Can CoolSculpting permanently make me look swollen/bloated if procedure didn’t work? (Photo)

Question

I had the cool sculpting procedure done on my lower tummy a few years ago now. My body “rejected” the procedure and I was refunded. However, since then it has appeared to me that my lower belly has been even more so excessively bloated. It’s as if the procedure brought all of my fat cells or something to the surface and just kept them there. Any doctors out there have an opinion or know what I can do to get rid of the swelling/bloating?

Andrew Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

While it is normal for patients to experience swelling for several weeks following the CoolSculpting procedure, the treatment should not cause excessive bloating beyond this time frame. 
In extremely rare instances, something called "paradoxical adipose hyperplasia" can occur. This only occurs in .0051% of people, and is characterized by a highly defined, demarcated pocket of fat in the same shape of the applicator used to treat you. Based on your explanation, it does not seem like this is what you are experiencing. It is more likely that the bloating you are experiencing could be more related to diet and/or lack of exercise than to the CoolSculpting procedure.
As always, communicate your concerns with your practitioner. By doing an in-person exam they can provide you with a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate suggestions of how to proceed.

Emerico Csepanyi, MD · Answer

When using the legacy applicators (non Cool Advantage) for CoolSculpting, there is a rare side effect known as Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH/PH), wherein the fat cells as well as the fibrous septa (connective tissue) in the treated area(s) respond adversely and increase in size and density. Paradoxical Hyperplasia affects only 0.025% of the CoolSculpting treated patients and has been attributed to the vacuum function of the original applicators. Luckily, this is reversible with procedures such as SmartLipo and is fully preventable by being treated with the new Cool Advantage applicators.

Can CoolSculpting permanently make me look swollen/bloated if procedure didn’t work? (Photo)

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Can CoolSculpting permanently make me look swollen/bloated if procedure didn’t work? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

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