If CoolSculpting causes inflammation, could this cause cancer as all disease and cancer are caused by inflammation?

Question

Do lymph nodes get a "work-out" by having to process all these dead cells? Should we be drinking lots of water, or jumping on a small trampoline, to help drain the lymph nodes? What about a liver support supplement, that contains NAC or Milk Thistle, to help detox the liver after all the dead cells are being processed through the liver? Thank you for your response.

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There is no documentation or evidence to suggest that CoolSculpting can lead to cancer in patients. As for inflammation, it is common for the treated area to feel bloated and appear swollen for a few days after CoolSculpting treatment . I usually recommend that my patients wear a compression garment following their treatment to help with any discomfort and drink plenty of water in the days following treatment. Following your treatment, a gradual reduction in the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer will occur and patients usually start to see changes in as early as three weeks following their procedure. I always tell patients that their most dramatic results will occur one to three months post-procedure. If you have any further questions regarding CoolSculpting, I recommend reaching out to your nearest CoolSculpting specialist to schedule a consultation. Best of luck!

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Although some swelling to subcutaneous fat (or fat that you can pinch) is associated with the Coolsculpting procedure, there is no science or documentation that would indicate a Coolsculpting  association with cancer.  Drinking plenty of fluids and following a balanced diet is recommended.  Best of luck.

Andrew Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

CoolSculpting can potentially cause mild and temporary swelling in some patients, just like any other procedure we perform in the office. It is important to note that not every person experiences this. Swelling related to CoolSculpting often only lasts a couple days, or up to 2 weeks in some cases.Inflammation from CoolSculpting is a direct result of manipulating the tissue while it is in a frozen and hardened state. This trauma to the fat cells is what creates an unfavorable environment, causing cell apoptosis (programmed cell death). This is a good thing because it is what gives the patient the fat reduction they are looking for!The inflammation only affects the tissue that has been treated, and is absolutely not widespread or long lasting enough to cause cancer. Because your body's process of clearing out these dead fat cells is so gradual (happening over the course of several months) it does not put excessive stress on the lymph nodes. Drinking plenty of water and exercising are both healthy habit to practice, whether you have received CoolSculpting or not, but you do not have to dramatically increase your consumption of water or level of exercise following CoolSculpting.If you are concerned about the health of your liver, you are more than welcome to take a liver support supplement such a milk thistle, but again, the amount of dead fat cells are trace enough and happening so gradually, that it will not place any undo stress on the liver.Our bodies are very impressive and capable machines, and CoolSculpting is an incredibly safe and natural way to eliminate unwanted fat and contour the body. Best of luck!

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting is an individualized treatment, so some patients may only need one applicator to treat the abdomen and others may need more.  I would say most people probably do not need 6 applicators to treat the area, but this is not unreasonable if there is enough area to be covered by these applicators.  In my opinion, the number of applicators used should not influence the chances of developing pain after the treatment.  Pain after CoolSculpting did occur at times when the larger, older applicator was used on the abdomen.  I have not found that patients develop pain when using the larger, newer applicator.

Renee Burke, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. There is no scientific evidence that states Coolsculpting can lead to cancer or other diseases due to the inflammation response post treatment. The fat cells that have been frozen in the subcutaneous layer of the skin will be filtered through your lymphatic system gradually over the course of 3 months. There is no cause for concern for your lymphatic system or liver post treatment. We always recommend that our patients drink water, exercise, and maintain a healthy diet after Coolsculpting. This will all help with your results. If you have any questions or concerns I would recommend setting up a consultation with a Certified Coolsculpting provider in your area. Best of luck!

Hadley Claire King, MD, FAAD · Answer

There is absolutely no indication that suggests CoolSculpting can lead to cancer. CoolSculpting triggers apoptosis, a normal process of cell death and removal that the body goes through as a controlled part of its growth and development.

If CoolSculpting causes inflammation, could this cause cancer as all disease and cancer are caused by inflammation?

Answers (6)

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