CoolSculpting Aftercare and Recovery: Everything You Need to Know After Freezing Fat
CoolSculpting is one of the most well-known body sculpting treatments that removes fat bulges for good! This FDA-cleared fat reduction procedure permanently reduces the number of fat cells in an area of the body quickly, painlessly, and without surgery. This method uses controlled cooling technology, or cryolipolysis, to freeze excess fat cells to death. Once fat cells are effectively frozen, this body sculpting treatment destroys and processes the fat cells out of the body as waste.
By reducing the number of fat cells, patients see significant reductions in stubborn fat bulges from notorious problem areas. CoolSculpting provides a long-lasting fat reduction because the fat cells never return once removed. Plus, this treatment is non-invasive and requires virtually no downtime.
Whether you’re considering CoolSculpting to reduce unwanted fat and sculpt a leaner physique, or you’ve completed your cooling sessions, you’ll need to know all about recovery and aftercare. Our CoolSculpting experts have compiled an extensive CoolSculpting recovery and aftercare guide, letting you know what to expect after this fat-reduction treatment and aftercare tips to help support optimal recovery and maximize fat loss.
What to Expect During Your CoolSculpting Recovery
After a CoolSculpting Elite session, you can resume your normal activities immediately, as there is little to no downtime. In the first few days after treatment, it’s common to experience mild side effects such as redness, swelling, tenderness, tingling, or numbness in the treated area. These effects are temporary and typically subside within a week. Some patients may also notice mild bruising or sensitivity, especially in areas with thinner skin. However, these symptoms should not interfere with daily activities, and most people can return to work, exercise, and other routines right away.
Over the next few weeks, the body begins to naturally process and eliminate the frozen fat cells. You may start to notice subtle changes in the treated area around three to four weeks post-treatment, with continued improvement over time. Some people report mild itching, firmness, or deep tingling as the body breaks down the fat cells, but these sensations are typically mild and temporary. Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support the body’s natural fat elimination process and enhance results.
By eight to twelve weeks, the most noticeable results appear as the body gradually removes the destroyed fat cells. Many patients experience a 20-25% reduction in fat in the treated area, leading to a more sculpted and contoured look. While a single session can yield great results, some individuals choose additional treatments to further enhance their outcomes. With proper diet and exercise, the results of CoolSculpting Elite can be long-lasting, as the targeted fat cells are permanently eliminated from the body.
CoolSculpting Aftercare Tips to Try After Fat-Freezing
#1 Try Lymphatic Drainage
After CoolSculpting, fat cells are frozen, causing them to break down. Lymphatic drainage can aid in the recovery process by helping remove these dead fat cells from your body.
By engaging in lymphatic drainage, you boost the natural detoxification process of your lymphatic system and help remove these waste products more quickly. Lymphatic drainage involves gently massaging the treated area. This stimulates the flow of lymph fluid, which carries away excess fluid and reduces any discomfort or puffiness in the treated areas.
According to a study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, daily massage to the treated area following a cryolipolysis-based treatment may increase fat reduction. Individuals manually massaged one side of a treated area for two minutes daily but not the other. The researchers measured the fat loss on both sides of a treated area using ultrasound. Their findings showed that the massaged side achieved a 68% greater fat layer reduction than the non-massaged side after two months.*
#2 up your water intake
After your CoolSculpting treatment, drinking plenty of water is key to your recovery. Staying hydrated supports your body's natural processes in flushing out the frozen fat cells. For the next six months, your body will eliminate the dead fat cells, little by little. Drinking enough water helps your body flush out the fat cells a little faster.
Staying hydrated also helps reduce any potential side effects of CoolSculpting, such as swelling or discomfort. Drinking enough water aids your body's healing process and reduces any inflammation that may occur. Sipping on water regularly and being properly hydrated supports your body's recovery and helps you maintain overall good health. Aim to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to help get rid of the dead fat cells from your body.
#3 focus on eating nutrient-dense foods
Adopting a healthy, nutrient-dense diet plan will help your recovery process by speeding up the effectiveness of CoolSculpting. Making healthy food choices will help you maintain a lean and fit physique. Incorporating meals rich in lean proteins and eating a mix of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contributes to healthy weight management and overall wellness.
Additionally, it is recommended to limit sugary foods such as candy, soda, sweets, and processed foods. These foods are low in nutrients and high in calories, fat, and sugar. Sugar is very addictive and can lead to overeating. As a result, this can create unhealthy eating habits and get in the way of maintaining a slimmer figure.
#4 Practice Portion Control
Portion control is another important factor in the aftercare and success of your body sculpting treatment. Practicing portion control is essential to weight management. It is important because it allows you to have a handle on how many calories you are consuming. This will enable you to eat what your body needs instead of overindulging.
Using a smaller plate is one way to practice portion control. Avoiding extra carbs is another way you can monitor your calories. Measuring out your food portions is also helpful. If you would like seconds, choose nutrient-dense foods that will help you feel fuller longer. Lastly, if you still feel hungry after a meal, wait 20 minutes. It can take up to 20 minutes for your body to feel complete.
#5 get physical!
Want to supercharge your CoolSculpting Elite before and after results? Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important during your recovery period to boost results. It is common knowledge that exercise benefits your overall health and well-being. Exercise has many benefits, like increasing metabolism and improving heart health. It can also enhance blood flow and improve mental health by decreasing stress. While exercise cannot spot-reduce unwanted fat, it can help accelerate your CoolSculpting results.
Regular physical activity, like brisk walking, running, or cycling, boosts blood circulation. As a result, this promotes faster fat elimination from the treated area. Post-treatment, you will notice that your muscle tone will be more visible. Additionally, engaging in exercise such as strength training will strengthen your muscles and continue to improve muscle tone and definition.
Experience CoolSculpting Near Me in Staten Island, New York
CoolSculpting is a safe and effective option to help you destroy stubborn fat bulges and achieve the lean body of your dreams. Learn more about how this body contouring treatment helps slim and sculpt your physique without surgery and downtime by contacting Emerson Medical. NYC and Staten Island residents who struggle with diet and exercise-resistant fat trust body sculpting at our premier medical facility to help attain beautiful, natural-looking results.
To find out if you are a candidate for CoolSculpting in Staten Island, call us at (718) 448-3800 and book a free consultation or contact us online to learn more. We can’t wait to help you eliminate stubborn fat bulges once and for all with this popular aesthetic treatment.
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SOURCES:
Global Expert Opinion on Cryolipolysis Treatment Recommendations and Considerations: A Modified Delphi Study. Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
Cryolipolysis for Reduction of Excess Adipose Tissue. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery.
Enhanced clinical outcome with manual massage following cryolipolysis treatment: A 4-month safety and efficacy study. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.