I developed a painful mass on my neck the day after CoolSculpting. How long before it disappears?

Question

The morning after coolsculpting I had a painful mass, the size of a tangerine with defined edges. It hurt. I was told to massage it and increase my fluids. Ibuprofen was adequate for pain. Five days later it is smaller, large golf-ball size, and only tender to the touch. It moves up and down when I swallow like a "ribbiting" frog. The staff from the clinic were baffeled. I'm hoping this is something that will resolve? Wondering if I should keep doing the massaging and how long before it is gone?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor for a formal evaluation. Lymphatic massage and hyperbaric oxygen along with your compression can help reduce any swelling. Coolsculpting gets better results when combined with thermage/ultherapy/exilis. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

R. Brannon Claytor, MD, FACS · Answer

This is certainly something that follow up with the physician would be prudent. Plastic surgeon involvement in evaluation treatment and subsequent care can be very helpful. Especially if your results are atypical.

Michael Loffredo, MD · Answer

Our office has performed over three thousand treatments and I have seen some lumps in treated areas in the immediate post treatment time period.  I think it is encouraging that is softening and getting smaller .  I would continue continued aggressive message

Peter Petropoulos, MD · Answer

Hi,
I've never seen something that large after the procedure, but it's great that it's going down.  More than likely it sounds like a hematoma.  I would worry about any change in your voice or difficulty/pain with swallowing or fever.  Make sure your provider checks it out frequently to ensure resolution.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

It's important to follow up with the physician's office that treated you.  Some swelling is normal and if it occurs is quite transient.  Something large and painful should be evaluated in order to provide you with the proper treatment protocol and course of action.  Best of luck.

Shamim Shakibai, MD · Answer

Swelling is normal following CoolSculpting, but it should not be excessive or very painful. I would follow up with the provider that performed your treatment.

Alexis Parker, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It would not be unusual to have bruising after CoolSculpting, but a tender mass and swelling are reasons to see your doctor for evaluation.  The mass may be a hematoma or blood clot but there are important structures in the neck that you would not want compromised.  Be sure to follow up as soon as possible.  You may want an ultrasound to determine the nature of the mass.  All the best, Alexis Parker MD

I developed a painful mass on my neck the day after CoolSculpting. How long before it disappears?

Answers (7)

More CoolSculpting Questions

I developed a painful mass on my neck the day after CoolSculpting. How long before it disappears?

Answers (7)

More CoolSculpting Questions

For stubborn belly would you say CoolSculpting or infrared weight reduction would have better results?

Is it OK to use cryotherapy after having CoolSculpting done? I use it as recovery from sports injuries/workouts/etc.

Normal for tenderness and numbness at the same time 10 days after CoolSculpting?