I Had CoolSculpting Four Weeks Ago. I Still Have Complete Numbness in Both Flank Areas and Stomach. Is This Normal (photo)?

Question

I am 5,2 and 100 lbs. I had a "muffin top", and a little bulge on my abdomen. They were able to fill the suction cups but put the suction up to 65 instead of the recommended 50. I experienced some feeling initially like bruising (although there was no visible bruising), but now have no feeling at all. I also do not have any sensation at the top of my legs.

Shanthala Shivananjappa, MD · Answer

The numbness after Coolsculpting  is a transient phenomenon, some people may experience upto even 6 to 8 wks. If the Coolsculpting is from Zeltiq and not a fake model, if they are using the new Cooladvantage applicators the question of suction 50 or 65 does not arise. Watch out for fake Coolsculpting providers. Feeling numb on the top of the legs after treating muffin top is very unusual, but sometimes one can have a radiating pain. Please see your physician for further evaluation.Best WishesDr. Shanthala

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Temporary numbness is common after the Coolsculpting. It is not uncommon to have delayed onset of pain around 5 days after Coolsculpting. The discomfort is due to inflammation of the tissue. Not everyone has pain or numbness. The intermittent discomfort tends to subside within a week. It generally takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the swelling subside. The numbness can take longer to resolve, especially with the larger abdominal Cool Max applicator. I do recommend compression for at least 3 weeks or until he numbness has resolved. We utilize the new Cool Advantage applicators which are much more comfortable and reduce treatment time to 35 minutes. We currently have 4 Coolsculpting machines and can offer "Dual Sculpting" which further reduces the treatment time. I recommend keeping in touch with the office of your treating provider and regular follow-up. Best wishes.

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Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

The numbness eventually goes away.  Mine took 3 weeks to dissipate.  There is nothing you can do to make it go away faster.  It just is what it is!  The pain can be more or less with the second treatment... can't predict which it will be.My best,Sheila Nazarian

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. The suction level at 65 is recommended. For saftey purposes the machine automatically defaults at 50. It is normal to experience some discomfort and numbness for several weeks post treatment. I would advise you to speak with the Doctor who performed your treatment about the sensation on the top of your legs. Best of luck.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Patients commonly feel spotty numbness and others feel more extensive numbness, commonly for several weeks to even a few months. Extreme sensitivity can occur and will go away in a couple of weeks or more for the majority of patients that feel such symptoms

I Had CoolSculpting Four Weeks Ago. I Still Have Complete Numbness in Both Flank Areas and Stomach. Is This Normal (photo)?

Answers (10)