It is very possible that cool sculpting causes some bruising and swelling with certain patients.
After all, every body is different and cool sculpting will target the fat cells regardless of any slight difference with the anatomical fat distribution among patients.
The cool sculpting (Zeltiq) freezes the fat cells (cryoplipolysis) without affecting other tissues; the fat in the adipocytes (fat cells) will freeze at a controlled temperature inducing cellular apopotisis (programmed cell death) that may induce swelling due to a localized inflammation.
The patient’s immune system will have to “clean” the dead fat cells after they are pushed to commit suicide. (Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS, Orange County Plastic Surgeon)
There can be a small bruise as well but that is usually very small and goes away quickly. There is often some numbness and can persist for a few weeks and a slight discomfort to pressure for a week or so.
This technology is wonderful moving between 20 and 26% of the fat that is drawn up into the cooling had. The fat is literally frozen in the body removes his fat and excretes it does not redistribute it.
A very useful technique for women but also particularly appropriate for men. There is no downtime or recovery. Simply comment by the procedure and have a normal day. (Joseph Hunstad, MD, Charlotte Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling following Coolsculpting
Swelling can be a typical response following Coolsculpting, but it should subside in a few days or could last a couple of weeks. Patients may also experience mild bruising, tenderness and some feel numbness and/or tingling.
These side effects tend to be quite short term. Many patients feel very little discomfort and most return to normal activities immediately following treatment, whether it is returning to work or actually working out. There is no “downtime” for the majority of patients. (Alan N. Larsen, MD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling Is Normal for the First 2 Weeks
While there is no downtime, swelling is a common side effect of CoolSculpting treatments, particularly when treating the midsection. Inflammation of the treatment areas can endure for up to 2 weeks as the body works to break down the fat that was destroyed by the Cryolipolysis.
An itchy sensation is also normal. If your swelling persists beyond the 2-week mark, or if the discomfort becomes severe, please reach out to your provider for a follow-up examination. (Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)
CoolSculpting Side Effects
It is a common side effect to have abdominal swelling after CoolSculpting. I would suggest you wait 2-3 weeks and this typically resolves. Always remember compression can be used to help reduce this. (David L. Robbins, MD, FACS, West Des Moines Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling after the CoolSculpting procedure is absolutely normal and may last several weeks after treatment. (Rosalyn George, MD, Wilmington Dermatologic Surgeon)
Swelling after Zeltiq CoolSculpting is normal
Although it is considered to have minimal down time, Zeltiq CoolSculpting chills the fat and causes the fat cells to die. This creates inflammation which helps the body get rid of fat cells. Swelling and bruising can occur.
It may last for a few weeks and improves on its own. (Ronald Shelton, MD, Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon)
Swelling after CoolSculpting can happen, and resolves in hours to days. Your swelling should probably resolve in the next few days to one to two weeks. Tenderness, if present, may last a few weeks maximum, but typically goes away after a few days.
Not every patient will develop these symptoms but, if they do, they are always transient. I recommend to my patients to take ibuprofen 400 mg by mouth two to three times a day for several days until the discomfort and swelling get better. (Leyda Elizabeth Bowes, MD, Miami Dermatologic Surgeon)
Post Coolsculpting swelling
It is not uncommon to have swelling after Coolsculpting. I would suggest that you wait 2-3 weeks and typically this resolves otherwise discuss with your physician. (Steven Hacker, MD, West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon)
any surgery or procedure will cause swelling and temporary water gain. do not worry about the scale right now. and be patient to see the effects of the treatment take place! (Eric Chang, MD, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling after CoolSculpting
Some patients do experience swelling after the Coolsculpting procedure. Also, you may experience tenderness, tingling, bruising. All of these are self-limiting and will usually go away in 2-3 weeks. If you are concerned about the amount of swelling you are experiencing, it may be in your best interest to go see the doctor who treated you. (Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling after Zeltiq
It is definitely not unusual to have swelling after Zeltiq. Swelling can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Some patients may also have bruising and tenderness in the treated areas, some numbness, tingling, pins and needles-like sensation…these are all quite normal. If you feel the swelling is excessive or it persists more than a few weeks, follow up with the office that treated you so they can advise you. (Grant Stevens, MD, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)
Coolsculpting and abdominal swelling
Swelling can be normal following CoolSculpting. However if you do not experience swelling, that does not mean your treatment was not effective. Find the most experienced CoolSculpting medical facility inn your area. This information can be found on the CoolSculpting site.
As the top provider of CoolSculpting in our area, my Raleigh, NC practice is able to offer a free treatment with an instant rebate when also getting a full priced treatment at the same time.
Additionally, we perform a CoolSculpting protocol we call CoolSculting Complete. This includes standing on a vibrational plate in order to enhance lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is necessary to clear the frozen fat from the body after a treatment.
believe this has significantly improved the results we have seen in our patients. (Michael Law, MD, Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling After CoolSculpting
The CoolSculpt applicator sucks in your skin and fat and selectively freezes the fat in the treatment area. This can cause trauma to the area. Some side effects are tenderness, bruising, swelling, sensitivity, and numbness.
All of these symptoms are usually temporary. If they persist beyond a few weeks, you should see your doctor. (Steven H. Williams, MD, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon)