How important is massage after CoolSculpting? If I didn't get adequate massage, should I complain and ask for more treatment?

Question

I had my love handles and inner thighs done 2 wks ago. The technician was teaching someone else to do it and she let the student massage my inner thigh which was very light and neither one did any "kneading" like I watched on a youtube video. In fact when I asked about how important the massage was, she told me it was just to get the blood circulating it the area again and wouldn't help results! I feel that I didn't get the full treatment the way it should've been done.

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Dear Athletemom,Thank you for your question. The massage that takes place after the CoolSculpting procedure is certainly very important. In fact, we find that by increasing the pressure of the massage, we are often able to provide better patient results. My recommendation would include contacting your technician, and setting up an appointment so that they can better address your concerns. Please let us know if you have any other questions that we may answer for you!Sincerely,Dr. P Daniel Ward

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your questionThe study found that a post-treatment massage provided right after the CoolSculpting procedure has been completed could potentially improve the outcome of the procedure, and result in more fat loss than if no massage was completed. I recommend scheduling a consultation with your doctor to determine your results.Best of Luck ,Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS

William Groff, DO · Answer

Giving each of our CoolSculpting patients a treatment with Zimmer Z-wave radial pulsed therapy is the reason that we are now able to remove about 35% of fat per session. Both Z-Wave and manual massage help to break up the weakened fat cells so that they can be more easily and quickly eliminated from the body. This makes your results more uniform and may even speed them up. Zimmer Z-wave improves results by 50% over manual massage. Absolutely do call your practitioner and try to get the massage now that they should have given you directly after treatment.  Be sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist who is certified by Zeltiq for your next CoolSculpting session.

Tina B. West, MD · Answer

The post-treatment massage helps break down fat cells, improving your CoolSculpting result up to 60%.  Zeltiq recommends a 2-minute massage after each CoolSculpting cycle is complete.  The massage should consist of kneading for the first minute and a circular massage for the final minute. Results can be further improved with the Zimmer Z-Wave Pro; a device that augments the CoolScuplting treatment and is used in place of a manual massage for a more precise, regulated massage.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is unlikely this negatively impacted your results, however if you remain concerned, I recommend following up with your practitioner. Timing is important for the massage. It is recommended massage is completed immediately after procedure for 2 minutes to break up the crystallized fat cells as well as to warm the area by reestablishing normal blood flow. 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, Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing to improve your final results. However, VASER HI DEF with ThermiRF would give you best results for body shaping, but would require more downtime. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Stanley Kovak, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The massage after your coolsculpting procedure is very important. There have been studies regarding the post treatment massage, and they found that the massage can actually improve final results. If you feel like you did not get the full treatment, I would contact your provider to address your concerns. Best of luck!

Steven M. Camp, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question regarding Coolsculpting massage.  Coolsculpting has down over 70 peer-reviewed studies many examining the important of post-treatment massage.  They have reported a 60% increase in fat cell death with this 2 minute massage.  The massage is not the most pleasant experience but we all understand the important.  I cannot give you specific advice about your next steps with your Coolsculpting provider.  At this point, the massage time is too late.  You should see you maximal result at 90 days.  Once this timeframe has occurred make sure to visit the practice for your "after" pictures to see results and determine next steps. Always remember to make sure the practice you are visiting is Coolsculpting Certified.  This means not only that they have done many treatments but also have received the advanced level education to care for their patients.  Practices that has sent staff to Coolsculpting University have also take their educational preparedness to the next level.Wishing you all the best,Steven Camp MD#HappyCamperMD

Marcia Fleming, MD · Answer

The 2 minute post Coolsculptiung massage is a very important part of treatment.  Studies have shown that firmly massaging the tissue directly after treatment can increase results by up to 60%.  Since massage is very technician dependant, our clinic uses the Zwave.  This machine maximizes results by standardizing the massage portion of treatment.  It ensures every client gets the same 2 minutes and 30 second "massage" by delivering 2500 pulses into the tissue.  This timed treatment is superior to massage not only because it gives a 20% better reduction but also because it reduces side effects and post tx discomfort by 20%.

Sameer Bashey, MD · Answer

Zeltiq the company that made cool sculpting conducted studies showing results with and without massage, with massage the results are SIGNiFICANTLY better. It would be highly unusual for a practice to not massage at all after the procedure. Usually we perform a 5 minute "kneading" type massage- which ironically is the most uncomfortable part of the entire procedure.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

It is very important to get massage after Coolsculpting. It is used to increase the fat cell death and not circulation. Results can be improved even further is Zimmer Z wave is used (65-100% improvement). Whether or not your results will be affected is uncertain. How I explain to patients what massage or Z wave does is "There are some fat cells which are on the fence of living or dying. The massage or Z Wave pushes some of those cells over the edge and cause cell death. The additional trauma to the cells - "hitting them when they are down" - gives a 1,2 knock out punch."

How important is massage after CoolSculpting? If I didn't get adequate massage, should I complain and ask for more treatment?

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