Lifestyle habits can have a significant impact on the success rate of CoolSculpting treatments and outcomes. Read below to ensure your pre-CoolSculpting routine is as effective as possible:
1. Smoking
Smoking harms blood vessels and impairs circulation, both of which can affect how fat cells respond to treatment with CoolSculpting. While you of course should avoid smoking before and during treatment, you should also quit at least 4 weeks prior to scheduling your first appointment. Why so soon? Most patients will see results after 3–4 months following their procedure date, but this varies from person to person. If you’ve smoked recently, chances are that toxins and nicotine may still linger in your body for a while—so waiting at least 3 months from your last cigarette before scheduling is a safe bet.
2. Sunbathing/Tanning
This one might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning! Tanning and sunbathing can increase your risk of hyperpigmentation (or discoloration) following CoolSculpting treatment. If you do happen to tan or plan on spending an excessive amount of time in the sun, be sure to wear SPF 50+ sunscreen daily starting at least 4 weeks prior to your first appointment. You should also continue wearing sunscreen post-procedure, as unprotected sun exposure may prolong the effects of this treatment (in other words, make them less effective). To further reduce pigment changes, avoid direct sunlight for at least 48 hours post-treatment.
3. Certain Medications
Certain medications can interfere with the efficacy of a CoolSculpting procedure. If you’re on blood thinners or certain acne medications, talk to your doctor about whether these might impact your treatment. Also be sure to discuss any supplements you’re taking, as some may heighten skin sensitivity and increase risk of hyperpigmentation following treatment. In addition to avoiding certain pharmaceuticals before CoolSculpting, it’s also wise to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for approximately 2 weeks beforehand. Ibuprofen is an example of an NSAID, so try to avoid taking if at all possible!
4. Non-Essential Medications
CoolSculpting works best when you are “clean” of any substances that might impede results. This is why it’s important to avoid herbal supplements, non-essential medications, and certain over-the-counter products before treatment. These include St. John’s Wort, garlic pills, ginkgo biloba, saw palmetto, cranberry pills/supplements, vitamins A & E, Calcium & Vitamin D supplements, grapefruit seed extract, etc.
5. Liposuction or Fat Transfer Procedures
Finally, be sure to let your doctor know if you’ve ever undergone liposuction or received fat transfer procedures in the past. While CoolSculpting does not impact surrounding areas in the same way that liposuction does, this information could impact your treatment outcome or limit your candidacy for certain areas. You should also disclose to your doctor if you are planning to receive fat transfer procedures in the future.
While it’s always best to discuss any questions or specific concerns with a CoolSculpting provider before scheduling your procedure, following these five tips will ensure that you’re well-informed and prepped to achieve the best outcome possible!
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