After Coolsculpting, I Have a Rock Hard Lump??

Question

I had Coolsculpting done on my abdomen 10 days ago. On day 4, I noticed a hard lump near my belly button (on the left side only). I called my technician that performed the procedure and she said it was necrosis of the fat and it was fine. I am now on day 10 and the hard lump has grown a little. I am wondering if this is normal? Will this go away or is this going to stay a permanent lump there?? What can I do to help it??

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Inflammation, seroma (clear liquid swelling), fat necrosis, doubtful hernia, cyst are all possibilities. You should be seen and not deal with this by telephone. Let the phsyician examine you. 

	Many patients develop tender nodules temporarily in the first couple of months that self resolve and is a normal process of the body taking care of the dying fat cells. In my NYC practice, for the rare patients that notice the tender nodules, external ultrasound energy is delivered as a massage and this helps to reduce the inflammation.

	The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

I would go in to be evaluated so that they can physically see and feel if it is normal inflammation causing some underlying induration or something else.

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The firmness tends to dissipate over several weeks, and at 6-8 weeks, most if not all is dissipated. I hope this helps.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for
your question. I can understand your
concerns, but at times some patients do develop lump in the treated area as the
fat cells are dying but this will resolves gradually on its own. This does
happen but it is not unusual. You may massage the treated area to help smooth
the lump. I recommend having a consultation with your treating physician for an
evaluation and treatment. Best of Luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for
your question.  I can understand your
concerns, but at times some patients do develop lump in the treated area as the
fat cells are dying but this will resolves gradually on its own. This does
happen but it is not unusual. You may massage the treated area to help smooth
the lump. I recommend having a consultation with your treating physician for an
evaluation and treatment. Best of Luck!

After Coolsculpting, I Have a Rock Hard Lump??

Answers (8)