Bloated stomach after cool sculpting, is this normal?

Question

i had cool sculpting a week ago and the numbness is going away, however my stomach is huge. For reference i am 44 and in fantastic shape, and a gym rat at 5'8' 165. i was hoping coolsculpting was the answer for really stubborn/small genetic fat in front. a week later i look like a pregnant man with a huge belly hanging over my belt. Is this normal? i'm really anxious. the drs office said swelling is normal...but this looks like a lot more than swelling.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

The swelling is definitely normal and so is the numbness. The swelling can persist 3-4 weeks. The worst part of the numbness lasts 2 1/2 weeks.

Deborah Pan, MD · Answer

Swelling after treatment almost always happens to a smaller or larger extent with everyone.  The duration and severity of swelling depends on the size of the applicator used, and each person can have a different response.  In most cases, two to three weeks would be needed to see some or most of the swelling start to subside, so I would just hang in there.  In addition, avoiding high salt foods that cause fluid retention would be helpful.  If all of these things do not seem to answer your question, or you are still concerned, you should see your physician for an evaluation.  Good luck!

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It would be very helpful in answering your question to see pictures of your stomach (abdomen) before the CoolSculpting treatment and how it looks now.  It definitely is possible to get some swelling after the procedure and the amount can vary.  My best advice would be to have the physician who treated you take a look to determine if the amount of swelling you have is within normal or not.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In fact your doctor is right, there is typically a small amount of swelling and tenderness after the treatment, but this is very tolerable and can last up to 2-3 weeks. Best of Luck!

Steven Gabel, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling
after treatment is normal. Everyone is different and will have a different
response with severity and duration of the swelling. If the swelling doesn’t
subside within a few weeks, you should consult the treating physician.

Bloated stomach after cool sculpting, is this normal?

Answers (9)