9 days post SculpSure, still very swollen and tender. Is that normal?

Question

I had one treatment on my lower and middle abdomen. I’ve done the massaging and hydrated well since then. However, I’m still really swollen and my abdominal wall is very tender to the touch. Is this to be expected, or am I massaging too hard? I thought I would see a reduction by now. Thanks.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Some patients do develop mild swelling and tenderness after a SculpSure treatment.  It is not unusual that would might still have swelling and tenderness 9 days after the procedure.  If you feel the swelling or tenderness is not improving over time, I would contact the physician who treated you.  You should not see any reduction at 9 days after the SculpSure treatment.  It normally takes at least a month or so before you might begin to see any changes and it can take up to 12 weeks to see results.  Additionally, most people require at least 2 treatment sessions to obtain the desired results.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Some patients experience swelling a couple weeks after the procedure. I suggest that you follow the healing instructions provided by your board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, this can be typical. Lymphatic massage will help reduce swelling. It can take 3-6 months for final results with Sculpsure. Keep in mind, with Sculpsure, a combination of treatments is needed. I recommend combining Sculpsure with Vanquish and Venus Legacy/Exilis Ultra treatments. We currently use a fire and ice treatment with Coolsculpting and Vanquish for good results in fat removal. However, a VASER hi definition procedure would give you the best results with fat removal, contouring and definition. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Jennifer Parker Porter, MD, FACS · Answer

Typically there is swelling and tenderness after Sculpsure treatments. There discomfort feels like you had a good workout and feels a little tender to the touch. The massage that you are doing should not hurt. Results will be most apparent 12 weeks after your second treatment. if your swelling worsens or persists you should contact the doctor that performed the treatment.

Matthew H. Clark, MD · Answer

This is not unusual to have tenderness and some swelling week two after SculpSure. Remember, SculpSure works by heating and damaging the fat cell proteins. Once the proteins are damaged the body works to clear out the damaged fat cells. This process is ongoing for up to 12 weeks. I would except the tenderness / swelling to go away within one to two more weeks.

Taaly Silberstein, MD · Answer

Your symptoms are very normal, and should begin to subside about 2 weeks after treatment. That being said, some people remain sore for longer, so just continue to drink plenty of water and massage those sore areas.
If you're still not feeling better, follow up with your doctor.
Good luck!

Vinh Ngo, MD · Answer

Tenderness and mild swelling is very common after treatments.  Massaging the area twice a day as directed helps reduce this. Patients typically see full results 12 weeks after their second treatment.  Don't schedule your follow-up treatment until the tenderness and swelling has subsided.  If it is very uncomfortable you can take some Tylenol or place an ice pack on the area.

Catherine Vanderloos, MD · Answer

The swelling and tenderness can happen even at 9 days-it is the response of the fat cell wall breakdown. Have you used any injectible medications (such as for diabetes) in the past?  My experience has been with these sites being more tender during and after the treatment, but all have resolved with time.  If anything, the massaging would help diminish, not worsen.  It is hard to say just what is happening in your case, so I recommend that you check with your provider that did the Sculpsure for a hands-on visual of what is happening. It will take 6 weeks to see the full effect and sometimes more change even after that-I lost 2 inches at 3 weeks after my personal treatment but the full effect was not until almost 12 weeks.  Good luck.

David Alonso, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear you are still having tenderness.  In my experience it is not terribly uncommon to still have some level of discomfort or soreness in the area extending 1 - 2 weeks. It should be improving over time. If it does not, especially if you notice worsening of the tenderness, please contact the provider who did the treatment for evaluation. Continue to massage the area, stay well-hydrated, and try to get your regular exercise. 
Although some of my patients start to notice initial results within the 1st week, this is not common, as for most people, it takes the body several weeks (up to 12) to fully break down the fat cells that were destroyed during treatment.

9 days post SculpSure, still very swollen and tender. Is that normal?

Answers (9)

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