How to Improve CoolSculpting Results By Dr. Suzanne Yee on August 19, 2021

CoolSculpting® is a nonsurgical technique for localized fat reduction. CoolSculpting freezes and destroys fat cells, which are later naturally eliminated from the body.

Dr. Suzanne Yee helps patients in Little Rock, AR, experience the power of CoolSculpting and other body contouring methods. She combines over 20 years of experience with artistry and scientific research to help patients achieve their ideal body shape, tone, and size.

Here are seven tips on how to improve CoolSculpting results:

1. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

CoolSculpting only targets specific areas of fat, not the whole body. Sustaining a balanced, low-fat diet and consistent exercise routine are essential to maintaining results. CoolSculpting permanently eliminates targeted cells. However, the remaining fat cells can grow.

When patients don’t watch what they eat or become sedentary, fat accumulates again. Here are a few tips to help maintain the benefits of CoolSculpting.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

It’s essential to stay hydrated before and after the procedure. At least 100 ounces of water per day is a good goal. However, if patients consume caffeinated drinks (like coffee or tea), are outside in extreme weather or exercise intensely, they should drink more water to remain adequately hydrated.

3. Massage the Treated Area

Immediately after Coolsculpting, our aesthetics team massages the targeted area to help break down fat. An immediate two-minute, vigorous massage helps release the frozen fat.

Continuing kneading, circular massages at home can help improve circulation and drainage in the area. Two months of meticulous and diligent massage can improve results by as much as 68%. Four months of massage can reduce focused fat layers up to 44%.

4. Wear Loose Clothing or a Compression Garment

The targeted area may feel sore after treatment. Loose clothing during and after the procedure helps the skin breathe and recover naturally.

Wearing compression garments can help relieve swelling and bruising, and also help the skin retract after CoolSculpting treatment.

5. Avoid NSAIDs

If possible, avoid anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or a high-dose aspirin) for at least six weeks after CoolSculpting. The body’s natural inflammatory response removes “dead” fat cells from treated areas. NSAIDs suppress this response and could hinder this process, results, and cause paradoxical adipose hyperplasia.

Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) happens when the dead fat cells harden. PAH activates a reactionary process of thickening and expanding the fatty tissue rather than breaking it down. PAH is one of the rarest side effects, but is treatable.

6. Manage Expectations

CoolSculpting starts to work following the initial treatment, but patience is vital. The body takes time to eliminate waste, including dead fat cells. Most patients see a noticeable difference in their before and after photos after three months.

7. Attend Follow-Up Treatments

Every body is different. Dr. Yee will prescribe a tailored treatment plan and home care tips to help you maximize the results of your CoolSculpting procedure. She may recommend one to three follow-up treatments on a specific schedule.