“Beware of the Side Effects! - Los Angeles, CA”

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. Gentle massage of the treated areas is helpful. My wife only experienced a little burning sensation while being treated. We are about two months out now; 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.

Dr. P

I am dealing w/ the same problem right now. I could handle numbness and 'tingling', but the post-procedure pain and itching I feel is more like bee stings in the treated area. I don't know if I am just extra sensitive, but I don't recommend this procedure!!! Or at least go into it knowing this is a possible side effect - no one warned me and I am ticked! (will feel even worse about the agony and $ spent if there is no positive result...)

The good news is that I think the treatment works. I am two months post procedure and my stomach is flatter. I am considering doing it again on a different area. Knowing that the numbness is not permanent and that the itching has to be endured for two weeks before dissipating will allow me to make an informed decision. Perhaps there is a wide range of sensitivities to the treatment and therefore I was unprepared for the unpleasant two plus weeks post procedure.
I hope you have a similar outcome.

I had the procedure done one week ago on my stomach area. I was ok for the first 2 days and then the needle feeling started. It has been really painful and I hope it goes away soon. Massaging the area seems to make it hurt more. I had my love handles done over 2 weeks ago and only experienced soreness for about a week. I guess different parts of the body can have higher levels of sensitivity. I thought I was the only one having this needle like pain.

I had Zeltiq a week ago and have had no problem with my sides hurting or itching. My stomach area however is itching like crazy and very sore. Hoping I will really be able to see some good results.

I had my love handles done a few months ago. The numbness passed and didn't trouble me too much, but the itching was pretty unpleasant. The procedure worked though, I was pretty happy with the results, so I recently decided to give it another go. 8 days ago I had my upper thighs done - at the backs of my legs. I have stubborn fat there and bad cellulite. The numbness is still there to a small degree but is not uncomfortable. The itching has just started and I think is the most unpleasant thing I've ever experienced! I can't sleep at night it's so bad.....and brushing my skin with a stiff dry body brush provides only temporary relief. However my while body is itchy....skin, scalp, ears, soles of feet....everywhere! I have also started treating myself for a yeast infection (it's itchy EVERYWHERE!!) and now I recall that this happened last time too. I'm not sexually active, have no allergies and have not changed my diet. The only thing I can think of is that as my body breaks down the fat that the cool sculpt has shifted, it's entering my system for disposal and my body is struggling to cope with it.... The medication had no effect last time on my yeast infection - it just cleared up by itself, round about the time the itching on the treated area stopped. So I'm hoping I've got 2 more days of severe itchy discomfort before it passes. I think this is a great treatment and I would have it again, especially with full understanding of the way it affects me.

I got mine done today. When the Aesthetician first placed the large attachment on my lower abdomen, I went in complete shock! I lost the color from my face and started palpitating!! I was convinced my muscle was also pulled inside. even though i got numb after a few minutes, i remained in shock and refused to move or even breathe properly. The worst was when the head was taken off and my stomach was frozen. ugggh very icky. anyways I feel fine now, just feel like i did a lot of stomach exercises...weirdly enuf, my leg is feeling numb :s