If you ever wondered if it's safe to have CoolSculpting treatments around pregnancy, read on....
Pregnancy is a journey. When women get pregnant, there is a list of things they should and shouldn’t do to keep their unborn baby healthy.
Because of the body changes they experience, many expectant mums look for ways to prevent stretch marks and even get rid of excess fat buildup. With the rise of non-surgical cosmetic procedures like fat freezing, some women are wondering: “Can I still do fat freezing when I’m pregnant?”
Fat freezing, popularly known as CoolSculpting, is the process of exposing fatty areas to freezing cold temperatures to kill fat cells. The procedure doesn’t cause weight loss, but it does help in reducing excess fat cells without damaging the skin tissue.
If you’re curious about whether fat freezing can affect pregnancy or fertility, we will answer your questions below.
I’m Looking to Get Pregnant. Will Fat Freezing Affect Fertility?
Most women who are looking to get pregnant keep track of their ovulation cycles, while others follow so-called “fertility diets,” and avoid certain activities to increase their chances of getting pregnant.
If you’re thinking of booking a CoolSculpting appointment but are unsure of its effects on your fertility, do know that it is completely safe. Here’s why:
Fat freezing doesn’t use radiation
The handheld device used for CoolSculpting only uses cold temperatures to target fat cells. It doesn’t use lasers that would emit radiation waves that might damage the ovaries and cause infertility.
Fat freezing won’t affect internal organs
The way CoolSculpting works is that it targets fat cells underneath the skin tissue. It cannot reach internal organs, so you don’t have to worry about any damage to your reproductive system – especially if you’re getting the procedure done on your abdomen area.
Find CoolSculpting Treatments in Queensland
If you’re based in QLD and looking for CoolSculpting Treatments, find your local skin therapist here.
But What If I’m Already Pregnant? Can I Still Get Fat Freezing Treatments?
If CoolSculpting can’t affect fertility, you might be thinking it’s perfectly okay to still do it while pregnant. We hate to break it to you, but pregnant women aren’t allowed to undergo this procedure.
Yes, fat freezing is non-invasive and can’t damage internal organs, but it hasn’t been medically approved for pregnant women. This means there’s still no concrete evidence that proves it is safe when you’re carrying a child.
Doctors also advise against fat freezing for lactating mothers. Again, there’s no evidence yet as to how this procedure may affect women’s breastfeeding. So, hold off on your appointment just to be safe.
How Long Should I Wait After Pregnancy to have CooSculpting Treatments?
Women can start getting fat freezing treatments once they’ve stopped lactating or aren’t actively trying to get pregnant in the meantime. Many doctors would suggest around three months after giving birth would be a better time, but it’s still best to consult with your OB-GYNE just to be sure.
Bouncing back from pregnancy with the help of Fat Freezing
CoolSculpting is actually best after pregnancy as it can help women get back to their pre-pregnancy bodies a little faster. One session can help reduce fat buildup around their abdomen area and love handles to safely refine their bodies without going under the knife.
Fat Freezing Treatments saves Time and Effort
New mums usually don’t have time to do a lot of things because they’re focused on taking care of their babies. We know that’s a 24/7 job in itself since they have to breastfeed them and put them to sleep at odd hours. For mums who don’t have time to bounce back just yet, fat freezing would definitely help in cutting down the effort they have to exert in getting their pre-pregnancy bodies back.
Again, fat freezing is not a weight loss solution, but it can still help in maintaining the body’s natural contours.
The best way to maximize the effects of fat freezing is to stay active and have a healthy moderate diet. Of course, there’s no pressure for new mums to work out right away.
Find CoolSculpting Treatments in Victoria
If you’re based in VIC and looking for CoolSculpting Treatments, find your local skin therapist here.
How long does it take for fat freezing results to show?
So, you’ve decided that you will do the treatment once everything is cleared with your doctor. How long does it take before results start to show?
It would usually take 8 to 12 weeks to see changes in the areas you got fat freezing treatment on. Oftentimes, one session is enough. But you can get up to three per body area within a 6 to 8 week interval, depending on the results you want to see and of course, your doctor’s recommendation.
The possible side effects of fat freezing
Just like any cosmetic procedure, fat freezing may also cause some minimal pain and discomfort during and after the procedure. Here are some of the side effects you should expect:
- Some pain and aching on the treatment area
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bruising
- A “pins and needles” feeling
- Treatment area feels extra sensitive
Don’t worry. These side effects are temporary and most likely won’t hinder you from doing everyday tasks. But you can still follow these self-care tips to make the experience a little easier to bear.
- Wear comfortable clothing like lightweight shirts and yoga pants
- Don’t aggressively rub or scratch the treatment area
- Avoid bumping on sharp edges
- Don’t expose the treatment area to the sun to avoid further irritation
- Consult your doctor if any side effects persist or if any unusual symptoms pop up during the healing process
Finding Reputable Fat Freezing Clinics in Australia
Overall, fat freezing or CoolSculpting is a safe non-surgical procedure. It won’t cause infertility or damage to internal organs.
So if you’re planning to have kids in the future, you don’t have to worry as fat freezing won’t affect your current fertility.
We also want to reiterate that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not get fat freezing treatments. While there’s still no conclusive evidence of its negative effects on pregnant women, doctors still advise against it as a precaution.
Once you’re cleared to undergo fat freezing after giving birth, the results will definitely be rewarding. Just remember to keep your health and well-being in check after the procedure, especially since you’re embarking on a new journey called motherhood.
If you’re pregnant (or post-pregnancy), and considering having Fat Freezing treatments take the time to chat to a local clinic who specialises in this type of treatment. To find a reputable Fat Freezing clinic near you, check out our Australian-based directory.
