CoolSculpting side affects? I had it yesterday on my lower abdomen with a CoolMax applicator.

Question

Today I woke at 8am and have had diarrhoea since. I rang the Clinic and she advised that it's Gastro however no one around me is sick with Gastro. I asked if it could be the dead fat cells and she said no. I didn't find her very helpful and she was really short with her answers so hopefully someone could help me. Could it be Gastro or is this a side effect of Coolsculpting? I am drinking the same amount of water I would any other day, I haven't altered my diet from before.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

While diarrhea isn't listed as a side effect to Coolsculpting, this may the body's reaction to the procedure. If it persists, I recommend following up with your Doctor. Keep in mind, you may also have swelling. Swelling can last 3-6 months after your procedure. To speed up healing, you can try adding hyperbaric oxygen, lymphatic massage, venus legacy or exilis radiofrequency treatments. Keep in mind, some people need more than one treatment of Coolsculpting and for best results with Coolsculpting, I recommend a combination approach. I recommend adding radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing to improve your final results. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi.  Yes, I have seen a few patients experience loose stools after large amounts (such as with CoolMax applicator or multiple areas) of fat are treated with Coolsculpting.  Remember the many toxins are stored in fat, and may be released as the fat cells die off.  Drink lots of fluids.  This is usually self-limiting and resolves on its own--contact your physician if it persists beyond a few days, or you feel worse.  Feel better soon,

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Hi,Thank you for your question.Although diarrhea is not a listed side effect associated with Coolsculpting, I have noticed a few of my patients will experience changes in their bowel movements in the first few days after coolsculpting, especially if they use the CoolMax applicator which has more suction than the smaller contour applicators. Fortunately, this should resolve on its own with time but you can try some anti-diarrheal meds if bothersome. Remember to stay hydrated.Hope this helps!

Martin Everhard, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Diarrhea isn't mentioned as a common side effect following CoolSculpting. However, everyone's body reacts a bit differently, and it's possible the pressure of the applicator combined with the massage during treatment worked together to cause loose stools.

Edward Stokes, MD · Answer

The CoolMax applicator is quite intense, using a lot of suction and covering a large area when used in the lower abdomen. We have treated tens of thousands of patients with CoolSculpting, and occasionally, we do hear that they have bowel issues post treatment, however it is rare. Some are simply more sensitive than others in this regard. But, I feel certain that this is not in any way related to the release of dead fat cells. The cells die over a three day period, and are then released over several months. Good luck with your CoolScupting journey!

Tom Tracey Gallaher, MD · Answer

While gastrointestinal symptoms with this procedure are not that common, any physiological stress can cause side effects of this nature which should be self limited (one to two days).  Keep hydrated and if symptoms worsen or persist follow up with your  physician.  Other symptoms of the procedure such as swelling, and numbness will take several weeks to completely resolve.

Lauren Chavez, MD · Answer

Although the Coolsculpting company doesn't list diarrhea as a side effect of the treatment, we've had a couple of clients who had a touch of loose stools after the treatment. Coincidence? Maybe, but, good to keep in mind, for next time, just in case! You can take something like Immodium, if you need it. And, of course, drink a bit more fluid! :)

Lillian Schapiro, MD · Answer

This can happen with CoolSculpting.  The body is responding to the procedure.   Stay hydrated and it should pass.  If it has not passed in a couple days, then you should consult your internist.

Alexis Parker, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Over the past seven plus years, I have seen a few patients develop diarrhea after CoolSculpting.  The extra large applicators are heavy and sit against the abdominal wall, then you are massaged.  The weight of the applicator on the abdomen can stimulate the bowel and the massage does the same.  I think that your symptoms are most likely secondary to the procedure and manual bowel stimulation, but an episode of gastroenteritis is not out of the question.  See the doctor that treated you for a follow up exam, explanation and treatment plan.  Feel better and all the best to you.  Alexis Parker MD

CoolSculpting side affects? I had it yesterday on my lower abdomen with a CoolMax applicator.

Answers (9)

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