CoolSculpting® After Effects Questions and Answers

CoolSculpting® is a fat reduction procedure that uses cryolipolysis technology to freeze stubborn unwanted fat cells. Because of its non-invasiveness, there is very little to no downtime following treatment and patients are able to return to their normal daily activities the same day. Some people report minor symptoms following a CoolSculpting® procedure that may include temporary mild soreness, redness, itching, bruising, and numbness at the treated area which normally subsides after a few days. Wearing light or loose-fitting clothes after a session may help if the area is particularly tender, and some people bring a small snack to help with any nausea or to keep their blood sugar at the right levels. The best advice is to listen to your body – if you feel sore or tender don’t push yourself into going to the gym or squeezing into some tight-fitting clothes. You can take over-the-counter medication to help with any soreness, and bathe or shower in warm – not hot or cold – water, taking care to dry the area thoroughly.

Unlike liposuction which physically removes fat from the body, CoolSculpting® involves the freezing of excess subcutaneous fat cells causing them to collapse and release their fatty contents into the bloodstream. These contents are then processed by the lymphatic system and are flushed out of the body over the course of a few months as part of the normal detoxification process.

Because the liver has the job of processing and eliminating the dead fat cells resulting from a CoolSculpting® treatment, a more unpleasant side effect that a patient may experience are brief bouts of diarrhea. This should only last for the first few weeks post treatment until the excretion process is complete, and although unpleasant is not generally serious. That being said, it is something that should be anticipated and monitored carefully if it does occur. Those affected should make sure they stay well hydrated and eat foods like bananas, avocados and watermelon to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

During the three months or so that it takes to experience the full results of a CoolSculpting® treatment, the body will go through a number of changes. One of the first things that many patients experience is bloating or swelling in the treated area, particularly common in the abdominal region. This bloating is the result of water retention and is completely normal. It doesn’t usually last more than two or three weeks and is an important part of the process caused by the body pushing extra fluids into the treatment area to help flush away the dead fat cells through the lymphatic system. Although it may feel and look unpleasant it is a necessary part of the process and should be left to take its course as the inflammation eventually helps to provide the best results. It may sound counter-intuitive, but it is still important to drink plenty of water and to stay hydrated as the fluids will help with the cleansing process. Some people choose to wear compression garments to help them feel more comfortable, and in fact some providers actively encourage this to help with the healing process.

At Assure Wellness Group we are pleased to provide CoolSculpting® procedures to those of our patients who are wanting to rid themselves of those stubborn love handles or other troublesome areas. We also offer a wide range of other services such as medical weight loss, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, treatment for sexual health issues such as erectile dysfunction or sexually transmitted diseases, and cosmetic procedures like Botox and dermal fillers. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Chesapeake VA, Norfolk VA, Portsmouth VA, Alexandria VA, Hybla Valley, Springfield, Jacksonville NC, Half Moon, Piney Green, Surf City NC, Sloop Point, Holly Ridge, and surrounding areas.