Water retention after coolsculpting?

Question

I have been having coolsculpting. Which so far has worked but I do seem to be retaining a lot of water for quite a time after each procedure. Is this normal? How long v can water retention last for?

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello, 
Thank you for your question. It's normal to have some water retention/swelling after CoolSculpting. Your body is going through many steps to get rid of the fat. However you should notice the worst of it subsides within the first month. Good luck!

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

This is normal occurrence and bloating and swelling occurs for the first few weeks. If you are feeling overly uncomfortable and if it is not going away make sure to have follow up appointment with your provider. Good luck!

Marguerite A. Germain, MD · Answer

The feeling of swelling that you are getting after the procedure is most likely due to some inflammation of the fat in the area treated. The inflammation of the fat is what is leading to the permanent removal of fat cells in the area treated. This is completely normal, expected, and is the reason why you are getting such great results. The swelling can last for several weeks, but it will completely resolve and your results will be undeniable.

Steven M. Camp, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.The result of coolsculpting is that your fat cells will be destroyed and undergo a process called apoptosis.  As your body works to eliminate the fat cells which have been destroyed you can experience a temporary sensation of bloating and swelling in the treated area which tends to resolve in 2 weeks.  This should not prevent you from any activity and continues to improve over 90 days as the fat is eliminated and the skin tends to feel tighter and more firm as the inflammation resolves.Best Wishes

Edward Stokes, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting is the best non-invasive and non-surgical way to remove pockets of fat from the body.  During the 90 days that it takes to experience the full results of treatment, the body will go through a number of stages.  The first thing that most client experience is bloating or swelling in the area that was treated.  This water retention usually subsides in around 2-3 weeks for most clients. Everyone seems to be different in this regard.  It rarely lasts more than 3 weeks, but occasionally, patients have reported some minor swelling still present at 4 weeks.  The swelling is an important part of the transformation process.  The body is pushing excess fluids into the treatment area to help flush away the dead fat cells through the lymphatic drainage system.  We recommend that patients do not take any anti-inflammatory pain killers such as ibuprofin during this time, because you need the inflammation for best results. Unless you are experiencing swelling past the 1 month mark, it sounds like your experience is perfectly normal.  Good luck with your Coolsculpting journey!

Garry K. Kim, MD · Answer

Hi Ruby,
It's common to see swelling after CoolSculpting (and after almost any medical procedure).  What you are seeing is the effects of inflammation.  When the skin and underlying tissue get traumatized by heat, cold or manipulation, the inflammatory process that results leads to fluid accumulation and swelling.  If the procedure is done around the abdomen, it can result in swelling and the sensation of bloating.  The effect can last up to a week.  I've even had some people experience it as far as two weeks out.  It's also entirely possible that the inflammatory process can spread beyond the treated area, through the bloodstream, to trigger the accumulation of fluid elsewhere. 
Hope that helps,
Dr. Garry K. Kim

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