What To Do After Your CoolSculpting Treatment

CoolSculpting is the most popular and effective way to sculpt and contour your body without invasive surgery. At Michigan Plastic SurgeryTM, we offer the latest in CoolSculpting technology so you can achieve your ideal body. CoolSculpting’s success depends on what you do afterward, so here is what to know about CoolSculpting aftercare and how you can maintain your results.

When Will I See CoolSculpting Results?

For the first few days after your treatment session, your body will begin to expel the damaged fat cells. This process takes time, but it’s possible to begin seeing results as early as four weeks after your treatment. Your results will begin to improve over the next few months, which is the length of time it takes for your body to process up to 25% of the fat cells in the treated areas. Your results can be boosted further by subsequent treatments – and by maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Keep in mind that CoolSculpting is not a replacement for exercise or a healthy, varied diet.

What Should I Avoid After CoolSculpting?

Although there’s no downtime after CoolSculpting, it’s generally recommended to avoid intensive activities like heavy lifting or cardiovascular exercise. You should also avoid direct heat and hot environments like saunas or hot tubs. Finally, you may feel more comfortable in loose-fitting, comfortable clothes rather than tight-fitting outfits like skinny jeans, which can aggravate discomfort.

How to Manage Side Effects After CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting can produce minor side effects for some patients. Fortunately, you can manage side effects at home with over-the-counter products. Here are some ways to manage side effects after CoolSculpting.

Discomfort and Swelling

You might experience some achiness, nerve “zings”, cramping, bloating, tingling, or numbness in the treatment area. It can be helpful to massage the area using petroleum jelly like Vaseline or Aquaphor. You can also take ibuprofen (Advil) and apply a protected ice pack or heating pad for five minutes at a time. Compression clothing may also help.

Itchiness

For itchiness, you can apply hydrocortisone 1% and cover it with petroleum jelly. It can also be helpful to take antihistamines like Benadryl.

Bruising

It’s normal to have some bruising from the suction applicators used during treatment. Bruising typically resolves on its own within a few days but you can help this process by avoiding alcohol.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re interested in taking the next step with CoolSculpting or have questions about your recovery process, make sure to contact us. Call our office or fill out our online contact form to meet with Dr. Lee Colony and learn more.