Can water retention occur on non treated areas after CoolSculpting?

Question

I've done 4 cycles of CoolSculpting on my abdomen and 1 on each side of upper flanks today. I was informed that there will be some swelling on the treated areas, and yes they are definitely swollen. However I feel like my love handles (lower flanks) and side of my waist is also swollen. The non treated areas are not tender but it feels like they are holding a lot of fluid. Is this because inflammation is spreading, or is this normal? Can other parts of body retain fluid after CoolSculpting?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

It may be possible that adjacent areas swell because fluid build up after coolsculpting in one area may diffuse to neighboring tissues. Fluid moves through loose planes in the subcutaneous tissues. This normally resolves in a few weeks.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.

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your recent CoolSculpting treatment! Swelling in the areas surrounding your treatment locations is not uncommon for the first week following your CoolSculpting treatment. I often recommend to our patients that they may want to wear some sort of compression garment to help with any discomfort. If you have any further questions or concerns regarding your CoolSculpting treatment, I recommend reaching out to your CoolSculpting provider and scheduling a follow-up. Best of luck!

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

When swelling occurs after a procedure, such as CoolSculpting or even surgery, the area of swelling can change with time.  Swelling tends to move with gravity, so areas below and near the treated area may also swell as the issue is progressing.  Swelling after CoolSculpting, if it occurs, generally begins to improve after several days.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! The swelling, in both the treated and non treated areas, should resolve within a few days to a few weeks as the inflammatory process resolves. It is not unusual for areas that have been treated with CoolSculpting to have some associated swelling. This is part of the inflammatory process that occurs with each treatment. Areas adjacent to the treated areas may also develop some mild swelling. Best of luck!

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

It is normal to have the nearby untreated areas swollen. Compression garments are optional if it feels more comfortable to have it on. This will eventually go down but may take a few days to weeks.

Can water retention occur on non treated areas after CoolSculpting?

Answers (8)

Answer: It is not unusual for areas that have been treated with CoolSculpting to have some associated swelling.

Answer: It is not unusual for areas that have been treated with CoolSculpting to have some associated swelling.

Answer: Swelling after CoolSculpting

Answer: Swelling after CoolSculpting

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Can water retention occur on non treated areas after CoolSculpting?

Answers (8)

Answer: ​ It is not unusual for areas that have been treated with CoolSculpting to have some associated swelling.

Answer: ​ It is not unusual for areas that have been treated with CoolSculpting to have some associated swelling.

Answer: Swelling after CoolSculpting

Answer: Swelling after CoolSculpting

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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.

Answer: It is not unusual for areas that have been treated with CoolSculpting to have some associated swelling.

Answer: It is not unusual for areas that have been treated with CoolSculpting to have some associated swelling.