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Ibuprofen After CoolSculpting Treatment. Did I Damage My Results?

I had coolsculpting on Tuesday 7/10/12, was never instructed not to take antinflamatory. I took ibuprofen from Tues after to Wednesday evening every 6 hrs just in case of pain. I quit taking it because I read several websites that stated you should stay clear if antinflamatory drugs for two months!! I read it can effect the process of fat cells dying. Do you think I have messed up?? I am really upset I was notified of this. I also was not massaged afterwards.

Doctor Answers 6

Anti-inflammatory agents should not diminish the excellent results from Coolsculpting

August 13th, 2015
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Coolsculpting is an excellent way of reducing the fat in a given area.  This non-invasive procedure will reduce the fat by 25%.  Taking motrin will not diminish the effects of Coolsculpting and you can expect to have the same excellent results.
Michele S. Green, MD


New York Dermatologist
5.0 out of 5 stars 60 reviews

Antiinflammatory agents such as Ibuprofen, should not diminish the great results of CoolSculpting for fat loss

August 31st, 2013
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There is inflammation after CoolSculpting but if there is less, the fat cells that died are still dead! they eventually will be cleared by the body. If patients do have pain after CoolSculpting, my NYC practice recommends to our patients that they take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as long as there is no contraindication based on their other illnesses or medications they consume per day.

The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.

Web reference: http://www.thenyac.com/zeltiq/index.html

Ronald Shelton, MD

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 37 reviews

Inflammatory Response Following CoolSculpting

February 16th, 2013
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The body does respond to fat freezing with CoolSculpting with an inflammatory response. However, there is no need to completely stay away from OTC anti-inflammatory medications

Web reference: http://coolsculpting-raleigh.com/

Michael Law, MD

Michael Law, MD
Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 111 reviews

Ibuprofen after CoolSculpting

October 23rd, 2012
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Thank you for your question. You do not have cause for extreme concern - most likely the ibuprofen will not hinder your results. Your doctor would have specifically told you not to take the drug prior to treatment if it would have a serious negative effect. 

Web reference: http://www.shapiroplasticsurgery.com/surgical-procedures/coolsculpting.php

Daniel Shapiro, MD

Daniel Shapiro, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 101 reviews

Anti-Inflammatories after Coolsculpting

August 16th, 2012
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Inflammation is part of the normal healing process but it's doubtful that suppressing inflammation in the case of Coolsculpting aftercare would have any significant effects on your results.  You'll be just fine.  If it made such a big diference or impacted results at all, believe me, we would tell patients to avoid it. We want the best results for our patients.  

Dr. Grant Stevens

Web reference: http://www.marinaplasticsurgery.com/photo-gallery/details.cfm?ID=2487&IMAGEID=7323&StartRow=11

Grant Stevens, MD

Grant Stevens, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 120 reviews

Coolsculpting and anti-inflammatories

August 4th, 2012
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The conceptual issue with anti inflammatories and Coolsculpting is that if you take them then you may mute some of the desired inflammatory response associated with clearing and phagocytosis of dead fat cells. This is theoretical and probably does not have a huge impact on the ultimate result.

Steven Hacker, MD

Steven Hacker, MD
West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 4 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.