Gaining Weight After Coolsculpting Got You Confused? We Break Down The Common Questions

The Truth About Weight Gain Post-Treatment

We totally get it - you spent time and money on CoolSculpting to slim down specific areas. So when the scale starts creeping up again after your treatments, it can feel defeating. But here's the good news:

Gaining a few pounds after CoolSculpting is normal and it doesn't mean the treatment didn't work. That's because the fat cells in the treated area have been crystallized and eliminated from your body. When you gain weight, it distributes to the surrounding fat cells that are still active.

This means the treated trouble spots stay slimmer than they would have if you gained weight without getting CoolSculpting. You're just noticing new fat distribution in other spots.

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How to Maintain Your CoolSculpting Results

To keep your results looking their absolute best, be sure to:

• Stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine to maintain your post-treatment figure
• Stay hydrated to help your body flush out the crystallized fat cells
• Massage the treated areas to stimulate drainage

Book follow-up contouring sessions with NJ Center for CoolSculpting every 3-6 months if you notice new stubborn spots popping up. We'll develop a customized plan to target those areas while keeping your original treatment zones looking fabulous.

Gaining Weight After Coolsculpting FAQs

You probably have a lot of questions about what happens if you gain weight after getting CoolSculpting treatments. It's confusing when the number on the scale creeps up after you've invested time and money into slimming down specific areas. 

To help you understand the facts and what to really expect if you gain weight post-treatment, we've put together this comprehensive FAQ. 

Read on for answers to all of your most common questions and concerns around maintaining your CoolSculpting results long-term.

Can CoolSculpting cause weight gain?

CoolSculpting itself does not directly cause weight gain. However, there are some temporary side effects of CoolSculpting that can translate to a number on the scale:

• Swelling/Inflammation: It’s normal for the treated area to swell after CoolSculpting. This inflammation can make it seem like you have gained weight.
• Water Retention: Your body may retain water to aid in the healing and recovery process after CoolSculpting. Water weight gain is common.
• Increased Appetite: You may experience increased hunger for 1-2 weeks after the procedure due to the inflammatory response. Overeating could lead to weight gain.
• Muscle Mass Loss: If you take a break from exercise after CoolSculpting, you may lose a small amount of muscle. Less muscle mass equals a lower metabolism.

The good news is that these effects are temporary. The inflammation, water retention, and appetite surge resolve within a few weeks. You can mitigate muscle loss with light exercise.

While the number on the scale may fluctuate, CoolSculpting results in long-term fat reduction in the treated areas. By following a healthy lifestyle, you can maintain your sculpted figure over time.

Where does the fat go after the CoolSculpting procedure?

So where do the dead fat cells go after CoolSculpting? The body safely metabolizes the dead fat cells, processing the fatty lipid contents and removing the cells. 

The broken down components of the destroyed fat cells are then naturally filtered out through the liver and kidneys. As this happens, you may notice more frequent urination as your kidneys work to flush out the fat.

Is weight gain post CoolSculpting a common occurrence?

Weight gain after CoolSculpting is common, but it’s usually minimal and temporary. Studies show that patients gain an average of 2.8 pounds after CoolSculpting. However, this number fluctuates quite a bit. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

• 20-30% of patients lose weight after CoolSculpting.
• 50% of patients maintain their weight after the procedure.
• 30% of patients gain some weight after CoolSculpting.
• Of the 30% who gain weight, most gain between 2-5 pounds.

So while a slight bump in weight is relatively normal after CoolSculpting, significant weight gain is uncommon.

Can you gain weight back after CoolSculpting?

Yes, it is possible to gain back weight after CoolSculpting if you later gain body fat overall. 

If, after your CoolSculpting treatment, you stop exercising and start consuming excess calories, the untreated fat cells elsewhere on your body will expand. This overall weight gain can make it appear as though you gained back fat in the treated areas.

To avoid this effect, maintain your healthy diet and exercise routine after CoolSculpting. Don’t view it as a quick fix and take your new sculpted shape for granted.

Focus on developing lifelong healthy habits so that the remaining fat cells don’t have the opportunity to expand. Make sensible food choices and keep up regular physical activity. Some intermittent fasting or calorie restriction may help as well.

With diligent lifestyle choices after your CoolSculpting treatments, you can ensure your sculpted results are long-lasting.

Does water retention occur after CoolSculpting?

Yes, water retention and bloating for 1-2 weeks after CoolSculpting is very common. The swelling is part of the body's natural inflammatory response to CoolSculpting:

• The cold temperatures of the CoolSculpting applicators produce inflammation at the treatment site as cells are crystallized. Blood rushes to the area, and swelling ensues.
• The body also intentionally retains extra fluid during the healing process to stabilize tissues and remove waste. This shows up as water weight.
• Immune cells called macrophages rush to the treated area to digest the crystallized fat cells. This process can cause temporary bloating.
• Some patients also experience delayed stomach emptying and constipation, which brings on bloating and water retention.

During the first couple of weeks post-CoolSculpting, focusing on drinking lots of water, reducing salt, and eating potassium-rich foods can help flush out excess fluids and reduce puffiness.

The Takeaway

Gaining some weight post-CoolSculpting doesn't mean you wasted your time or money. Your treated trouble spots will remain slimmer than they would have without treatment. Just be sure to maintain healthy habits and book follow-ups to contour any new problem areas.

You've got this! We can't wait to see your beautiful, refined results at your next appointment. 

Freeze Away Your Stubborn Fat Like Never Before

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

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