Is throwing up after Coolsculpting normal?

Question

I had two sessions of CS today. I felt a little nauseated in the second session. About two hours later, I started throwing up and have now thrown up six times in 2.5 hours. I saw that nausea was a side effect but this seems extreme.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Nausea is common, however, vomiting to the extend that you have described is not. I would recommend speaking to your treating physician and having an in-person assessment. Regards,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The procedure itself should not cause you to feel sick. However, some people get a vasovagal response.  I suggest you speak to your treating physician if you are concerned.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

In my opinion, vomiting is not normal after CoolSculpting.  People can react to the procedure differently however.  I would suggest contacting the physician who treated you, as your vomiting is not a common occurrence.

Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Hi and sorry to hear about your recovery. Nausea can sometimes occur during or immediately following a treatment but not usually to the extent you have described. Contact the coosculpting practice and also your primary care physician to be certain. Good luck.Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICSTriple Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Jeffrey Jacobs, MD · Answer

I would have to agree with Dr. Echavez.  I am not a fan of the procedure and have actually seen patients in the ER after treatment.   The last time I looked deeply into the procedure, I was under the impression that one should only have one area treated at a time in most cases. The Zeltiq website even cautions about this "Multiple areas can be done at one time in some cases". Finally, make sure you are having the treatment in a trained physicians office.  Zeltiq recommends "The coolsculpt procedure is a medical device, and should only be done in a doctor’s office". I hope this helps.

Stacey Folk, MD · Answer

Dear Rebtasker,Immediately following a Coolsculpt procedure it is not uncommon to become lightheaded, a little shaky, and nauseated from what is called a vagal response. This is the same reaction that causes fainting. This would only last seconds to minutes and passes most quickly if you lay down, elevate your legs, and maybe put a cool wet towel on your face or neck.If your treatment was on your belly and you also have abdominal pain or tenderness you should be examined immediately by the physician who was responsible for your treatment. If the treatment was not on your belly I personally would be less suspecting of a problem that will have significance of be prolonged.

Cody A. Koch, MD, PhD · Answer

Vomiting is rare following CoolSculpting.  Since it is an unusual and infrequent complication after CoolSculpting contact the physician who performed the procedure.  They may wish to examine you to make sure everything is progressing as planned.Best wishes,Cody Koch

Is throwing up after Coolsculpting normal?

Answers (7)