How Much Water Should You Drink After CoolSculpting?

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Dr. Hardik Soni

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CoolSculpting is an increasingly popular body contouring procedure that allows people to reduce unwanted fat without surgery. This fat reduction treatment completely eliminates the need for a long recovery time and it requires minimal aftercare. One of the reminders given to CoolSculpting patients is to stay hydrated and drink lots of water after their procedure. 

So how many glasses of water should you consume after CoolSculpting? Many doctors recommend increasing daily water consumption for the few days following the CoolSculpting treatment. At least 100 ounces or 8 to 10 glasses of water per day should be enough to help get rid of the dead fat cells from the body. Drinking water is a good way to ensure you get the best results from CoolSculpting. 

What Is The Recommended Water Intake For Post-CoolSculpting Recovery? 

Drinking water is a basic life requirement and it offers more benefits than just quenching one’s thirst. Anyone who has recently undergone a body contouring or liposuction surgery is always reminded to drink enough amounts of water to help with their recovery period. The same aftercare instruction is also given to patients who received CoolSculpting

According to answers by several cosmetic surgeons on RealSelf, there’s no standard guideline on how many amounts of water is required but drinking the regular daily requirement of 8 to 10 glasses or 100 ounces will be enough. 

There are no negative side effects to consuming too many liquids such as a gallon of water. But for those with pre-existing medical conditions such as kidney disease, drinking excessive water may cause low blood sodium levels which can be a serious illness. 

Patients can consume any type of water as long as it can help them remain hydrated and include it in their post-CoolSculpting everyday diet. Some individuals opt for spring, mineral, or non-carbonated waters. 

Avoid drinks with too much sugar content and artificial sweetener since they can promote the accumulation of fat in the body. If you want to make your normal ice water more delicious, you can add a flavored water enhancer like slices of fruits, lemon, lime, or cucumber. 

Why You Need To Stay Hydrated After CoolSculpting Treatments

One of the main reasons why we drink water is to avoid being dehydrated. It also helps promote digestion of food, transport essential nutrients to the cells, prevent constipation, and get rid of toxins for healthier and hydrated skin. 

And during a CoolSculpting consultation, cosmetic providers make sure to remind their patients to drink plenty of water before and after the procedure. This is done for several reasons: 

1) Aids in the fat reduction process 

CoolSculpting is a non-surgical treatment that makes use of the concept of cryolipolysis in removing stubborn pockets of fat. During the procedure, the provider uses a body sculpting applicator that sends controlled cooling temperatures to the targeted fat cells, which are said to be more vulnerable to cold compared to other cells in the body. 

The fat cells that are frozen eventually die and this triggers an inflammatory response wherein the immune cells excrete them from the body. The fat reduction from CoolSculpting is a gradual process and you may not see its effects until after several treatment sessions. 

Drinking water is said to support the elimination process of the frozen fat cells through the body’s lymphatic system. As you consume more water, your lymphatic function is improved to expel the fat cells faster. In turn, this can help you see the results of your CoolSculpting sooner, usually within three weeks. 

2) Improves the lymphatic system and reduces water retention 

Water also helps remove toxins and unwanted body waste by ensuring the lymphatic drainage system is well-functioning. Drinking lots of fluids maintains the healthy function and efficiency of the organs, especially the liver and kidney, so they can filter the toxic substances and remove them from the body. 

Ensuring that you are hydrated also improves the balance of bodily fluids and gets rid of any excess water through the bladder. Water retention can cause a person to look fat or bloated, and can lead to fluctuating  weight levels each day. It’s also one of the common side effects of CoolSculpting, along with swelling, which is a normal response as the body processes the treated fat cells. 

3) Enhances results of the CoolSculpting treatment 

After going through CoolSculpting, some people experience having vasovagal symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, sweating, or lightheadedness. Replenishing your fluids by drinking water immediately after the treatment can help relieve some of the vasovagal reactions as it improves heart rate and blood pressure.

Other Known Benefits Of Drinking Water For Fat Reduction and Weight Loss  

Happy smiling fit woman in activewear holding bottle of water and posing in the kitchen after fitness workout at home.

Many people in the beauty community regard drinking water as one of the natural and effective methods for losing weight. Here are some of the ways that staying hydrated helps with controlling unwanted weight gain: 

1) It curbs a person’s sudden cravings and appetite

Some individuals may mistake thirst as hunger for food when in fact they are just dehydrated and in need of water. To avoid gaining weight from giving in to your cravings, it’s best to pick up a glass of water.

Water is believed to stretch the stomach and send signals to your brain to tell you that you’re already full. Some studies show that people who consume water at least 30 minutes before mealtime have a decrease in body fat and weight. 

2) It may help boost metabolism and fat burning

The body naturally needs water to metabolize stored fat and carbohydrates. It is believed that water supports the process of lipolysis where fat is broken down for energy. Increased water intake may help boost your weight loss and improve body composition as more fat and calories are burned. 

3) It reduces overall liquid calorie intake

Compared to other liquids like caffeinated drinks, tea, and juice, pure water is a completely zero-calorie drink. It’s recommended that a person should at least try to drink more water than other fluids to avoid significant weight gain. 

Several reports say that overweight individuals who replaced soda with water during their meals experienced greater weight reduction and that can be because water has no calories and carbohydrates. 

4) It helps fight fatigue during workouts

When you exercise, you lose more body fluids and you get more dehydrated quickly. Drinking water in between workout routines offer several benefits such as decreasing fatigue, regulating body temperature, and ensuring the muscles and ligaments are well-lubricated so they can move properly and reduce the risks for injuries and cramps

Aftercare Reminders To Improve CoolSculpting Results

Fitness woman jumping outdoor in urban environment

By removing unwanted fat, CoolSculpting helps people become one step closer to their dream body image. To ensure that its fat reduction results last for the long term, here are some tips they can follow: 

  • Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and following a balanced diet and consistent exercise routine, as CoolSculpting isn’t a substitute for weight loss and regular exercise programs. 
  • Massage the treated areas for several days after the treatment to boost the removal process of the dead fat cells. A vigorous massage helps improve the circulation in the lymphatic system to release the frozen fat faster.
  • Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen for several weeks. These medications may suppress the inflammation process that eliminates the fat cells and lessen the effectiveness of CoolSculpting. 
  • Wear compression garments to manage bruising or swelling in the treated areas. 
  • Consult with your cosmetic doctor for any follow-up treatment to help keep your body in shape. 

Get Rid Of Unwanted Body Fat With CoolSculpting At Ethos Spa 

It’s important to make sure to drink lots of water after CoolSculpting to ensure the efficiency of the fat reduction process and see better results. At Ethos Spa, we can guide you through the whole body contouring procedure from consultation to recovery to make sure you achieve your desired body goals. 

Ethos Spa is a leading provider of non-invasive procedures and customized cosmetic solutions to patients in New Jersey and nearby areas. Our expert providers are trained in administering safe and effective CoolSculpting treatments to give the best possible results. For more information on this body sculpting technique or to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians, contact us today.  

Dr. Hardik Soni

MD, Founder/Lead Physician

About Dr. Hardik Soni

Dr. Hardik Soni is the founder and Medical Director of Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness. His primary focus is on minimally invasive and non-invasive cosmetic procedures including botulinum injection (Botox and Dysport), dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse), laser hair removal, chemical peels, and laser skin rejuvenation. Dr. Soni believes in a more conservative approach and his first goal is education. Clients are able to determine the ideal treatments after discussion with Dr. Soni regarding the expected outcomes, cost, as well as risks.

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