CoolSculpting is rapidly making a name for itself as one of the top non-surgical body contouring treatments available. Thousands of people rely on this effective cosmetic treatment each year to achieve a more desirable shape and get rid of stubborn fat.
To deliver its long-term results1, CoolSculpting (also known as cryolipolysis) freezes stubborn fat cells. Once frozen, the dead fat cells are slowly eliminated from the body. The end result is a sleeker, more sculpted appearance. If you’re considering improving your figure with CoolSculpting treatments, you may be curious about the post-procedural recovery process.
Fortunately, CoolSculpting is a minimally aesthetic procedure with no downtime. But there are still things you can do to make your recovery go as smoothly as possible. After treatment, taking good care of your body may also help you experience the best outcome. Here are 10 CoolSculpting aftercare and recovery tips to follow after your procedure.
After your CoolSculpting appointment, make it a priority to massage your treatment area regularly. This will help improve the treatment’s effects. Massaging the area immediately after your appointment will help break down the frozen fat cells so your body can remove them more easily. It also stimulates lymph fluids, which can further aid your body in eliminating unwanted cells.
For best results, gently massage the area for up to 10 minutes after your initial treatment. Then, massage the site multiple times daily for up to a week after your appointment. Use massage oil or lotion to help you avoid excessive skin pulling during massages.
Most people only experience mild soreness in treated areas after CoolSculpting. Therefore, you probably won’t need pain medications as part of your CoolSculpting aftercare routine. But if you want to ease your discomfort, you may choose to take over-the-counter pain medication.
There is debate about whether anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen are helpful or harmful after CoolSculpting. On the one hand, they can help reduce any inflammation or discomfort you experience after the procedure. On the other hand, they may interfere with the body’s natural healing response. This might make it harder for the body to eliminate the dying fat cells from your body.
To be safe, use primarily non-inflammatory pain medications like Tylenol. These should be more than sufficient to manage any post-procedural discomfort. If anti-inflammatories are more effective at reducing pain, try using them sparingly.
Exercising is an important part of CoolSculpting aftercare. It helps promote blood flow through the body. Healthy blood circulation can help your body eliminate dead fat cells more efficiently. However, you should only engage in light exercises right after your procedure. Some suggestions include yoga, Pilates, stretching, and walking. Avoid high-intensity exercises for at least a few days after your treatment.
You may wear compression clothing and bandages during CoolSculpting recovery to reduce swelling and minimize discomfort. They can reduce your risk of blood clotting and help your body heal itself. They can also facilitate good lymphatic and blood circulation. If you wear compression garments, only use them for the first few days after your CoolSculpting appointment.
Healthy food contains the nutrients your body needs to heal and remain healthy. Eating a healthy diet is not just recommended during CoolSculpting recovery. It’s also recommended for general good health and weight control.
Consuming healthy foods can also help you maintain your optimal weight. This, in turn, will help you enjoy long-lasting results from your CoolSculpting treatments. Avoid fried foods, heavily processed meals, and sugary treats or drinks. Choose nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
As with anti-inflammatories, opinions differ on whether a hot or cold compress is best for CoolSculpting aftercare. If you feel like the treatment area is inflamed and irritated, try applying a cold compress for up to 15 minutes at a time. If you feel sore, but the treatment area responds more favorably to heat, apply a hot compress instead. You may also find relief by alternating between cold and hot compresses throughout the day.
Your body needs to stay hydrated to flush itself of the dead fat cells caused by your CoolSculpting treatment. To make sure you’re getting adequate hydration, drink enough water throughout the day that you have to urinate frequently. Your urine should be clear or pale yellow in color. If it’s not, increase your water intake.
You shouldn’t drink alcohol for at least a week before and after your procedure. Alcohol can increase your risk of bruising and make your CoolSculpting recovery time longer.
Once you’re done wearing compression clothing for a few days, switch to loose-fitting clothing. They will probably feel more comfortable and won’t constrict your body while it continues to recover.
One of the most important CoolSculpting aftercare tips is to be patient with your body after your CoolSculpting appointment. Though you shouldn’t feel a lot of pain afterward, you may feel sore and uncomfortable for a few days.
You should also be patient while you wait to see the results of your body contouring procedure. It takes some time for your body to eliminate the frozen fat cells in the treated areas. Therefore, you won’t see optimal results immediately after your procedure. Instead, it can take a few months to see optimal results. Clinical studies show that a single CoolSculpting treatment can reduce targeted subcutaneous fat by up to 25%2. Most people would probably agree those results are worth the wait.
Losing stubborn fat can be difficult to do with diet and exercise alone. If you need help getting rid of fat cells in specific areas, Concierge Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery can help. Call us now at 312-255-1495 to schedule your CoolSculpting treatment in Chicago.
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