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Is Swelling Normal After CoolSculpting On Chin?

Although liposuction is still the standard for body enhancements and fat removal, a lot of people are thinking twice about getting cosmetic surgery due to its potential risks and complications. When it comes to nonsurgical body contouring procedures, CoolSculpting is rapidly becoming a popular choice of treatment. It requires zero downtime and only has a few side effects that are easily manageable. 

So how common is swelling in the treatment area after getting chin CoolSculpting? Swelling is one of the usual side effects of a CoolSculpting procedure. It happens as a result of suctioning the fatty tissue into the applicator. It’s a normal bodily response to the treatment and can persist for several days up to weeks. It can subside on its own but if it causes any discomfort, you massage the swollen area for a few days.

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Swelling after Chin CoolSculpting: Why It Happens 

When CoolSculpting was launched and received its FDA approval in 2010, it completely changed the game for body contouring and fat reduction with its use of cryolipolysis technology. Individuals who want to get rid of their unwanted fat without undergoing invasive reconstructive surgery can opt for CoolSculpting. 

CoolSculpting is a versatile treatment and one of the common areas where it’s done is the submental region or double chin. Excess fat in the double chin or under the neck is specifically hard to lose because it doesn’t go away with simple diet and exercise. It can also look worse if you have moderate skin laxity. With CoolSculpting, you can conveniently freeze your double chin fat away and provide minor skin tightening with few side effects. 

As with any cosmetic procedure, CoolSculpting can also cause swelling as an immediate side effect after the treatment. Studies have already shown that CoolSculpting is safe and poses no risk for adverse events. However, there are several reasons why swelling occurs after a CoolSculpting treatment session on the double chin: 

1) Reaction to the CoolSculpting applicator 

There are different kinds of CoolSculpting machines designed for the removal of visible fat bulges in specific areas of the body. Each applicator has a unique feature and can either have a flat surface or a cup design. When treating double chin or neck fat, providers use the handheld CoolSculpting Mini applicator. 

The CoolMini device perfectly targets the area under the chin, neck, and jawline with its small cup design. It uses a suction mechanism and pulls the tissues into the cup to deliver controlled cooling into the targeted fat cells. During the treatment, you’ll feel sensations of tugging or pinching as the skin is pulled into the cup. 

After several minutes of cooling the double chin fat, you’ll notice a frozen bulge (known as the stick of butter effect) which is typically massaged away. However, some swelling may still be visible as a result of the vacuuming effect of the applicator. 

2) Natural part of the body’s healing response 

When you undergo a CoolSculpting treatment, the excess fat cells in the targeted area are frozen to their death and as an immune response, the body sends macrophages to the site. These macrophages aid in the elimination of dead fat cells which in turn causes temporary inflammation and swelling in the treated area. 

How Does CoolSculpting Work for Chin Fat Removal 

The magic behind CoolSculpting lies in the principle of cryolipolysis or fat freezing. It’s believed that fat cells are more vulnerable to cold temperatures than any other tissues or cells in the body. Exposing them to an intense cold as low as -11°C will lead to their death which then triggers the elimination process via the body’s lymphatic system. 

A CoolSculpting session for double chin fat removal is simple and doesn’t require any prior preparation. However, an initial consultation with your provider is required to discuss your goals and manage your expectations about the treatment.  

Here’s an overview of the CoolSculpting procedure for double chin removal: 

  • You’ll be invited into a treatment room where you’ll be asked to lie in a comfortable reclining position. 
  • The provider will prepare the treatment area by marking the sites where the applicator will be placed and cleansing the skin. 
  • A protective gel pad will be applied over your chin followed by the placement of the CoolMini applicator.
  • Once the machine is turned on, the fatty areas will be pulled into the cup where it’s exposed to cold temperatures. The applicator may be moved over the skin to better reach stubborn fat under the chin, neck, and jaw. 
  • The whole treatment can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. After the procedure, the paddle is removed and the provider will massage the frozen fat bulge to smooth it out and begin the process of eliminating the treated fat cells. 
  • You can go home immediately or return to your normal activity after the CoolSculpting treatment.  

How Long Will the Swelling from CoolSculpting Last?

Fortunately, swelling isn’t a serious side effect of CoolSculpting and it’s usually short-lived. Most CoolSculpting patients can expect their swelling to subside within 24 to 48 hours after the treatment. It’s also possible to experience swelling for up to 2 to 4 weeks as the body heals and eliminates the treated fat cells. 

During your CoolSculpting recovery period, it’s best to follow aftercare practices and monitor your condition. If it persists, contact your CoolSculpting provider or doctor as soon as possible. 

How to Manage Swelling from Chin CoolSculpting  

Although it’s a temporary side effect that resolves on its own, swelling after a fat freezing treatment can be uncomfortable. Not to mention, it may slow down your recovery and take you longer to see your CoolSculpting results. Fortunately, there are some ways you can speed up healing from swelling. Here are some tips to reduce post-CoolSculpting swelling and inflammation: 

  • Massage the Treated Area: For the following days after your CoolSculpting, you can also massage your chin and neck at home. Using gentle manipulation, you can massage the treated area for at least 5 to 10 minutes each day. This will help facilitate the fat cell elimination and stimulate the natural lymphatic drainage system.
  • Watch Your Diet and Stay Hydrated: It’s also important to make modifications to your lifestyle and diet. You don’t want to risk gaining new fat cells which will eventually cause visible fat bulges to reappear. To guarantee optimal results and manage swelling after CoolSculpting, you should eat healthier and avoid foods with high sugar and fat content. You should also drink more water as it helps flush out toxins and dead fat cells. 

Other Side Effects to Expect from CoolSculpting

While CoolSculpting is nothing like liposuction and other surgical treatments for body contouring and fat reduction, there are still some discomfort and side effects that may occur after the treatment. Here are some of the possible side effects that you may experience after CoolSculpting:

  • Minor pain in the treatment area
  • Redness
  • Bruising
  • Blanching
  • Tenderness
  • Itching
  • Increased skin sensitivity 
  • Numbness
  • Tingling 

Can You Combine CoolSculpting With Other Submental Area Treatments?  

CoolSculpting is one of the various nonsurgical options that you have for removing double chin fat. Another popular choice is the Kybella treatment which involves the administration of a fat-melting solution directly to the double chin. This procedure is also approved by the FDA for submental fat treatment.

The way Kybella injection works is that it destroys the excess fat cells in the submental area. It also prevents the cells from storing more fat in the chin region. This treatment comes with its own share of side effects such as injection site pain, redness, swelling, firmness, itching, and bruising.

If you’re looking for more dramatic chin fat removal and contouring results, you can choose to get combination treatments from your trusted medical spa. Although CoolSculpting is already an excellent procedure on its own, getting Kybella may provide additional enhancements to your initial results. 

If you want a combination treatment, CoolSculpting may be done first to reduce the fat layer on your double chin. You can expect to have at least 2 to 3 treatment sessions for your initial CoolSculpting procedure. You’ll then wait at least 3 to 6 months before consulting your provider about Kybella injections. 

Your med spa team will assess the improvements on your double chin before recommending how many injections you’d need to get. Receiving Kybella may help address the remaining fat cells that weren’t treated or removed from your prior CoolSculpting procedure. 

Remove Your Double Chin With Safe and Effective Fat Freezing Treatments at NJ Center for CoolSculpting   

Having a double chin is one of the sources of insecurity for many individuals. It shows up along with significant weight gain, but it doesn’t go away with simple workouts and diet changes. But with CoolSculpting, you can get rid of unwanted chin fat conveniently and without serious side effects or risks. At most, post-treatment swelling will only last for a few days to weeks before subsiding on its own and revealing a contoured and slimmer chin. 

NJ Center for CoolSculpting is a trusted med spa that provides the highest quality of care and treatment for your body contouring and fat reduction needs. We have a team of CoolSculpting experts who can perform your procedures safely and comfortably, ensuring that you meet your goals with a personalized treatment plan. Call us today to book an appointment or inquire more about our services.

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Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!

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What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "The treatment itself was not uncomfortable. Afterwords, I felt great. I didn't really notice anything for about 30 days. After day 30 until about a month later, I started noticing that my favorite jeans were not as tight anymore. I wasn't having to suck in to get them buttoned. And by that two month period after my CoolSculpting

    Lesley Hamilton

    Age 41

  • "It's subtle at first, and then a month later you look and go, "Wow - It really did something!" It really moved the bar for me, and I'm feeling better about myself already. It feels so good to put on anything and know I look as good as I've ever looked. And I didn't say that or feel that when I was in my 20's, 30's, and 40's."

    Anne McMarthy

    Age 56

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