POSTED UNDER CoolSculpting Reviews
I see abs! (plus, one minor but noteable complication)- Miami, FL
UPDATED FROM CarpeDiemMiami
2 years post
Temporary skin damage
CarpeDiemMiamiJanuary 30, 2016
WORTH IT$3,000
First off, I really like Coolsculpting. I've gone back a couple of more times since my initial procedure. I've seen results and am happy.
The last time I had a procedure done was about 11 months ago. I had two small applicators applied to my hip areas.
About 45 minutes into the procedure, one of the machines beeps and turns off. That was odd, I thought. The Coolsculpting specialist also thought it was odd. We didn't think much of it until the next day.
The next day the skin area where the machine that turned off had grabbed had turned a dark brown. I had a rectangular area on my hip area, about 5 × 4 inches large, that was noticeably darker. It looked like a burn but didn't hurt at all.
Because it didn't hurt I didn't rush to the Center but waited to discuss it during my follow-up. At my follow-up it appeared that I was the first person to have this happen (I now know of another person whose also experienced this too). Dr. Bowes gave me a topical super strength lightening cream to place on the area to reduce the dark brown color.
It took my skin about 7 months to go back to its usual color. I still love CoolSculpting and would get more sessions done because I've seen results. Had the last procedure permanently ruined my skin or caused pain this review would be very different. From my experience, there IS a risk with CoolSculpting, and there are also results.
The last time I had a procedure done was about 11 months ago. I had two small applicators applied to my hip areas.
About 45 minutes into the procedure, one of the machines beeps and turns off. That was odd, I thought. The Coolsculpting specialist also thought it was odd. We didn't think much of it until the next day.
The next day the skin area where the machine that turned off had grabbed had turned a dark brown. I had a rectangular area on my hip area, about 5 × 4 inches large, that was noticeably darker. It looked like a burn but didn't hurt at all.
Because it didn't hurt I didn't rush to the Center but waited to discuss it during my follow-up. At my follow-up it appeared that I was the first person to have this happen (I now know of another person whose also experienced this too). Dr. Bowes gave me a topical super strength lightening cream to place on the area to reduce the dark brown color.
It took my skin about 7 months to go back to its usual color. I still love CoolSculpting and would get more sessions done because I've seen results. Had the last procedure permanently ruined my skin or caused pain this review would be very different. From my experience, there IS a risk with CoolSculpting, and there are also results.
CarpeDiemMiami's provider
Replies (5)
September 11, 2013
Glad you're feeling better Miami! You're looking great :)
I got my lower abs done with the large applicator and flanks with a smaller size two weeks ago. I noticed the same thing, way less discomfort with the smaller ones.
All the best to you. I hope you continue to see fantastic results!
September 12, 2013
I had lower & upper abs treated one week ago. Uppers way more painful than lower for me. Have had swelling, bruising, itching etc, but nothing unbearable. Yesterday had bra area & love handles treated. I have huge marks on my areas & the treatments hurt but hope it'll all be worth it. I am going back in 5 wks for 2nd treatment on lower abs & love handles. Better work! Spent alot of $ on this.
October 16, 2013
Going tomorrow for 2nd treatment on lower abs and love handles. I do see some results from first treatment but still have noticeable bulges when wearing a close fit top so I hope the 2nd treatment can help with that. I am exercising most days and using Fitness Pal on my phone which helps me control calories. Love handles hurt like crazy last time so I'm going to take some Aleve before I go. Hope that helps. Anyone seeing results yet?
October 17, 2013
Check out ittybitty123's profile pics. She got fabulous results. Hope you are seeing good results.
October 17, 2013
There are many other users on this site that have had positive experiences and their posts helped me (EAmommyNC and pufferpunk to name a couple). Try searching this site for more stories. You'll find a supportive and informative community.
One more thing, is Aleve an anti-inflammatory? I remember being instructed to take only acetamenophen (I.e. Tylenol) for pain. Takinf anti-inflammatories will reduce the inflammatory process that needs to take place post-procedure. Consult with your doctor or technician.
October 17, 2013
Dang, I didn't think about it being an anti-inflammatory drug, just thinking of help with the pain. I came through yesterday, but hurt like hell! Love handles especially. Why am I the only one that thinks it hurts. I'm not a baby and have always felt that I had a high pain tolerance. But, I put my big girl panties on and took it like a trooper. No complaining. Feel good today other than some soreness, bruising and numbness but I'm used to it now since I've had 2 other days of treatments. Going back in 12 wks for post procedure appointment and final pictures.
October 18, 2013
I think it hurts! Lol not unbearable. But, feels like someone beat the crap out of me. I had upper and lower abs and back fat all within 3days. I took ibuprofen. Did not know you weren't supposed to take it. Hope it doesn't mess up anything.
October 18, 2013
I don't know if Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory. I just remember being given prescription strength acetamenophen for the pain and having them explain to me how important it was for the body to be swollen and for it to take care of its own inflammation. I'll see if I can find my post procedure instructions.
October 18, 2013
Oh wellI have taken it only 3times the whole week I can't go back and undo it. I'll get acetaminophen for the rest of my recovery. Thanks Miami!.
October 22, 2013
I am still swollen some and the itching has started. This time I'm having some sharp pains on and off, must be the nerve pain talked about? Not terrible, just surprised me since I didn't have it the last 2 times. I wore a fitted t-shirt last evening and for the first time didn't feel like I had tummy bulges. It felt great! I have been working so hard. I hope I continue to see more results. Love handles haven't changed much yet and have had them treated twice. I haven't been taking any pain relievers or massaging the areas. Tried a compression garment, but didn't like it. Good luck to everyone and thanks for all the support, it's been helpful.
October 23, 2013
That is great! I ended up hurting pretty bad. Had to call and get meds. I am still a little swollen. This is day nine for me.
October 23, 2013
I'm really happy with my results, give your body time. You are already seeing improvements when you wear your fitted shirts. That is dantastic!
October 24, 2013
I'm on day 6....OMG...the pain...the pain. Wearing tight undies, which help a little. Overall, so far pain feels like my tummy is being pierced with needles
October 24, 2013
Hang in there. Wearing my Spanx helped tons. I also got prescription for patches and prescription strength acetamenophen. Call your doc for her/his help.
October 17, 2013
I got lower and upper abs done on Monday and just got back fat done tonight. I'm pretty sore but nothing unbearable. I just hope I do not get the nerve pain I have been reading about.
October 17, 2013
I hope you don't get the nerve pain either, but I do hope you get great results.
October 17, 2013
Thanks! Did you count day 1 as the day you got it done? Your results look great. When did you first start to see any results?
October 17, 2013
I counted day 1 as the day after my procedure. I started seeing results after about 10 days. I saw the most results a little after the third week. Every body is different. Personally, I wore my Spanx, massafed the area every night for about 5 minutes and drank a lot of water. No medical basis for this other than helping me feel like I was helping my body flush out the dead fat cells.
October 17, 2013
Ok thank you so much! I'm freaking out hearing all these horror stories about pain. I'm bruised. But, I bruise easy. So far I am just sore. A little tingle every now and then. Fingers crossed!!!!
October 18, 2013
Wow I can definitely see the difference in the pre and post pictures. Congrats!
October 18, 2013
Well it is day 4 so far just sore and numb. I have had a few zings. Fingers crossed!!!!
Replies (1)