Swollen after SculpSure treatment

Question

I got SculpSure on my abs and flanks 4 weeks ago. I didn't anticipate seeing results before 12 weeks. However, I also didn't expect to look bigger than I was in that particular area before I went. No, I have not gained weight. I have increased my workout frequency from 3 to 5 days and I am also eating healthier to optimize my results. My stomach is so swollen that I look pregnant now. Also, I am not sore nor do I feel any nodules.

Kenneth Litwin, MD · Answer

I have not had any patients who experienced swelling to the degree that their waist/abdomen actually looked bigger.  I don't think that a paradoxical increase in fat cells (which is seen with CoolSculpting) is very likely, especially not within 4 weeks of treatment.  I have certainly had patients develop tender nodules from the heat damaging the fat cells (which is a sign that the treatment worked).  But they have not reported swelling and bloating of the abdomen area.   In my experience, this would possibly be related to gastrointestinal conditions, particularly SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), although that would usually be associated with other digestive type symptoms other than just bloating. 
Another doctor answering this question mentioned that destroying fat cells with Warm/Cool Sculpting could cause release of toxins which have been stored in the fat cells to keep them from causing problems in your body.  That is certainly theoretically true and I would say that if you had fluid retention of other locations of your body (ankles, hands, face) I would think that could be what was going on.  I also agree with adding detoxification support before or following Warm/Cool Sculpting to help offset any possible issues with toxins being released from your cells from the treatment.  Eating healthy and keeping hydrated and exercising are simple and effective ways of supporting your detox system.  There are other even more effective ways to address this such as specific foods and certain high quality nutritional support supplements, as well as doing things like massage and sauna treatments. 
I do hope that you were able to figure out a solution to your swelling.  If you did, please let all of us know what happened and what you did to resolve it.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is important you follow the treatment plan developed by your medical team and board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I understand your concerns at 4 weeks. It is normal to have some swelling following this procedure, but most is resolved at 4 weeks. I would see your doctor to evaluate this swelling and make sure there are no other issues going on.

Hope Ijaola, MD · Answer

I have had a few patients with swelling after sculpsure lasting a few weeks. Great job increasing your workouts. Usually I have the patient come in for an evaluation, if nothing else is found, then some anti-inflammatory and anti-histamines usually help and it usually resolves with great results. It can be understandably concerning though, and because of that, most people defer their next treatment until after the swelling is resolved.

Dennis Gross, MD · Answer

Swelling after a Sculpsure treatment is nnormal, however, if it does not subside, I would recommend following up with your doctor to discuss the possible reasons you are experiencing this.

Taaly Silberstein, MD · Answer

Swelling is a normal response to SculpSure, especially in the first couple of day to weeks after. If, however, you continue to feel swollen, to the point where you feel like you look pregnant, this may be something else entirely and not related to SculpSure at all. I recommend you follow up with your regular physician or OB/GYN to examine you and evaluate what's going on.
Good luck!

Mirela Cernaianu, MD · Answer

It would be a good idea to discuss this issue with the physician or provider that perfomed the procedure. Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia is uncommon but possible. Also some swelling can persist in occasional cases for more than a few weeks. The destroyed adipose cells will be removed through the lymphatic system and if there is a significant deposit of toxins in these cells, then the body can react in interesting ways. If you are experiencing swelling in the abdominal area it is possible you are experiencing bloating, so maybe consider addressing this issue with a detox program.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

i am sure that you seem immensely swollen but i think that this reaction from Sculpsure would be extraordinarily unusual. it would be helpful if you could attach before and after photos, to see if others would find the same degree of swelling.david berman md

Swollen after SculpSure treatment

Answers (8)

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