4 weeks after CoolSculpting on the outer thigh area, my cellulite is much much worse, what can I do?

Question

Can I expect this to work itself out in time? Is this common?? Is there anything I can do? I am so upset.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

This is hard to answer without seeing before and after pictures. In general, CoolSculpting results can take 3 months to fully see. There is often swelling after the procedure that may last for 2-4 weeks. Though you may see some improvement in the appearance of cellulite after CoolSculpting, the CoolSculpting itself is not a treatment for cellulite. Unfortunately, there is no permanent treatment for cellulite, however, treatments such as radiofrequency, cellfina, or cellulaze may improve the appearance. Make sure you are under the care of an experienced physician provider. Best wishes.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's too soon to tell what your final results can be. You can have swelling for 3-6 months after Coolsculpting. I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. For best results with Coolsculpting, a combination approach is needed. I recommend adding radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish, Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing. However, a Vaser with ThermiRF procedure is the best combination for areas like the thighs and can be combined with Cellfina to improve cellulite. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

The most likely reason that your cellulite looks worse after Coolsculpting is that you still have swelling in the area. Cellulite is from fibrous bands that dimple the skin. When you have swelling, those bands are still pulling on the dimpled areas and the areas around them are fuller from the swelling, making the cellulite look worse. As the swelling improves your cellulite should look better. With the fat improvement from the Coolsculpting, your cellulite might ultimately look better than prior to the treatment. Be patient. Swelling can often take several months to fully resolve.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Quintessa Aesthetic Centers

Jennifer Harrington, MD · Answer

Either swelling or the loss of fatty layer covering the cellulite could bemaking dimples look worse. Hopefully this is a temporary concern that will resolve as swelling improves and your final CoolSculpting® results are revealed. If not, Cellfina™ is a very effective cellulite treatment that can deliver long-term results in smoothing away the appearance of cellulite.

Edward Stokes, MD · Answer

Results from CoolSculpting generally take from 3-4 months to fully present. At the 4 week point, there is the possibility of some residual swelling that may contribute to the appearance of cellulite. I would suggest waiting the next several months to then reevaluate your results. Most patients do find that cellulite diminishes as a result of CoolSculpting. Good luck with everything!

4 weeks after CoolSculpting on the outer thigh area, my cellulite is much much worse, what can I do?

Answers (10)

Answer: If this is not a temporary effect, cellulite treatment could help.

Answer: If this is not a temporary effect, cellulite treatment could help.

Answer: CoolSculpting on the Outer Thigh

Answer: CoolSculpting on the Outer Thigh

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Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

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4 weeks after CoolSculpting on the outer thigh area, my cellulite is much much worse, what can I do?

Answers (10)

Answer: If this is not a temporary effect, cellulite treatment could help.

Answer: If this is not a temporary effect, cellulite treatment could help.

Answer: CoolSculpting on the Outer Thigh

Answer: CoolSculpting on the Outer Thigh

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

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