Painful Itching After CoolSculpting - Is This Normal?

asked 4 months ago by SheelaA
Latest answer by Eric Chang, MD
Question viewed 448 times
Tags: 3 weeks post-op, itching, itchy, pain

I did the procedure on my lower and upper abdomen 3 weeks ago. Still painful and itchy, is it common? Please help.

9 answers to Painful Itching After CoolSculpting - Is This Normal?

Pain after CoolSculpting

Pain after cool skull thing is normal. I actually see two types of discomfort after the treatments. In about 5% of patients they will experience an intense tingling discomfort the last about 15 minutes after we remove the handpiece. Patients have described this similar to your leg up falling asleep but slightly more intense. The most important thing is to let patients know that it will disappear in 15 or 20 minutes. As long as patients are aware of this ahead of time it is... more

Charles Crutchfield, MD
Minneapolis Dermatologic Surgeon

www.crutchfielddermatology.com

Many patients do experience itching.

Itching is the symptom experienced by some patients due to the inflammation caused by the fat cells breaking down and being eliminated by the body. It commonly resolves after 2 weeks but can last longer. You should not have any skin changes or a rash. If you are concerned you should contact your doctor. There are some treatments that can help with these symptoms if the persist.

Melissa Lazarus, MD
Miami Dermatologic Surgeon

www.lazarusmd.com

Yes. Very common

As the body heals itching and soreness is very common. Realize that although this is not surgery actual cells have been affected with treatment and there is a normal inflammatory then healing phase. This is a completely normal part of your healing phase.

Eric Chang, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

www.columbiaaesthetic.com

Is itching normal after CoolSculpting?

Everyting you are expriencing can occur after CoolSculpting and are not a sign of any problem. Typically the symptoms you have reported start several days after the procedure and are more commonly experieced when doing the stomach than the love handles or back area. The problem will resolve spontaneously usually within several weeks and can be treated with a cool compresses, or an over the counter pain reliever. If that doesn't help than a prescription analgesic can be... more

Ted Brezel, MD
Long Island Dermatologist

Mild discomfort after Coolsculpting is common

Many patients experience mild discomfort (tingling, soreness, itching) after Coolsculpting. A small minority of patients experience moderate to severe discomfort. Thankfully, the discomfort persists for only a few weeks. To help control pain, I recommend starting off with tylenol and ibuprofen. For patients that need additional pain relief, gabapentin (a medication that helps with nerve pain) can be very helpful.

Melissa Chiang, MD
Houston Dermatologist

www.integratedplasticsurgery.com

Soreness and Itching after CoolSculpting.......

Many patients have mild aching and soreness after the procedure. This can last a few weeks. But it is no where near as bad as the soreness you get after liposuction. The Itching may come and go. Usually there is no rash or redness. If there is, see your doctor. Hydrocortisone cream may help with the itching. This can be purchased at any pharmacy or food store.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

DiscoverTheBeauty.com

Symptoms after coolsculpting

It is not uncommon to feel an itchiness and also a crampy discomfort, often intermittent and unpredictable, after Coolsculpting. This has no effect on results, is common and is self limited typically resolving in 4-6 weeks.

Steven Hacker, MD
West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

www.palmbeachdermasurgery.com

Itching and soreness after zeltiq

CoolSculpting does cause fat cell death and the body metabolizes the dead cells. You may be experiencing greater than normal itching and soreness but in all likelihood this should all go away. See your doctor to be examined. see video

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

www.thenyac.com

After CoolSculpting...

Thank you for your question. Patients do experience the tingling, achiness and sometimes itching after this procedure. Most of the symptoms are self limiting (they will go away on their own). If it is really bothering you, see your doctor to see if anything can be prescribed to help with the itching. Best Wishes! see video