Does taking Ibuprofen after Coolsculpting inhibit the inflammatory process?

Hello,Thank you for your question. In our experience it is best to stay away from ibuprofen immediately after the treatment. It can minimize the response. Good luck!

There
is no evidence that over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) will interfere with CoolSculpting results. While
inflammation is part of the process of eliminating the destroyed fat
cells after CoolSculpting, this takes place over many months. If you
take short-term ibuprofen after CoolSculpting to control discomfort,
it will have no effect on your results. Please find a board-certified
dermatologist to see if you are a candidate for CoolSculpting and to
learn more about how this effective fat-removal technique can have
you bikini-ready this summer.

Ibuprofen should have no effect on the CoolSculpting process.  Unlike other technologies, such as Ulthera, CoolSculpting does not rely on the body's inflammatory process.  The process of fat cell destruction has already begun and your body will continue to flush out these fat cells over the course of the next four months. 

 Ibuprofen should not have any significant effect on your outcome if you use it after Coolsculpting. Keep in mind, it will take 3-6 months for final results with Coolsculpting. 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

During a Coolsculpting treatment the fat is destroyed during the cooling the process. Taking anti inflammatory medications will not change the outcome of your results. You do not need inflammation to get good results. In fact, our practice always recommends using ibuprofen for any discomfort after the treatment. Best of luck!

The mechanism of action of Coolsculpting does not rely on the inflammatory response to impart its effect.  So, taking anti-inflammatories, like Ibuprofen, should not diminish the results of your treatment.  Be sure you seek out treatment from a certified Coolsculpting provider.    

The exact process of CoolSculpting (cryolipolysis) is still not completely understood.  It's true that inflammation plays some role in the process, but how much and when is not known.  The largest influx of inflammatory cells doesn't happen until a few weeks after the procedure.  So you won't be interfering with that.  Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory, but it's not as potent as taking steroids (as some people do for really bad inflammatory conditions).  If you take a few tablets for a few days, it should not interefere with your CoolSculpting results.
Hope this helps,
Dr. Garry K. Kim

I don't think that has been studied. I have had patients who have taken the medication without any visible effect on the outcome. Coolsculpting works by damaging the fat cells that are then removed by the body. After treatment Ibuprofen would not negate this damage in my opinion. Best Wishes, Maurice Vick MD

This is a good question.  I know of no studies that have looked at this issue.  It is an inflammatory process that causes the cells to lyse/rupture therefore it would make sense not to inhibit this process with anti inflammatory medicines.Having said this, many of my patients have taken anti inflammatory medicines and got very good results.  You should talk with you provider about this and get their opinion. I don't think there is a definitive answer to this question.

No, the use of NSAIDS such as Ibuprofen will not have any adverse outcomes from your Coolsculpting procedure. Like other Specialist we encourage the use of pain killers IF needed following the procedure. The vast majority of patients do not need any pain relief. Coolsculpting does not rely on the inflammatory process to destroy fat, as fat is destroyed via a process called cryoliposis or freezing. Once destroyed, your body' own immune system removes the fat over 8-12 weeks. All the best. Dr Davin Lim.  The Fiori Institute of Skin and Body, Brisbane. Australia.