Are there any dangerous side effects to CoolSculpting, similar to liposuction, like blood clots or fat clots?

Question

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Unlike early
versions of liposuction, CoolSculpting has no demonstrated
association with either fat embolism or blood clots. It is a very
safe procedure that works by lowering the temperature of fat cells
sufficiently that they begin to destruct and are gradually eliminated
through the lymph system. The only real side effects may be some
redness, swelling or bruising after the procedure. These generally
resolve within hours to days. You can improve the look of your
results by adding radial pulsed therapy with Zimmer Z-Wave after your
CoolSculpting session.

It
should be noted that not all liposuction is dangerous. At our center,
liposuction is performed as tumescent liposculpture.  This very safe
procedure does not require general anesthesia, has quick healing and
in 20 years, we have never had a blood clot or embolism.  These side
effects essentially don’t occur with tumescent liposculpture
performed properly. Sometimes when a patient comes in for a
CoolSculpting consult, we realize tumescent liposculpture is a
quicker and less expensive alternative.  It also works the opposite
way…sometimes CoolSculpting is the best alternative if there isn’t
too much fat and it is localized to discrete fatty bulges. Please
find a board-certified dermatologist who is certified by Zeltiq to
evaluate you for CoolSculpting, and also experienced in tumescent
liposculpture, so you can be bikini-ready by summertime.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting is a safe procedure and does not have the risk of blood clots or fat embolism. Keep in mind, 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. VASER with ThermiRF is a great alternative. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Garry K. Kim, MD · Answer

Hi,
There are no risks of blood clots or fat clots for CoolSculpting.  The most common side effect that people experience is numbness and a prickly sensation across the treatment area.  You can experience discomfort and pain as well.  
Longer term side effects include numbness or paresthesias (burning/prickly) that can be present for weeks after treatment.  This is relatively rare.  We don't see this happening to too many people.  
Hope this helps,
Dr. Garry K. Kim

Harpreet Lotay, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting is an extremely safe treatment.  Fat embolism or blood clots have not been seen with this treatment.  Localized pain, bruising and rarely nerve pain can occur.  Even more rarely, paradoxical adipose hyperplasia can be seen.

Paul Pietro, MD · Answer

Hello ticfamily,Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. I am not aware of any reports from the trials or since its worldwide use of blood clots or fat embolism after CoolSculpting treatments which can be associated with liposuction. Very safe and effective treatment.

Are there any dangerous side effects to CoolSculpting, similar to liposuction, like blood clots or fat clots?

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Answer: Dangerous side effects from CoolSculpting like with liposuction?

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Are there any dangerous side effects to CoolSculpting, similar to liposuction, like blood clots or fat clots?

Answers (7)

Answer: CoolSculpting Side effects

Answer: CoolSculpting Side effects

Answer: Dangerous side effects from CoolSculpting like with liposuction?

Answer: Dangerous side effects from CoolSculpting like with liposuction?

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.