Unfortuately not worth the money for me

I keep seeing/hearing "no down time" regarding Zeltiq. While technically true -- I have not missed work or changed my behavior much -- it downplays the discomfort that many people on this site (myself included) experience post procedure. It would have been helpful for my surgeon to share this information with me.

Hi All,

After much due diligence (I spent over one year of research and investigation as well as personal communications with the experts in the field), I began offering my patients Coolsculpting by Zeltiq. My criteria for incorporating any treatment or technology into my practice are that it be both SAFE and SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN EFFECTIVE.

I was the first patient on our Zeltiq device. My wife was the second person treated. I too was told that it was "very comfortable", but when the large hand piece grabbed my abdomen, I must have lost the color in my face (at least that's what my office staff described my shocked appearance as) as beads of sweat formed on my forehead. Of course my wife assured all present that, "Oh, don't go by him, he's such a baby!" as I felt that I was being lifted up to the ceiling by the suction cup. After about 15 minutes of feeling what I was later told feels like "menstrual cramps" (my empathy to all of you girls reading this), the cold plates took over and I was able to comfortably take zips of my Cafe Frappuccino (likely one of many causes for the tummy "pooch" being treated), but taking a deep breath was still difficult as I felt as if my diaphragm was stuck to the hand piece. Once the hour was up, the family-size brick of butter under my skin did feel like frozen chicken breast that was thawing out. The redness went away after a few hours. The numbness and tingling of pins and needles (like Novocain wearing off) lasted for about two weeks, but was very tolerable. We are about two months; my wife is very pleased with her result, and wants more. I will have another treatment soon, and have seen a little improvement (treatment immediately before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years may be associated with weight gain, having nothing to due with Zeltiq, more to do with yummy food).

Realistic expectations are essential before the treatment. More than one treatment session should be counted on, and even scheduled from the start. It is a gradual, but scientifically proven technology.

Thanks for sharing your Zeltiq experiences. The technology is scientifically proven to work, but it does usually take multiple sessions. The numbness and tingling is normal for a few weeks. There have been a few patients who have experienced more severe pain that has responded well to lidocaine gel or patches (speak with your physician before self treating). Good luck and be well.

Thank you, Dr Persky, for sharing your personal experience.

After watching video clips where people say, "it feels like a massage!" I thought I was the one being a baby.

By the way, despite my discussion of the after effects I would do the process again... if I see results. Time will tell.

A quick update: at day 6-7 the itching and sudden zaps of pain increased. Again, not unbearable but uncomfortable enough to get me to call my doctor and make sure this was normal -- he says it is. Looks like from other posts the pain goes away at around 12-14 days. We'll see!

It has been almost 2 months post procedure and I'm not entirely sure if there has been meaningful change -- certainly any change was very subtle. Just thought I'd add this in case anyone is following my story.

I'm changing my review back to "not sure."