I did the procedure on my lower and upper abdomen 3 weeks ago. Still painful and itchy, is it common? Please help.
Painful Itching After CoolSculpting - Is This Normal?
Doctor Answers (13)
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.
Web reference: http://www.lazarusmd.com/post/it-is-so-cool-coolsculpting-by-zeltiq-miami
Itching is one of the possible side effects after the Coolsculpting. It normally lasts for 3-4 days but in rare cases it may take 2 weeks before it gets better. Other common side effects include mild bruising, cramping, needles and pins sensation under the skin or tingling. You can take Motrin or Ibuprofen and if your symptoms last for more than 2 weeks you should contact your doctor for an evaluation.
Web reference: http://drturowski.com/coolsculpture-zeltiq-chicago.html
Itching after
a Coolsculpting procedure is a common side effect. The itchy feeling comes from
the inflammatory response to the treatment. Your body is working hard to clean
up those “frozen” fat cells and when that is happening, you will experience
itching deep inside the tissue and sometimes even sporadic sharp pains. This
period of discomfort usually lasts from 3-7 days following a Coolsculpting
treatment and in most patients resolves within one week. It is also common to
have lingering numbness and tingling that can be apparent for 2 -4 weeks. Compression
garments can be helpful following Coolsculpting because they hold the treated
area firmly in place and protects clothing from rubbing.
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Itching is a common side effect after a CoolSculpting procedure. The itching or hypersensitivity is due to the inflammation from the procedure. Compression garments - such as an abdominal binder, spanx or control top pantyhose, can often help with the itching. I also recommend contacting your provider if the itching is severe or is interfering with work or sleep. They can possibly prescribe you a medication - such as Lyrica or Lidoderm Lidocaine patches - to help.
Web reference: http://www.FreezeTheFat.com
Typically, there is minimal to no downtime after CoolSculpting though patients may experience temporary pain or discomfort. Side effects can include redness, bruising, swelling, tenderness to the touch, cramping, itching, tingling, and numbness. Itching is a normal side effect, and should subside in time. Best of luck.
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.
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.
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 used for a short period of time.
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.
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.
Web reference: http://www.thenyac.com/zeltiq/index.html
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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