Dr. Malcolm Ke, MD


Physician
Dermatology

Specialty

Mohs Surgery


El Segundo Dermatology
713 N. Douglas St.
El Segundo, California 90245 [MAP]
For an appointment , call (310) 906-2788
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CoolSculpting Treatment Overview

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING COOLSCULPTING

CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure that may take from one to several hours, depending on your treatment plan. No topical anesthesia or pain medication is required.

As the procedure is initiated, vacuum pressure draws tissue into an applicator cup between cooling panels. The vacuum pressure may cause sensations of deep pulling, tugging and pinching in the area being treated.

You also may experience intense stinging, tingling, aching or cramping. These sensations generally subside as the area becomes numb.

WHAT TO EXPECT IMMEDIATELY AFTER COOLSCULPTING

Immediately after the procedure, your treated area may look or feel stiff and transient blanching (temporary whitening of the skin) may occur.

You may feel a sense of nausea or dizziness as your body naturally warms and sensation returns to your treatment area. These are normal reactions that typically resolve within minutes.

The treated area may be red for up to a few hours after the applicator is removed. This is an expected but temporary effect after CoolSculpting.

Bruising, swelling and tenderness can occur in the treated area. This typically resolves within a week or two. Nausea and tingling, stinging and cramping in the treatment area are often reported on treatment day.
You may feel a temporary dulling of sensation in the treated area. This is normal and typically resolves within a few hours but may last for several weeks after your procedure.

There typically is minimal recovery time after CoolSculpting. Most patients are able to return to their daily routine immediately after the procedure.

WHAT TO EXPECT THE FIRST FEW DAYS AND WEEKS AFTER COOLSCULPTING

It is common for the treated area to feel bloated and look swollen in the first few days and weeks after CoolSculpting. You may experience a temporary dulling of sensation that can last for several weeks.

At some point within the first 2 weeks following the procedure, you may experience one or more of the following sensations: deep itching, tingling, numbness, tenderness to the touch, pain in the treated area, strong cramping, diarrhea, muscle spasms, aching and/or soreness. Consult your doctor if these conditions persist beyond 2 weeks or worsen over time.

Following the procedure, a gradual reduction in the thickness of the fat layer will take place. You may start to see changes as early as 3 weeks after CoolSculpting and you will experience the most dramatic results after 1-3 months. Your body will continue naturally to process the injured fat cells from your body for approximately four months after your procedure.

NEXT STEPS
Weight gain will prevent you from appreciating your full results. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine after your procedure can help prevent this.

Schedule a follow-up medical assessment to review your clinical results and discuss the option of additional treatments to achieve desired fat reduction.

If you have any questions or concerns, if your symptoms appear to worsen or last longer than 2 weeks, or if you experience an unexpected reaction, please call us immediately. A physician can always be reached after hours through the answering service. We are happy to speak with you any time: (310) 906-2788.