Coolsculpting (Cryolipolysis) Side Effects

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Priyanka Sharma
Written by Shivani Arora, last updated on 31 December 2022
Coolsculpting (Cryolipolysis) Side Effects

CoolSculpting side effects are rare as it is generally considered to be a safe and effective procedure. Before undergoing the procedure, it is necessary to discuss the potential risks of coolsculpting with a qualified medical professional. 

Cryolipolysis side effects are typically mild and temporary and should resolve within a few days to a week. Let's read the blog to know the cryolipolysis treatment side effects.

What is Coolsculpting?

Coolsculpting is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure used to reduce fat deposits in the body by freezing the fat cells. It is a popular treatment for people looking to get rid of stubborn fat pouches resistant to diet and exercise.

A clinician will apply a special cooling device to the targeted body area during the procedure. The device uses controlled cooling to freeze the fat cells, which are naturally eliminated from the body. 

It is typically done on areas such as the stomach, thighs, and buttocks, and it can be performed in a doctor's office or clinic setting. To reduce fat freezing side effects, a qualified medical professional can help you determine if coolsculpting is the right treatment option based on your individual needs and goals.

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Coolsculpting Side Effects

Cryolipolysis is an effective treatment for reducing fat deposits, but like any medical procedure, it can have some side effects. Coolsculpting side effects are minimal and temporary. A few side effects are:

  1. Redness: The treated area may become red and swollen immediately after the procedure. It is a normal reaction and should resolve within a few hours to a day.
  2. Swelling: The treated area may become swollen and tender to the touch. It is also a normal reaction and should resolve within a few days to a week.
  3. Bruising: Bruising is a common side effect of coolsculpting and may occur around the treated area. 
  4. Tenderness: The treated area may be tender to the touch for a few days after the procedure. 
  5. Numbness: Some people may experience numbness in the treated area after coolsculpting. It is a temporary cryolipolysis side effects.
  6. Pain: Some people may experience pain in the treated area after coolsculpting. It can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
  7. Skin injury: There is a risk of skin injury during the procedure, including burns, blisters, or frostbite. 
  8. Numbness: Some people may experience numbness in the treated area, which is temporary. 
  9. Poor results: In rare cases, people may not achieve the desired results after coolsculpting. It can be due to various factors, including the body type and the treated area.

Prevention of Coolsculpting Side Effects

Coolsculpting has rare side effects. You can minimize the side effects of coolsculpting. Here are a few ways you can help prevent cryolipolysis treatment side effects:

  1. Follow your clinician's instructions for managing swelling, discomfort, or other side effects.
  2. Avoid exposing the treated area to extreme cold to minimize the risk of skin injury.
  3. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to reduce redness after the procedure.
  4. Take over-the-counter pain medication if you feel pain or swelling in the area.
  5. Avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or intense exercise, for a few days after the procedure to minimize any risks.
  6. Massage the treated area to reduce inflammation.
  7. Apply a cold compress to the treated area.
  8. Wearing compression garments can help reduce tenderness. 
  9. Avoid alcohol and tobacco for at least 24 hours after the procedure to minimize the risk of bleeding.
  10. Avoid heat treatments, like hot baths or saunas, for at least 24 hours after the procedure to minimize the risk of infection.

Who Should Avoid Coolsculpting?

Coolsculpting or Cryolipolysis is not a treatment for weight loss. It should not be used as an alternative to a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is best suited for people close to their ideal weight. But they have stubborn pockets of fat resistant to diet and exercise.

Here are a few groups of people who may want to avoid coolsculpting or discuss the potential risks and benefits with a qualified medical professional before undergoing the procedure:

  1. Coolsculpting is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women because the effects of the treatment on developing foetus or breast milk are unknown.
  2. The procedure may not be suitable for people with medical conditions, such as cryoglobulinemia or cold agglutinin disease.
  3. It is unsuitable for people with skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis.
  4. Cryolipolysis may not be suitable for people taking certain medications, such as blood thinners or medicines that can increase the risk of bleeding.
  5. People who are allergic to the ingredients of the medications after the procedure must not undergo it to prevent coolsculpting side effects. 

When to See a Doctor?

Coolsculpting side effects that are severe or persistent are rare. If you experience any of the following cryolipolysis fat freezing side effects, contact your clinician immediately for further evaluation and treatment:

  1. Severe pain
  2. Skin injuries, such as burns, blisters, or frostbite
  3. Fever or chills
  4. Swelling or tenderness in the area

Takeaway

In conclusion, cryolipolysis side effects are rare. Following doctors' instructions and reporting any persistent or severe cryolipolysis treatment side effects is essential in case of coolsculpting side effects. Fat freezing side effects are temporary and will heal within a few days.

Contact HexaHealth to know more about the coolsculpting side effects. Our experts will provide information on the coolsculpting procedure if you have any further queries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the coolsculpting side effects?

Most side effects are mild and temporary, resolving within a few days to a week. The side effects of coolsculpting:

  1. Redness
  2. Swelling
  3. Tenderness
  4. Bruising
  5. Numbness
  6. Pain
  7. Skin injury

Are there any dangers to coolsculpting?

Coolsculpting is generally considered to be a safe and effective procedure for reducing fat deposits in the body, but like any medical treatment, it can have some risks. The main dangers of CoolSculpting include the risk of skin injury, numbness, and pain. In rare cases, people may not achieve the desired results after coolsculpting.

Are there long-term side effects of coolsculpting?

There have been no reported long-term side effects of coolsculpting.

Is coolsculpting safe?

Coolsculpting is generally considered to be a safe and effective procedure for reducing fat deposits in the body. Most side effects of coolsculpting are mild and temporary, resolving within a few days to a week.

Does coolsculpting affect your organs?

The effects of coolsculpting do not reach the organs through the fat. The procedure won't have an impact on interior organs because the fat is only a more superficial layer. It is not recommended to use coolsculpting on hernias.

Are the results of coolsculpting permanent?

The results of coolsculpting are generally considered to be long-lasting, but it is important to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine after the procedure to help maintain the results.

Is coolsculpting painful?

Some people may experience discomfort or pain during or after CoolSculpting, but the pain is usually mild and temporary. Most people are able to return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Does belly fat come back after coolsculpting?

After coolsculpting, the treated fat cells are gradually eliminated from the body through the natural metabolic process. Fat cells can still expand or shrink in response to weight gain or loss. Therefore, it is possible for fat to return to the treated area after coolsculpting if a person gains weight or does not maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How long does it take to see results from coolsculpting?

It typically takes several weeks to see results from coolsculpting, and the full results may not be visible for several months.

What should you do after fat freezing?

Fat Freezing aftercare includes:

  1. Be active
  2. Try to reduce your alcohol intake
  3. Try to only drink two cups of caffeine per day
  4. Drink at least 2.5 litres of water every day
  5. Eat a healthy diet
  6. Maintain your weight

Does fat freezing damage skin?

There is a risk of skin injury during the fat freezing procedure, including burns, blisters, or frostbite. These risks are reduced by following the instructions for care and avoiding exposure to extreme cold. In general, fat freezing is considered to be a safe and effective treatment for reducing fat deposits.

How long does coolsculpting take?

The length of a coolsculpting treatment varies depending on the size of the area being treated and the number of treatment sessions required. Most coolsculpting treatments take between one and three hours.

Is coolsculpting effective on belly fat?

The subcutaneous fat cells on your belly may be frozen and killed by coolsculpting, but the remaining cells won't shrink. Coolsculpting isn't likely to eliminate all subcutaneous fat cells.

Updated on : 31 December 2022

Reviewer

Dr. Priyanka Sharma

Dr. Priyanka Sharma

MBBS, DNB Plastic Surgery

14 Years Experience

Dr Priyanka Sharma is a well-known Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon associated with HealthPort Clinic in Delhi. She has 14 years of experience in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery and worked as an expert Plastic,...View More

Author

Shivani Arora

Shivani Arora

BA Journalism and Mass Communication

2 Years Experience

She is an accomplished new-age professional who has interviewed prominent personalities such as Bhaichung Bhutia, G. Sathiyan, Shashi Tharoor, etc. A content writer interested in health communication, graphic desi...View More

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