Is pain after removal of CoolSculpting applicator normal?

Question

When I got coolscultping, there wasn't much pain when the applicator was put on, or after the treatment was all done. However, right after the applicator would get removed and the technician would masaage the area, it would hurt really bad, especially for up to 2-3 mins after the massage was over. I was told it was due to the area "heating up" again. Am I the only one who finds this pain extreme?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Individual experiences vary but what you are describing is a normal reaction. The massage segment breaks up those crystallized fat cells and tends to be the uncomfortable. Regards,

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. This sensation is actually very common, sometimes lasting up to 10 min depending on the area. What your experiencing is in fact the area warming up. Congratulations on your treatment and good luck!

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Temporary numbness is common after the Coolsculpting.  It is not uncommon to have delayed onset of pain around 5 days after Coolsculpting.  The discomfort is due to inflammation of the tissue. Not everyone has pain or numbness.  The intermittent discomfort tends to subside within a week. It generally takes couple of weeks for the swelling  subside. The numbness can take longer to resolve, especially with the larger abdominal Cool Max applicator.  I do recommend compression for at least 3 weeks or until the pain has resolved.  We utilize the new Cool Advantage applicators which are much more comfortable and reduce treatment time to 35 minutes. I recommend keeping in touch with the office of your treating provider and regular follow-up.  Best wishes

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

Its is quite normal to experience some pain after removal of the coolsculpting device. The massage after treatment adds to this of course but is extremely important in maximizing your results. If it doesn't settle down before our patients leave the clinic we prescribe a pain medication that can be taken for the first night. We have not had any patients tell us the pain persisted beyond this. Cool sculpting along with SkinTyte to tighten the skin are excellent non surgical options. An alternative would be ultrasonic liposuction if the fat deposits are large.Good Luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Pain can be variable, but this can be typical. If pain persists, this can be treated with oral neurontin. For best results with Coolsculpting, I recommend a combination approach. I recommend adding radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish, Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing. Vaser with ThermiRF is an alternative. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would say that most people do experience some discomfort during the massage after a CoolSculpting treatment.  The degree of this discomfort will vary by individual, so for some it is not bad and for others, it may be painful.  It is also true that as the treated area warms up again after the procedure, the sensation begins to return and this can be uncomfortable for some as well.  Normally, this discomfort only lasts for several minutes.

Julie A. Maughan, MD · Answer

In my experience, many patients experience discomfort during the removal of the applicator.  Every patient has a different pain tolerance.  My patients generally have mild to moderate discomfort during this part of the procedure, but some have experienced it as very painful.  Hope this helps.  Best wishes.

Lisa Airan, MD · Answer

This is an expected response after removal of the Coolsculpting handpiece.  This discomfort should subside within 5-10 minutes after the massage.  In rare cases patient’s may experience late-onset pain that occurs a few days after treatment.  If you continue to have pain after the procedure you should call the office you had the Coolsculpting performed.

Garry K. Kim, MD · Answer

Experiencing pain after removal of the CoolSculpting applicator is normal.  The treated area has been traumatized, so that area can be sensitive.  Furthermore, there's swelling from the treatment, which can contribute to the discomfort.  Lastly, as the nerves in that area "re-awaken", they will do what they were meant to do, which is signal pain and discomfort.
You may have also experienced pain and discomfort for days after the treatment.  This is also normal.  You can experience some residual discomfort for days (and sometimes weeks) after the treatment.  What happens more commonly is that you continue to experience a prickly pinching sensation for a couple of weeks after the procedure.  
Hope this helps,
Dr. Garry K. Kim

Tianna Tsitsis, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for you to have discomfort for awhile after getting the CoolSculpting applicator removed.  Remember, your tissue has just been frozen for 35-75 minutes down to negative 10-13 degrees.  You were numb.  Of course you are going to experience more sensation after it warms up.  The massage spreads out the crystallization so that any cells that are barely hanging on to life after they are frozen actually die.  So the massage helps the results.  As long as you remember fat cells are dying, there is no amount of discomfort after a non-invasive, no downtime procedure that you cant handle.

Is pain after removal of CoolSculpting applicator normal?

Answers (16)

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