- Immediately After the Procedure
You may experience the following temporary symptoms
- Redness
- Firmness
- Swelling and Bloating
- Numbness
- Localized Bruising
- Tingling
- Stinging
- Mild to Moderate Pain
Having these symptoms are normal and will resolve. They are caused by continued suction and exposure to cold. Coolsculpting uses cold therapy, known as crylipolysis to freeze fat cells.
These temporary symptoms may last for a few minutes to a few hours. They do not require any special treatment.
- 3-5 Days After Treatment
Coolsculpting side effects can start 3-5 days after procedure and can last up to one week. Symptoms are typically mild and do not require medication.
Symptoms Can Include:
- Mild Pain
- Mild Bruising
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Cramping
- Itching
- Tingling
- Temporary Numbness
The most common side effects after Coolsculpting are numbness and pain. These symptoms are usually mild and short lived.
10%-15% of patients experience moderate to severe pain after Coolsculpting treatment.
- 2-6 Weeks After Treatment
Some side effects can last for 2-6 weeks after Coolsculpting treatment. These are normal side effects and are related to the cold temperatures associated with freezing fat cells.
They include:
- Numbness
- Tenderness
- Pain
- Swelling
- Itching
- Diarrhea or Loose Stools—caused by the dead fat cells eliminated by your body.
These symptoms are temporary and will subside. It is important to be patient and let your body heal. Please consult your doctor if these symptoms persist or worsen over time.
Safe for Most Healthy People
Although Coolsculpting can have side effects, there is a much lower chance of side effects compared to alternative procedures, such as liposuction and tummy tucks. There is no risk of infection after Coolsculpting treatment, or other side effects as with surgery.
In September 2010 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deemed Coolsculpting safe and effective for fat reduction. Before FDA approval Coolsculpting was used in Europe for 5 years. Millions of treatments have been performed worldwide.
Most patients prefer Coolsculpting because of it low chance of serious side effects. A lot of patients say the results of Coolsculpting treatment outweigh the discomfort and the pain is worth the outcome.
