What to Expect After CoolSculpting & How to Maximize Results

January 20, 2023

CoolSculpting is a popular non-invasive fat reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate unwanted fat cells. The procedure is relatively painless and requires minimal downtime, making it a convenient option for those looking to slim down without major risks and recovery time.

But it’s important to understand what to expect after CoolSculpting and how to maximize your results. Let’s explore the specifics of this procedure, including tips on how to get the most out of it.

Does CoolSculpting Really Work?

CoolSculpting is a safe and effective way to banish stubborn fat without surgery. It involves a special device that freezes fat cells, thereby killing them. The body naturally processes the remnants over time, resulting in a slimmer, more toned appearance [1].

It’s worth noting that CoolSculpting isn’t a weight loss solution. It’s a body contouring treatment that removes small pockets of fat. We suggest incorporating it into a holistic wellness routine, which should include eating healthy foods and staying active.

Overall, cryolipolysis is a fantastic option for people wanting to eliminate fat that’s resistant to diet and exercise. Since there are no incisions or anesthesia involved, patients can return to their daily routines after the treatment.

What Should I Expect After CoolSculpting?

After treatment, you’ll likely wonder what to expect after CoolSculpting. Fortunately, side effects are minimal compared to other beauty procedures.

After your appointment, you may notice:

Don’t be alarmed—these after-effects are temporary and should go away on their own after a few days.

You can minimize discomfort by gently massaging the treatment area. This helps your body process the dead fat cells and facilitates the elimination process. It can also reduce swelling and bruising.

Will I Feel Pain After Fat-Freezing?

There shouldn’t be excruciating pain after your fat-freezing procedure [2]. But everyone’s pain tolerance is different. If your discomfort is interfering with your day-to-day activities, we can provide pain medications to give relief. Mild to moderate discomfort should dissipate after about three days post-procedure.

How Do I Alleviate Discomfort After the Treatment?

Some patients need a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen to manage pain. You can safely take 400 mg every four hours as needed. But always consult us or your medical professional before taking any medications, including over-the-counter drugs.

Besides taking pain medication, there are several natural methods for pain relief after CoolSculpting:

What Is CoolSculpting Aftercare Like?

Many patients want to know what to do after CoolSculpting to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. Remember, it can take a few months before you see the complete results. In the meantime though, you shouldn’t experience long-term discomfort.

Make yourself more comfortable with these aftercare tips:

How Long Does It Take to See Changes?

As your body eliminates the broken-down fat cells, you’ll see a gradual change in your physique.

It takes a while for the body to metabolize the frozen fat cells. Metabolizing them involves breaking them down so the body can use them for energy. This is not an overnight process, which is why you won’t see a drastic change in your appearance immediately after treatment. But the results that develop over time will be well worth the wait.

Here is a typical results timeline to give you an idea of when you can expect to see changes to your body:

Unlike invasive procedures like liposuction, CoolSculpting’s results take a while to fully show. And like any cosmetic treatment, everyone’s journey will look different. Some see results as soon as one month after the procedure. Others may have to wait up to three months to see improvement.

Do I Need More Than One CoolSculpting Treatment?

The amount of fat from person to person varies significantly. So does fat density. Therefore, giving a one-size-fits-all recommendation for CoolSculpting treatments is impossible. However, most people do get multiple CoolSculpting treatments to get the best possible results.

Some areas of the body may not require as many treatments as other areas. For example, the area under the chin typically requires fewer treatments than the average abdomen. Your CoolSculpting provider will closely monitor your results to provide personalized treatment recommendations. Most people achieve their ideal outcome with 1-3 CoolSculpting treatments in each targeted area.

How Long Should I Wait Between CoolSculpting Appointments?

Even though CoolSculpting is noninvasive, you should still give your body time to recover between treatments. Your provider may recommend that you wait 30-60 days between treatments. Some providers recommend longer rest periods between treatments so you can see the results of your first treatment before moving on to the next one. You can also maintain your results indefinitely by receiving CoolSculpting maintenance treatments twice or thrice yearly.

Will CoolSculpting Get Rid of Cellulite?

It’s not clear why some people struggle with cellulite, and others don’t. Age, genetics, lifestyle factors, and hormones may all affect how much cellulite you have. Excess fat can also lead to a more dimpled appearance. However, even thin people sometimes struggle with cellulite. CoolSculpting isn’t explicitly marketed as a cellulite treatment. However, it can reduce lumpiness in treated areas. CoolSculpting minimizes that telltale cottage cheese appearance beneath the skin by ridding the body of excess fat cells. Though treatment won’t eliminate cellulite completely, it will create a smoother, more streamlined appearance.

Is CoolSculpting Safe?

The CoolSculpting device is FDA-cleared and safe for almost everyone. You don’t need to worry about the freezing temperatures harming or killing any cells besides fat cells. This is because fat cells freeze at a higher temperature than other cells in the body. The CoolSculpting device only gets cold enough to freeze and kill the fat cells without harming other bodily cells. It may feel like the device is freezing the rest of your cells, but they’ll warm up and bounce right back after your treatment. Only the targeted fat cells will not bounce back.

Is There Anything I Can Do to Maximize Results?

First and foremost, managing expectations and keeping them realistic is key to success with this procedure. Results aren’t going to be like what you might get with liposuction. Changes won’t be as quick, and may not be as dramatic.

But CoolSculpting is great if you’re close to your body weight and need a little push to shed the extra fat and tone up. The best way to get and maintain top-notch CoolSculpting results is to practice a healthy lifestyle.

It’s true that frozen fat cells can’t regrow, but that doesn’t mean new ones can’t form. The only way to prevent new fat cells from manifesting is by eating clean, nutritious meals and keeping up a solid workout routine. We recommend reducing sodium intake, as too much sodium leads to water retention.

What Factors Can Affect My CoolSculpting Results?

No two bodies are exactly alike. Therefore, different people may respond differently to CoolSculpting treatments. Some may see results faster than others. Some may also experience more dramatic treatment results than others. That’s why it’s important not to compare your treatment outcome with anyone else’s. Here are a few factors that can impact how long it takes you to see results from your treatment:

Treatment area size: Smaller areas of the body, such as the chin, often show results faster than more significant areas, like the thighs or abdomen.
Age: The older you are, the longer your body will metabolize the frozen fat cells. Therefore, older people may take longer to see CoolSculpting results than younger people. Your age can also impact how quickly you recover from soreness after each treatment.
Lifestyle: If you live a sedentary lifestyle, you’re less likely to maintain your results after CoolSculpting. To remain slim and healthy, you need to stay active and follow a nutritious diet.
Amount of Fat: If you have a lot of fat, it may take you longer to see noticeable results from CoolSculpting. You may also need more treatments to achieve your aesthetic goals than someone with less fat.

Is There a Special Diet After CoolSculpting?

There’s no rigid diet to follow after CoolSculpting. But if you’re looking for suggestions on keeping trim and firm, try the following:

Stay hydrated. Water helps your body eliminate toxins and waste efficiently.
Incorporate vinegar into your diet. One to two tablespoons per day can boost fat burning and improve heart health.
Eat foods with healthy fats, like fish, seeds, and nuts. These fats slow down the digestion process, leading to a decrease in hunger and appetite.
Add more fiber to your meals. Soluble fiber moves through the digestive tract slowly, absorbing water and making you feel full for longer. By increasing your fiber intake, you can protect your body against fat accumulation and weight gain. Foods high in fiber include beans, broccoli, and whole grains.
Avoid junk foods high in grease, sodium, and refined sugar. Indulging in your favorite foods sparingly is okay, but these shouldn't be the bulk of your diet.

CoolSculpting El Paso | Azul Medspa

Some fat can be hard to get rid of with diet and exercise alone. That’s why many patients visit Azul Medspa for CoolSculpting. We’re a leading provider of fat-freezing treatments in El Paso, TX.

Men and women can reach their body goals sooner with minimal discomfort or downtime. Our team of experts will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. Reach us at 915-317-5212 (Medspa East) or 915-584-2985 (Medspa West) to schedule a consultation. We look forward to answering your CoolSculpting aftercare questions and helping you get started!

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Sources:

1. Cryolipolysis for noninvasive body contouring: clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction, Dovepress Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, Nils Krueger, Sophia V Mai, Stefanie Luebberding, and Neil S Sadick
Safety, tolerance, and patient satisfaction with noninvasive cryolipolysis, National Library of Medicine, Christine C Dierickx, Jean-Michel Mazer, Mila Sand, Sylvie Koenig, Valerie Arigon

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About the Author

I’m Dr. Lyle D. Weeks, MD, FACS, founder and Medical Director of Azul Medspa in El Paso, Texas. Board Certified in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery and Laser Surgery, I’m a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In 1997, I founded El Paso’s first Laser Center. After years of surgical training, I narrowed my focus to Facial Plastic Surgery and medical aesthetics. I established Azul Medspa in 2013, and over the past 12+ years, my team and I have provided exceptional aesthetic care. We’re an Allergan Top 250 provider and 7-time award-winning medspa. I specialize in CoolSculpting, Emsculpt, Botox, dermal fillers, and advanced laser treatments, helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals.