I had Coolsculpting on my abdomen a week ago, I'm experiencing a severe burning with no relief. What can I do?

Question

My abdomen is very sensitive, almost like it's bruised,at first ice packs would help, now they just make it worse. Heat was incredibly painful. It's just getting worse, I'm not able to sleep due to the pain. I also have a sensation of rubber bands popping inside my stomach. I'm very concerned. What should I do? Thank you

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Delayed onset pain after Coolsculpting is not uncommon, especially when the abdomen is treated.  Here are a few things that help....1. Wearing Spanx for 2 weeks straight after treating the abdomen2. Neurontin3. Lidoderm patchesSome people also get relief with icing or heating up the area.Hope that helps!

Tina B. West, MD · Answer

Post-cryolipolysis pain is not an uncommon side effect following CoolSculpting, occurring most commonly in women who have been treated with the procedure on the abdomen.  This type of delayed-onset pain typically begins about 3-5 days following the treatment and always resolves, usually within 10-14 days.  Typical treatment for this type of pain is the prescription medication gabapentin, which is usually required for one to two weeks.  CoolSculpting is frequently performed as a series of treatments in order to achieve maximal results.  It is important to note that patients who experienced delayed onset pain are more likely to have the same type of pain following subsequent treatment sessions on the same body area.  The recommended course of action would be for you to call your treating physician's office as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment to alleviate your pain.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

The pain you are experiencing is nerve related pain. It happens occasionally in patients after CoolSculpting. A cold or warm compress can help for some people. A compression garment may also help. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) can also help. If none of these measures help to relieve your pain then your doctor can prescribe a special medication that usually works. The pain will completely go away, but it may take up to 2 weeks. The best thing to do is contact your treatment provider. Best wishes.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is possible to develop some sharp needle like pain to the abdomen after a CoolSculpting treatment.  This is a temporary issue but there is a prescription medication that can help.  You should contact the physician who treated you to let them know about your pain and see if the medication is indicated for you.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon to have delayed onset pain after Coolsculpting. There is a prescription medication that can help such as Neurontin. I recommend having a follow up with your treating physician for an evaluation. Best of Luck!

Larry Lickstein, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting is a wonderful addition to our armamentarium of treatments in body contouring, but like all techniques, it can have its side effects.  Numbness, tenderness, soreness, and even bruising are relatively common and usually quite tolerable.  A small number of patients will experience more severe post cryolipolysis discomfort, usually women, and frequently on the lower abdominal wall.  As some of my colleagues have suggested, some medicines, used off label, such as Neurontin, can be used off label, and may provide relief.  Our practice has also found lidoderm patches to be helpful by providing topical anesthesia.  Try to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as advil, ibuprofen, or motrin, as it is felt that an inflammatory response may be necessary to optimize your results from sculpting.  Rest assured, the discomfort is usually self-limit, and patients find relief within a couple of weeks.

Jill C. Fichtel, MD · Answer

Temporary bruising, soreness, or numbness is possible after CoolSculpting.  This discomfort you are describing isn't uncommon.  I recommend you speak with your physician who will have a protocol for post-procedural pain.  Rest assured, this discomfort should eventually subside.

I had Coolsculpting on my abdomen a week ago, I'm experiencing a severe burning with no relief. What can I do?

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