Swollen bulge 1 day after CoolSculpting. Is this normal? Will I get paroxysmal adipose hyperplasia? (photo)

Question

I got coolsculpting using the big paddles (coolsmooth) over my inner thighs. procedure went smoothly with no alerts. after the procedure leg was normal. I received the post procedure massage as well. about 2hrs later I felt some swelling and tenderness but bearable... 1 day later I noticed this obvious swelling over my inner thighs... which extended further than the paddles region, see photo attached below. Have any of you had experience with this and will this go away? Also, will I get PAH?

Robert Heck, MD, FACS · Answer

Few things, the panels (Cool Smooth or Cool Smooth PRO) are only to be used on the outer thigh or saddle bag area. We have done over 3000 treatments in my practice and never once used that applicator on the inner thigh as you mention. The Cool Fit or Cool Advantage with the Cool Fit contour head is indicated for the inner thigh. That could be why you are swollen? This is not a normal treatment pattern. In regards to PH, this usually occurs weeks after so i wouldn't be worried about that in particular at this point but the latest stats on that are 1 in 4000, not 1 in 20,000 as mentioned below and this was published in the Journal of Plastic Surgery in Spring 2016. Best of luck- make sure you are in a safe place with a good provider...

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You can experience some swelling, which can last for several weeks after your procedure. Venus Legacy treatments and lymphatic massage can give improvement. If it persists, I recommend following up with your Doctor for a formal evaluation.  It will take about 3-6 months to see your final results. For best results with Coolsculpting, I recommend a combination approach. I recommend adding radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish, Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing. VASER with ThermiRF is a great alternative. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are most likely experiencing some swelling in the treated area, which is an expected side effect after Coolsculpting. Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) is very rare and usually does not occur until a few months after treatment. It is extremely unlikely this is what you are experiencing. I recommend having a follow up with your treating physician for and evaluation and to address your concerns. Best of Luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

I got CoolSculpting using the big paddles (coolsmooth) over my inner thighs. Procedure went smoothly with no alerts. After the procedure leg was normal. I received the post procedure massage as well. about 2hrs later I felt some swelling and tenderness but bearable... 1 day later I noticed this obvious swelling over my inner thighs... which extended further than the paddles region, see photo attached below. Have any of you had experience with this and will this go away? Also, will I get PAH?

Roby F. Hayes, MD · Answer

It's very common to experience swelling where CoolSculpting has been done as a result of inflammation. It may take 2-4 weeks for swelling to resolve. Lymphatic massage and compression will help. One typically sees fat reduction effects as early as 3 weeks but more commonly 60-90 days after treatment. The normal post-procedure swelling that you describe is no indication that you are at increased risk for the rare complication of PAH (paradoxical adipose hyperplasia).

Alain Michon, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and picture. This is likely swelling. It is common and expected following Coolsculpting treatments. This is not PAH (paradoxical adipose hyperplasia) as it is extremely rare and appears months after the procedure and not soon after. I hope this help. All the best, Dr. Michon

Stephanie Martin, MD · Answer

Swelling is completely normal after Coolsculpting.  It will go down over the next 4-5 days.  After you freeze tissue, the inflammation is what is helping to get rid of the fat cells.  You want to have inflammation.

Jill C. Fichtel, MD · Answer

You're probably experiencing some swelling which can be an expected side effect after CoolSculpting.  Your Dermatologist probably has a post-procedure protocol to address post-procedure swelling - I recommend giving her a call.Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) is extremely rare (about 1 in 20,000 cases) and usually doesn't occur until a few months after the procedure.  It's highly unlikely you are experiencing PAH.

Swollen bulge 1 day after CoolSculpting. Is this normal? Will I get paroxysmal adipose hyperplasia? (photo)

Answers (8)

More CoolSculpting Questions

Does coolsculpting etch my abs and pecs?

Could coolSculpting make my abs more visible?

Can massage cupping be used after coolsculpting?

Can CoolSculpting help with flaccid belly?

Coolsculpting concerns - I take aspirin daily as a blood thinner and have had blood clots before.

Normal to have delayed onset swelling? I had coolsculpting done on my lower abdomen.

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS