If you have stubborn fat bulges that are resistant to diet and exercise, you may be considering CoolSculpting. The popular non-invasive treatment targets and destroys subcutaneous fat cells through cryolipolysis.
While this process doesn’t require incisions, anesthesia, or downtime, it is still a medical procedure with associated risks and complications. Therefore, before undergoing CoolSculpting, patients should make sure they understand its possible side effects.
Continue reading to learn about CoolSculpting problems, and if the treatment is right for you.
Is CoolSculpting Safe?
CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved fat-freezing procedure and a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. In the hands of a qualified and experienced provider, CoolSculpting is a relatively safe, body contouring treatment.
Known side effects are usually mild and localized to the treatment area. In most cases, CoolSculpting problems resolve on their own within a few days to 2 weeks.
What Are Possible CoolSculpting Problems?
CoolSculpting involves applying freezing temperatures to unwanted fatty tissue in the abdomen, thighs, hips, upper arms, love handles, back, and chin. While this exposure is designed to target fat cells, skin and surrounding tissue may be subject to certain side effects during and immediately after treatment.
Accordingly, patients may feel a pinching sensation, stinging, tingling, mild to moderate pain, muscle cramping, and tenderness. They may also note skin sensitivity, bruising, minor swelling, redness, and firmness.
Other potential symptoms that can persist in the days and weeks after CoolSculpting include: Numbness, itchiness, diarrhea, and submental fullness following double chin treatment.
Who Should Avoid CoolSculpting?
Though CoolSculpting problems are usually manageable and self-limiting, certain individuals could encounter serious complications should they undergo treatment.
With that being said, patients that have any of the following conditions or circumstances, should not have CoolSculpting:
- Cryoglobulinemia
- Cold agglutinin disease
- Paroxysmal cold hemoglobulinuria
- Nerve conditions
- Bleeding issues or long-term use of blood thinners
- History of a hernia or a hernia in or near the treatment area
Additionally, women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding are not good candidates for CoolSculpting.
Want to Learn More About Body Contouring?
Call DC Derm Docs today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with one of our highly skilled and experienced providers.
