3 Weeks After CoolSculpting I'm Bigger than Before Surgery From Bloating, Normal?

Question

Hi. I had CoolSculpting done three weeks ago. I know the results can take two to four months but I'm nervous that I still feel very bloated and bigger than before I had the treatment on my stomach and inner thighs. I have been very careful with my diet...even better than before treatment and exercise regularly with running, biking, and home workout videos? My weight is also up on the scale and not changing even though I'm following my Weight Watcher point system carefully? I'm scared.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Fluid retention is part of inflammation which occurs during the processing by your body of the dead fat cells from CoolSculpting by Zeltiq. It is probably the water that is being retained in the dermis and subcutaneous tissues that accounts for the weight gain despite your careful observation of your dietary caloric intake. Not everyone sees the gain that you've noticed, but continue to exercise and watch your meals and you should see the improvement in the next several weeks.

Anil Rajani, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Though every patient has their own individual responses to post treatment you may find it comforting to know that, yes, abdominal swelling is considered to be a normal side effect, though not everyone experiences it. Sometimes patience have a bit of water retention as well as swelling that gives them the 'bloated' feeling/look. The good news is that this is a natural response and the symptoms will typically go away usually around two to four weeks. In the meantime, you may find it helpful to use a compress for three to five days to help reduce swelling. A couple of other side effects that most commonly appear after CoolSculpting are numbness, redness and tenderness in the area for a number of days or even weeks in some cases. There may also be occasional bruising in the area. Without seeing you in person, I would recommend checking in with your original treatment provider to answer this question directly and give you helpful recommendations as to whether a temporary anti-inflammatory (NSAID) or compress would be most helpful in your recovery. I hope this answer was helpful. Best of luck to you!

R. Brannon Claytor, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling after your CoolSculpting treatment is completely normal and part of the process. Once CoolSculpting kills your fat cells, your body goes through inflammation to rid these cells. This will cause swelling and bloating feeling in the treated areas as well as some discomfort. Compression garments can help.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have swelling and bloating up to 3 weeks post CoolSculpting. We tend to start seeing results as early as 4 weeks but typically see peak results at 8 weeks. Be patient the swelling will self resolve.
 
 Best of Luck!

Jon Paul Trevisani, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question!  Patients treated with CoolSculpting may experience redness, bruising, swelling, tenderness, cramping or aching during and/or after the procedure.  Results can be seen as early as 3 weeks with optimal results in 1-3 months.  We find most patients see their best results between 8-12 weeks.  From what I gather, it sounds like you are experiencing swelling which is very normal and temporary, so rest assure this will go away.  Best of luck to you!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This can be completely normal. A compression garment may help. If you are concerned, speak to your chosen provider. Regards,

W. Tomasz Majewski, MD, FACS · Answer

One of the temporary side effects of CoolSculpting is swelling.  This normally resolves in a few days to several weeks.  You will normally see the best results 2-3 months after your final treatment.  Two treatments to the area are recommended for optimal results.  CoolSculpting is strictly a fat reduction treatment, it does not involve weight loss or weight gain.  For best results you should continue to follow a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD · Answer

Some swelling can occur after CoolSculpting treatment, which gradually subsides. Other common side effects include numbness, tenderness, and bruising to the treated area, and though these typically subside in a few days, but can last as long as a few weeks. After CoolSculpting, treated fat cells that die are naturally eliminated from the body. This process is not as rapid as invasive procedures, such as liposuction. Typically, the most dramatic results are seen in 1-3 months after treatment.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is common to have some swelling after Coolsculpting treatment which can take a few weeks to resolve. The weight gain you are experiencing is most likely due to extra fluid. Typically, patients start to see results in about a month with maximum results around three months. If you have any other concerns please follow up with your treating physician. Best of Luck!

Heidi A. Waldorf, MD · Answer

With the advent of the cooladvantage applicators, the amount of swelling and bruising after coolsculpting treatment has reduced to almost nothing.  However, patiens can still have a variable amount of redness, bruising, swelling as well as the expected numbness, tingling or itch.  From your description it sounds like you had a more vigorous reaction.  That should not have implications for your results.  Although results can begin to be seen at 1 month,  it takes 2 to 3 months to see a full result. But if you have concerns, please call your physician.I hope this helps answer your question. Best wishes.

3 Weeks After CoolSculpting I'm Bigger than Before Surgery From Bloating, Normal?

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