Kansas City Doctors

Normal To Have Severe Pain Post CoolSculpt? How Long Will It Last?

I had Cool Sculpt of abdomen, 5 months post lipo, as well as flanks. My flanks was mildly sore. I am two weeks post Cool Sculpt and am wearing Lidoderm patches for severe nerve pain in the ab area. Seems to be radiating out from near the belly button. I have tried Steroid Shot, 3 days neurotin 300mg 3x day, Toradol - on day 3/5. I have a rx to pick up in the am for Dose Pack steroids. Any idea how long to resolve? My dr has not seen this in other patients. Will this resolve?

Most people experience some mild discomfort after CoolSculpting to the abdomen, it may last several weeks, but it is always temporary and will eventually resolve.  I have found topical anesthetic cream spread over the area of discomfort several times a day to help control the pain. 

CoolSculpting is still considered a new and novel method to non-surgically reduce fat deposits and tighten the skin.  Therefore, we don't know how each person will react to the freezing.  I have had several people complain of rather severe pain that you have described, always in the abdomen and in fairly thin patients with loose skin.  What I believe is happening is that some abdominal muscles are pulled into the applicator head and bruised or "beat up" during the treatment.  The pain is similar to a muscle strain or sprain and it takes several weeks for the muscle to heal itself.  It is self limiting and in the long term, the muscles are fine. 

I have experienced this discomfort after my second treatment on my abdomen and it did resovle.  By the way, my tummy looks great now, so it was well worth it!!!!

David Finkle, MD

Omaha Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck Recovery

What is tummy tuck recovery generally like? If I get it done, what can I expect post-op care, checkups, pain? How long does complete recovery from a tummy tuck take?

A tummy tuck which is also referred to as an abdominoplasty is a procedure to enhance the appearance of the abdomen.  It consists of 3 basic steps:

1. Skin removal and tightening
2. Subcuataneous fat removal
3. Muscle tightening

The recovery is very similar to a C-Section or Hysterectomy recovery.  The first week lifting is limited to 15 lbs maximum and the patients usually walk slowly and bend over.  The second week the weight limitaion is increased to 30 pounds and more normal walking.  After the second week many patients return to work if it is more sedentary, active work jobs and heavy lifting, pulling or straining are still difficult for another 2 weeks.  Most women need help with small children for the first week.

Vigorous physical activity and contact sports are limited for 4-6 weeks.  Everyone's recovery is different, and everyone's tummy tuck is different, the recovery time will vary from individual to individual.

This is a wonderfull operation that will make the tummy flat FOREVER, WITHOUT SIT-UPS!!  But, you have to be willing to trade the appearance for the scar, which is long, but well placed, and hidden in all clothing and bathing suits.

David Finkle, MD

Omaha Plastic Surgeon

Where Can and Can't You Inject Fat on the Face?

Where can and can't you inject fat on the face? The doctor I recently consulted with told me that fat cannot be injected into the nose tip and chin because fat doesn't exist there.

Fat grafting or transfer is a great way to improve the harsh facial contours that develop as one ages.  In my hands, I do not inject fat in the lips (it absorbs too fast because of all of the motion) and I do not inject specific fine wrinkles. I use other injectables for those problems. Other than that I feel that I can really improve the global changes in the face with fat.  The results are soft and natural appearing.  It can be a stand alone procedure in younger patients or combined with other procedures in older patients.  Good luck!

Hannah Vargas, MD

Kansas City Facial Plastic Surgeon