Ellen Stehouwer, DO

Good news!  There are no limitations on activity, including electric stimulation, post SculpSure procedure. 

Great questions!  First, let's address the SculpSure procedure.  The beauty of this machine is that it is calibrated to the specific wavelengths that will lead to successful fat reduction.  This means that no matter what number you tolerate will work.  So, the number on the machine that leads to your descriptor "almost unbearable" is perfect.  You don't want to go beyond that!  Pain perception is very individualized, too.  Some people notice one side of the body is more sensitive to the procedure than the other side and they have to use a lower/higher setting to reach that Zone 4.  Second, let's address the fat question.  Fat actually acts as an insulator?  So persons with less fat often feel less discomfort with the procedure because there is less tissue to heat up and stay heated.  

Swelling and tenderness after SculpSure means things are happening!  When there is an injury in the body (in this case fat cells dieing) the body responds by increasing blood flow and activity to that area to get things back to normal (the healing process).  Because of gravity, we tend to have more swelling in places further away from the heart (in your case the area around the knees vs the upper thighs.  Try elevating your legs on pillows during down time, wear some nice compression leggings, drink lots of water and keep massaging towards your heart.

Feeling some tenderness nearby where you had your Sculpsure done is not uncommon.  This has to do with the way our nerves are distributed.  It is also not uncommon to have one side be more sensitive than the other.  Some people are unable to tolerate the same setting on both sides of their body but in the same area (right flank vs left flank).  The results should be the same.  Lastly, there is generally about a 2cm area beyond the laser that also receives benefits from the treatment.

Having Sculpsure done prior to your hysterectomy would not be a problem at all.  Speedy recovery on your upcoming surgery!