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!

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

The outer/lateral thighs can take at least 3 months to see final results.  At 4 weeks you may still have some swelling or even firmness from fat cells that have been destroyed.  We were part of the original lateral thigh studies with the CoolSmooth applicators and we were happily surprised to see that patients had not only a reduction in fat but in the appearance of cellulite as well.  For now, try to be patient and give it more time.  After 3 months, follow up with your provider and review the before and after photos.  Best of luck.

Vinay Aggarwal, MD · Answer

Results from CoolSculpting can take weeks, minimum time to see results is 4 weeks. I would wait the full 12 weeks before determining final outcome. CoolSculpting is not FDA cleared to treat cellulite and is used for the reduction of subcutaneous fat (fat deposits under the dermis). Cellulite is defined as the herniation of subcutaneous fat within connective tissue that is fibrous. There are some temporary treatments for cellulite such as RF treatments, Laser treatments, and Retinol creams and lotions.

Lauren Chavez, MD · Answer

I know it's annoying, but, sometimes, cellulite CAN get worse, after fat reduction (like wrinkles can get worse when people loose fat in the face.) There is less "cushion" from the fat isn't to "plump up" the skin. There are treatments for cellulite - check with your provider or others in the area, and, see what's available :)

Mary Beth Mudd, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting takes 4 months for final results, so if you are seeing any changes 4 weeks after the treatment, they would be preliminary. Cellulite is caused by 3 problems - increased fat deposition, loss of collagen, and fibrous bands that cause dimpling. CoolSculpting can only affect the fat and has no effect on collagen or fibrous bands. I would suggest that you be patient for your final results but in the meantime follow a healthy lifestyle with good diet and regular exercise. Best wishes,  Mary Beth Mudd

Ramtin Massoudi, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Understanding Cellulite
Cellulite occurs as a result of changes in the skin’s texture. Just below the surface of the skin are connective bands of tissue called fibrous septae. When the fat cells increase in size, they push up against the skin, causing these fibrous bands of connective tissue to contract and pull down on the skin, which is a process called cellulite dimpling. The raised and lowered skin pattern common with cellulite is sometimes described as having a texture similar to orange peel.To combat cellulite effectively, it is necessary to restructure the fat deposits so they are more even and uniform.  And open the fibrous septae . Using a very small needle we can precisely cut away the bands. This will instantly release the fat layers that cause cellulite, resulting in skin that appears smoother.

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

Answers (10)

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