answer your questions, but their years of experience can give you the confidence you need to make the right decision.
Are There Side Effects to CoolSculpting?
More and more people are seeking out alternatives to liposuction, like CoolSculpting. Painful side effects are minimal and usually don’t last long when compared to the downtime from an invasive procedure.
Who wants to undergo surgery and have to take time off work when you can achieve similar results in as little as an hour?
Not to mention the pain and recovery from invasive procedures require you to take it easy while you heal. Who has time for that?
Any procedure will have some kind of side effect, and they vary from person to person.
If you’re wondering ‘Are there side effects to CoolSculpting?’ you are already on the right track. Being aware of potential risks is the best way to know if CoolSculpting is the right body contouring method for your specific situation.
How Long do CoolSculpting Side Effects Last?
The results from CoolSculpting begin to show as soon as a few days after treatment — with most benefits occurring within a few weeks.
One of the most appealing aspects of CoolSculpting is that the fat cells don’t grow back. Once they are expelled from your body, they are gone for good.
This makes CoolSculpting an excellent choice for you if you’re wanting permanent results without long-lasting side effects.
What Are the Short-Term Side Effects of CoolSculpting? 3 Common Short-Term Side Effects
Body contouring procedures can have a wide variety of side effects. While CoolSculpting offers patients minimal discomfort and no recovery time, there are some potential side effects to be aware of before scheduling your treatment.
Side effects are generally mild, and serious side effects are extremely rare and not dangerous.
These side effects are limited to the treatment area and can include:
Redness
Bruising
Swelling
Pulling sensation at the treatment area
Aching or stinging feeling at the treatment area
Unlike more invasive, surgical treatments, these side effects are less likely to be disruptive or require medical treatment.
#1: Pulling Sensation at the Treatment Area
Many patients report feeling a tugging or pulling sensation during the procedure. It occurs where the skin is between the cooling plates as the fat cells are being frozen.
#2: Aching or Stinging of the Treatment Area
Because the procedure uses very cold temperatures to reduce the number of fat cells, CoolSculpting side effects — tingling, aching, or stinging feelings included — are sometimes reported by patients.
Not all patients report these feelings and it is temporary.
This is your body’s response to the cold and usually goes away after a few days or weeks.
#3: Redness, Bruising, or Swelling of the Treatment Area
Patients may notice other CoolSculpting side effects. Swelling, redness, or bruising are normal and generally go away within a few days.
These effects are limited to the treatment area, and usually do not interfere with regular activities.
If you feel self-conscious about the visible side effects, you can speak with the staff at Barnett Dermatology about remedies or bandaging.
Remedies for Alleviating CoolSculpting Side Effects
For most patients, over-the-counter pain medicine is used to relieve any discomfort. In rare cases, opioids may be used.
If redness or swelling occurs, skin ointments can be used on the affected area.
Bandaging may be used to cover up bruising if it causes you to feel self-conscious, but it is not needed for recovery.
What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of CoolSculpting
Luckily, there are no negative long-term side effects. CoolSculpting is an outpatient treatment and patients can return to normal activities immediately.
The positive long-term side effect is that the fat cells continue to expel for about 12 weeks, gradually slimming the treatment area.
This is great news for those wanting the appearance of a more natural fat loss. Instead of a drastic change, you get to watch it melt off and make CoolSculpting your little secret.
Are There Any Negative Side Effects of CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is generally considered a safer alternative to liposuction. But there is a rare negative side effect to be aware of before choosing this option.
In some very rare cases, a condition called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) occurs in a very small (.005%) percentage of patients.
With PAH, fat cells respond to CoolSculpting by enlarging rather than dying. They can then harden somewhat and cause an unnatural appearance of the tissue.
Since a very small fraction of people ever experience this, CoolSculpting remains a safe choice for most people.
How to Reduce the Risks
The best way to reduce the risk of serious side effects is to seek an experienced, licensed professional.
Barnett Dermatology has years of experience and numerous success stories from patients who have loved the CoolSculpting treatment received in our office.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have so they can help you weigh the risks and know if you are a candidate for CoolSculpting.
Who Should Avoid CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is not for everyone. Some underlying conditions can be worsened by CoolSculpting side effects.
People experiencing these conditions should avoid CoolSculpting:
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or those attempting to become pregnant
Severe anxiety disorders
Chronic pain
Injury to the treatment area
Conditions that thin the blood
Long term use of blood-thinning medication
Scar tissue in the treatment area
Rare blood disorders, including:
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria
Reduced circulation or skin sensation at the treatment area
Certain nerve conditions, including diabetic neuropathy
Certain skin conditions, such as:
Dermatitis
Hives
Eczema
Psoriasis
Hernia, or history of hernia, in the treatment area
Active, implanted medical devices, including pacemakers
An allergy to propylene glycol or isopropyl alcohol
Be sure to talk to an experienced professional, like the staff at Barnett Dermatology, to determine if CoolSculpting is right for you.
What Benefits Can You Expect From CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting hit the market as a wonder treatment for excess fatty tissue. It remains a highly-sought-after treatment because patients love the non-invasive and less-frightening procedure.
A few benefits of CoolSculpting include:
Reduction of fatty tissue by up to 20-25% in the treatment area
No hospitalization or recovery time
No need to day time off work
No sutures
Gradual release of fat tissue makes the contouring look natural
Improved self-confidence
Low-risk procedure
Less risk of regaining weight
Great for patients who have lost weight but still have stubborn fat
Lower risk of the “cottage cheese effect” of bumpy appearance on skin
Patients can resume normal activity immediately
Almost zero risk for scarring or infection
CoolSculpting allows patients to look great, feel great, and avoid the risks from surgical procedures, such as liposuction.
Barnett Dermatology: Trusted and Professional CoolSculpting in Boca Raton
Knowing that an experienced, trusted professional is taking care of you can make all the difference when choosing a medical procedure.
You have unique concerns and deserve to have someone answer all your questions.
Barnett Dermatology has years of experience helping people, just like you, feel more beautiful and confident.
Call today and let one of our caring staff members help you decide if CoolSculpting is right for you.