I had CoolSculpting done in Nov 2022. I feel I have gotten even bigger in the area

Question

Hello, I had my coolsculpting done in Nov 2022. Its been months now and I feel I have bulged even more in saddlebag area(outer thighs) The area doesn’t feel hard or anything. But its bigger than it used to be. I was exercising in the mean time but I was 46kgs that time and was underweight. I gained 5kgs but I am Not sure why my saddle bags look more prominent than ever. Can anyone help me understand what I can do? I am 5’3” and weight 51.7 kg

Michael Kerin, MD · Answer

HI.  Thanks for your question.  It is possible for an area treated by CS to get bigger, rather than smaller, but this is not common.  This is called PAH, which is Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia, and occurs approximately 1 in 3000.  Your 5kg weight gain could also explain why the area looks bigger.  
I suggest you return to the place where you were treated and be evaluated.  If there were pre-treatment photos, that can help.
Best of luck.

M Kerin MD
Kerin MedSpa & Laser Center
Tuckahoe, NY

Laura A. Katz, MD · Answer

Something to remember about Coolsculpting is that you are only treating the designated areas at the time.  Therefore only those areas results in a 45% or so permanent fat reduction.  Remember also that we have a preset amount of fat cells all over our body in certain areas by the time we hit puberty so that our appearance depends on how much we inflate or deflate those cells.  Therefore, any areas that are not treated with still be able to inflate the current cells with any fat if there is any weight gain.  Also not all of the cells are permanently removed in the treatment area so any left over cells may still expand as well expecially with a 5kg weight gain on such a small frame.

Ricardo Pocurull, MD · Answer

There is a rare phenomenon know as PAH that can happen after cool sculpting. Without pictures it is hard to know if that is what is going on. The makers of cool sculpting can help address the issue. You should discuss this situation with your provider and see if this may be your situation.

John W. Tyrone, MD · Answer

During the CoolSculpting treatment process, it is important for patients' weight to remain stable to see the best results. Schedule a follow-up with your CoolSculpting provider to review your before and after photos and help address your concerns.

I had CoolSculpting done in Nov 2022. I feel I have gotten even bigger in the area

Answers (4)

Answer: CoolSculpting to the saddle bags

Answer: CoolSculpting to the saddle bags

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I had CoolSculpting done in Nov 2022. I feel I have gotten even bigger in the area

Answers (4)

Answer: CoolSculpting to the saddle bags

Answer: CoolSculpting to the saddle bags

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Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

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