I Am a Runner Considdering Coolsculpting on my Inner Thighs, How Much Down Time Should I Expect?

There are several devices on the market the treat body fat.  Vanquish
is an FDA-approved non-invasive body shaping, skin tightening and fat reduction
treatment requiring no surgery. The treatment is designed to sculpt and reduce
problem areas resistant to diet and exercise. Vanquish effectively destroys
stubborn fat in the upper and lower abdomen, love handles, back, saddle bags,
inner thighs and upper arms.#Vanquishbodycontouring   #Thightreatments   #bodyfattreatments

CoolSculpting side effects usually include mild bruising, swelling, temporary redness, tingling, numbness, and tenderness to the touch. These symptoms usually subside after a few days up to a couple of weeks. Most people return to their normal activities the next day. Side effects can vary from person to person, but the downtime is usually minimal. CoolSculpting does no address loose skin as it is not a skin tightening treatment. It works to reduce fat permanently. You should schedule a consultation in order to obtain more detailed information regarding the treatment and to see if you are a good candidate for the treatment.

Your concern should not be whether you can work out soon after the treatment, but whether it will work in the area of your interest.  There is minimal downtime with CoolSculpting by Zeltiq.  There may be some sensitivity and tenderness but this shouldn't prevent you from working out.  There may be visible bruising which can be socially-embarassing and this can last up to two to three weeks.  The device was cleared intially for abdominal and flank fat reduction. The inner thigh areas are off-label, but I have found it to be effective.  Unfortunately, the applicators will not fit every area, so you must be prepared for a localized improvement and not a 100% reduction of fat in the vicinity of your inner thighs.

CoolSculpting has very minimal side effects and almost no downtime. Generally, patients return to their normal activities the same day. There may be some redness, swelling or bruising for a few days after the procedure. Your thighs should not look uneven and – since the amount of fat treated is fairly minimal and is eliminated from the body over several months – in most cases there is no sagging skin afterward. You may lose a day or two of running, if you feel uncomfortable or chafed. However, you should be able to quickly resume your normal running routine. CoolSculpting is an excellent choice for runners and athletes who still have stubborn areas of resistant fat, despite their intensive exercise routines. Please see a board-certified dermatologist to find out if you are a candidate for CoolSculpting.

Coolsculpting is a fabulous procedure for the inner thighs.  The new adaptor called the cool fit makes this area easy to treat.  Because there is no suction and only freezing with this applicator there is little or no down time at all.   You should be able to return to all of your normal activities the same day.  Please be certain to consult a board certified dermatologist with experience with coolsculpting who has the new applicators for treatment. 

Typically, there is minimal to no downtime after the treatment though patients may experience temporary pain or discomfort. Side effects can include redness, bruising, swelling, tenderness to the touch, cramping, itching, tingling, and numbness. Numbness can persist up to several weeks after a procedure. Your doctor can talk to you more about what to expect during and after treatment when you meet for your consultation.

Thank you for your question.

It is best to be examined to see if you are a good candidate for the inner thighs. The handpiece has to be able to fit the area with good suction to achieve results.  Yes, the area will be red but normally that goes away within 24-48 hrs.  I have had patients who have Coolsculpting and then workout that same day, others are sore and wait a day or two.... each patient is different. Remember that the 20-25% fat reduction occurs within 4-8 weeks after the treatment (it's not immediate).

Best Wishes!

Discomfort after a CoolSculpting procedure is normal.  Treatment of the inner thighs typically results in mild tenderness to the touch.  Most patients are able to continue there daily activities including running and other forms of exercise. Immediately after the procedure, your skin will be slightly red but this usually dissipates within 24 hours to a week.  Keep in mind that it takes 2-3 months to see results so plan accordingly.

CoolSculpting or "fat freezing" reduces about 20% of the fat in the targeted areas.  The greatest advantage of using CoolSculpting is that there is NO DOWN TIME WHATSOEVER.  I had a treatment on my abdomen and as soon as I got off the machine I went and performed 4 Breast Augmentation surgeries!  There is no anesthesia, no needles and it only takes an hour or two to perform.  In addition, some people will see skin tightening.

It works very well in the inner thighs and in Omaha, Nebraska,  we charge $750/application.  The skin will be red for 10-15 minutes after the treatment and you may experience some tingling and soreness for the next couple of weeks, but nothing that even requires an aspirin. 

Good Luck!