Bigger 2 Weeks After Coolsculpting?

Question

I had Coolsculpting 2 weeks ago and although I have no pain or numbness at all I am much "puffier" than before. My clothes fit tighter.Ive heard this is normal and swelling is the bodys response to inflammation. Ive also heard I may be retaining water. Im just concerned because my diet/excercise routine is the same and I figured Id at least be back to the size I was before I had the procedure. Is this normal?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

There is a lot that happens microscopically after coolsculpting. The fat cells die and the body incites an inflammatory reaction to get rid of the dead fat cells. There is swelling when this happens. It takes different time for it to go away depending on many factors including the amount of fat treated, your general health, medicines that you might be taking for other conditions, and how many applicators were used in one region. Many people wear compression garments including Spanx to get through this period.

Michael Law, MD · Answer

It is absolutely normal to experience swelling/bloating after CoolSculpting, especially in abdominal treatments.  I advise my patients to not expect any reduction until week four.  The first three weeks are when most of the side effects are present and those will naturally decline.  It is great that you did not experience the numbness or discomfort, although the presence or absence of side effects are not an indication of results.  You will achieve most of your results after three months.  At that point you may want to be re-assessed to determine if additional treatments are necessary to achieve your desired results.  At my practice in Raleigh NC we offer Instant Rebates for patients who require treatments in multiple areas.  Patients receive one free CoolSculpting treatment with each treatment purchased.  This is available to our practice because of our status as the top CoolSculpting provider in the region.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

It is not unusual to experience some swelling or puffiness after Coolsculpting treatment and if you had multiple areas done you may have significantly more than if you just had one area treated.  The body needs to recover from having fat cells frozen and subsequently having to remove those cells.  This process can cause swelling but the swelling will resolve in time.  The only patients we have had that got bigger after Coolsculpting have been those that gain weight but the procedure itself has not added inches to anyone on a long term basis. Try to be patient, stick to your diet and exercise regimen and your swelling and puffiness should resolve.

Peter J. Jenkin, MD, FAAD · Answer

You didn't say how many areas you had treated but we have seen some women saying that their clothes feel tighter for a week or two after the procedure.  Three months after the procedure, these are often the patients with the best result.  Nothing to worry about at this point, the benefits take time to develop.  Good Luck.

Bigger 2 Weeks After Coolsculpting?

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Bigger 2 Weeks After Coolsculpting?

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Answer: Coolsculpting

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