Dear Julie, Having true raynauds disease is a concern in theory only, and likely not a true problem in the stetting of cool sculpting of the abdomen. This makes sence because raynauds is a problem with vasospasm of small vessels on the distal extremities, and does not affect the abdomen or trunk region which has adequate collateral circulation to prevent this. While cool sculpting was not studied in patients with raynauds, anecdotally we have successfully treated several patients without any problems.
Dear Debbie, great question. Typically there is some mild discomfort, tenderness and swelling following cool sculpting procedure that is quite tolerable. This is pretty consistent but can vary in intensity from patient to patient and likely reflects normal inter patient variability in pain tolerance as well as how much fat was treated. This is tolerated very well in most patients with little effect on lifestyle or daily activities. There is a small number of patients (.04%) who experience more intense pain that is less tolerable. This is thought to be neurogenic in origin and is transient, often lasting less than a week. If necessary can be treated until resolved. This is a relatively rare event, but can happen and is reassuring that it is short lived and with no long term consequences.
Dear Miscurious, Great question! Coolsculpting does not affect serum lipid levels or liver function tests. A recent study of forty patients showed no change in lipid levels or liver tests when tested at day 1 and weeks 1,4,8 and 12 after having their love handles treated. This was also found to be true in a subset of patients that were tested at numerous other time-points following treatment. This is not surprising because the reduction of fat cells occurs at a very slow rate, underscoring the safety of the coolsculpting procedure. Here is the reference in case your doctors may find it helpful: Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 41:785–790 (2009). Non-Invasive CryolipolysisTM for Subcutaneous Fat Reduction Does Not Affect Serum Lipid Levels or Liver Function Tests. Kenneth B. Klein, MD,1 Brian Zelickson, MD,2 Jeffrey G. Riopelle, MD,3 Eric Okamoto, MD,4 Eric P. Bachelor, MD,5 Rosemary S. Harry, MSBME,6 and Jessica A. Preciado, PhD7*
Hi mosellv_md, I am just seeing you post on ePrime- I have worked with this device for over three years now and have treated over thirty patients without any problems like those you have described here. Usually ePrime is a "minimal downtime" procedure, with mild swelling and pinkness that lasts a day or so. Some patients have a small bump at the site of needle insertion that lasts a week or so, but usually resolves within a month and is not dangerous. Patients can have some bruising also, but it is usually mild and can be minimized by avoiding blood thinners before treatment. I would happy to look at your photos if you would like to post them. I hope this is helpful!
SheelaA, hang in there- cool sculpting results are gradual over 2-4 months. the ultimate results depend on how the patient, number of treatments, handpeice size, and orientation are optimized to "sculpt" the body. Tenderness in the treatment area is common, but usually tolerable. The fat cells are signaled to die off at the time of treatment, but the body does not carry them instantly. Instead, this occurs gradually and safely over a few months time. This awareness is often comforting to patients, so that you understand why you feel tenderness and know that it is not harmful, but necessary and will resolve. I hope this is helpful!
