Cryolipolysis: Info, Prices, Photos, Reviews, Q&A

Swelling, Soreness and Numbness with Coolsculpting

Swelling, soreness and numbness are all very common with Coolsculpting. Do not worry…these symptoms will all subside very soon.

If the numbness continues past 3 weeks, please see your doctor who can place you on medication to help with this numbness side effect.

You need to give at least 8 weeks before you start to see results and sometimes, many individuals require multiple sessions.

Again, speak with your doctor to discuss your progress. (Helen Perakis, MD, Nanuet Plastic Surgeon)

Help with discomfort and swelling

We have found that a great way to reduce discomfort and swelling

is to use ice packs.

It will not affect the results but it will make the healing time much more comfortable and tolerable. (Kimberly C. Stone, MD, Englewood Physician)

This is common in the neck area

rest, compression, massage (if tolerated) and pain medications such as tylenol and aspirin work well for this. this is usually not for very long and lasts just a few days after the procedure. (Sameer Bashey, MD, Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon)

Bruising after #coolsculpting can be reduced

The Most Dramatic Results Are Typically Observed 1-3 Months After Treatment

Some of the suggestions I give my patients follow, but be sure to talk to your CS provider to make sure they agree: You may be able to reduce bruising with the use of topical and oral Arnica Montana supplements.

Eating fresh pineapple (the core) provides a good source of natural anti-inflammatory, bromelain. Stay away from blood thinners that can increase bruising (aspirin, motrin, advil, etc., high doses of fish oil and garlic, etc.) Gentle massage and applying warm compresses will help break up the bruise for easier absorption and increase circulation to help the body breakdown the bruise.
Generally speaking, it will take large bruises a few weeks to resolve fully. (Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS, Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon)

Brusing after Coolsculpting can occur mainly due to the suction on the applicators . Brusing causes pain and swelling . Numbness is due to temporary nerve irritation and occurs in most patients . Everything is temporary and your bruising should subside in about a week.

Using arnica will help . The degree of brusing you have is a bit excessive . If you were on a blood thinner , ibuprofen or aspirin this can contribute to the amount of bruising . If you were not , I would suggest having your platelet functions tested by your pmd at some point . (Drew Varano, MD, Washington DC Physician)

CoolSculpting Post Treatment Pain and Swelling

While CoolSculpting is a well tolerated procedure, some individuals complain of soreness and bruising for 1 -2 weeks. There is a lot going on since fat cells are being destroyed. In fact, some patients complain of numbness and heaviness for several weeks.

Please continue post-op care. (Justin Harper, MD, Columbus Physician)

Soreness, swelling, and bruising after CoolSculpting

Though you definitely have more bruising then most after coolsculpting, I feel this can be normal after a treatment. (John Bergeron, MD, Houston Physician)

Bruising can occur after Coolsculpting; some medication can make the bruising worse such as blood thinners, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. This leads to pain and swelling. It will subside but may take up to two weeks. Try arnica tablets or cream to settle the bruising a bit quicker. (Elisabeth Dancey, BM, BCAM, London Physician)

The Swelling After Coolsculpting Decreased Over The Next Week And The Sensitivity Decreased As Well

Swelling following CoolSculpting treatments

Even though swelling occurs following CoolSculpting in most areas of the body, it can be very uncomfortable in the submental, under the chin, area.

Cool compresses and compression may be helpful for the pain for the first few days and then a chin support may hold the tissue in place so there is no pain with movement.

Many of my patients have found a soft cervical collar to hold the tissue in place and also cover up the swelling so that friends and coworkers do not ask questions.

I think it may be easier to say “I tweaked my neck while sleeping” than to explain the procedure that you had. You can explain it in a few months when they ask if you have lost weight. Tylenol and maybe a stronger analgesic at bedtime may help as well.

When swelling persists, be sure to follow up with your doctor so that suggestions for comfort and medication can be made.

I like my patients to have some inflammation that may possibly improve skin tightening, but there is no scientific proof of this. I don’t mind if they take a few NSAIDS, like ibuprofen to take the edge off. (Alexis Parker, MD, Denver Physician)