For discomfort and swelling after CoolSculpting can I use heat and massage?

Hi there, for swelling and comfort, wearing a compression garment can be very beneficial. I do not recommend any heat to the area because of numbness, we would not want you to burn yourself. Drinking plenty of water and over the counter pain pills should help as well. If the discomfort continues contact your CoolSculpting Specialist. Hope this helps! 

It is common to feel a little discomfort or soreness following
treatment and some patients can experience some swelling and bruising. We
advise our patients to use Advil for pain and massaging and icing the area should
help alleviate some of this discomfort. Depending on the area of the body being
treated, a compression garment can also help.

Be gentle with yourself if you have discomfort after CoolSculpting. Very light massage may help but don’t overdo it. If you use a heating pad, monitor it, don’t use it for more than 15 minutes or so, and be sure you don’t put it directly on your skin. Using a compression garment can help, too. Be sure to consult the board-certified dermatologist who treated you if you don’t feel back to normal within a few days.

Mild discomfort and swelling after CoolSculpting is very common, and generally gets better in a couple days. I usually recommend motrin to my patients, bu you need to contact your physician- he or she knows your medical history and is the best person to give you medical advice.

You may have some swelling for 3-6 months after Coolsculpting. For Coolsculpting aftercare, I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. For best results with Coolsculpting, a combination approach is needed. I recommend adding radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish, Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing. However, a Vaser with ThermiRF procedure is needed to give more contouring, fat removal, skin tightening and definition. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Hello and thank you for your question! I would recommend massage and hydration for the discomfort to encourage your lymphatic system. You may also find compression garments may offer a bit of relief as well as over the counter Tylenol. I would stay away from heat modalities due to the numbness and potential for burns.
Hope this helps!
Holly, RN

Hi and thank you for your question! You can certainly massage the area if this feels like that helps with comfort. That said, most of our patients have very little to no pain or discomfort after having cool advantage, the newest applicators. It is possible you may have had the original applicators. ? These are the only applicators we use in our office, they are half the time and provide for a more comfortable and effective treatment. As mentioned below, you want to be careful of applying heat, as you could end up overheating or burning the skin due to the numbness that can happen after coolsculpting. Wearing a compression garment can be helpful to provide support to the area. Also, over the counter Tylenol tablets can be helpful for comfort. In our office, we recommend you return for 2nd treatment after 4-8 weeks. Any pain or discomfort should subside in a few days to a week, at the most. Return to the office if you have any concerns or it the discomfort doesn't subside before long. Best, Dr. Grant Stevens

Yes, we always recommend a warm Epsom salt bath to soothe the tenderness. If the area is numb and you are applying heat directly, be cautious because you don’t want to cause any burns. For swelling, wearing a compression garment such as Spanx or tight fitting exercise clothing is beneficial. It can also help with the tenderness.

Good morning! Just be careful with the heat if the area is still numb as you can cause a burn.  Massages are perfectly fine! Good luck!

If you feel numb in the area where you had Coolsculpting, be cautious using heat because you could burn the skin and not notice.  Check that the heat is only warm and use it for 15 or 20 minutes.  Gentle massage may feel comfortable.  Lastly, remember to stay hydrated.  Dr. Edelman