Remedy for pain during Coolsculpting?

Question

I've had Coolsculpting done on several areas but found the procedure itself extremely painful for the abdomen area until the area went numb after about 5 minutes. I'm considering repeating the abdomen and want to know if there is anything I can do to take the edge off of the pain such as applying topical lidocaine to the area just before the procedure.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.The pain at the beginning is the worst partyou could try some advil but this may increase your bruisingThe best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Brian S. Glatt, MD, FACS · Answer

As the CoolSculpting applicator draws in the tissue and treatment begins, there
is a squeezing and pulling sensation that some patients find uncomfortable at first. After several minutes the treatment area becomes
numb and the procedure is much more comfortable. We do not find that topical numbing is necessary but do advise patients they may take Ibuprofen 30-45 minutes prior to their treatment to help take the edge off.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Coolsculpting treatments can be intense at the very beginning until your tissues accommodate to the treatment and the temperature drops.  I have prescribed some oral sedatives (e.g Ativan) and narcotics for pre-procedural comfort.  But I require a driver.  You can also use topical numbing and this may help as well.  I would apply it an hour before the treatment.  I have also injected lidocaine for other energy based treatments on the abdomen such as the CO2 and this is also an option depending on where you go for your treatment.

Ava T. Shamban, MD · Answer

Discomfort during the first 5-10 minutes of
CoolSculpt is caused by pressure from the suction of the applicator. After 5-10
minutes, this discomfort and pressure subsides as the area being
treated becomes numb from the cold. Generally, this pressure is most
uncomfortable when treating the lower abdomen with the larger applicator. In
such circumstances, some patients take ibuprofen 30-60 min before the treatment
to take the edge off. If you are very concerned about this pain, you may
consider taking an anti-anxiety medication an hour before the procedure as
well--just be sure to arrange transportation.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

I agree that the topical lidocaine won't help and that Valium or similar anti-anxiety drug would take the edge off.  Just have someone drive you home if you are going to take that medicine during treatment. XO

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This can be improved by ibuprofen, neurontin or antianxiety/painkillers prior to the procedure.  Best, Dr. Emer.

R. Brannon Claytor, MD, FACS · Answer

Your observation is appreciated. In my opinion the large central abdominal applicator has induced more discomfort than the smaller applicators. In patients who have above average discomfort with the large applicator we switch to two treatments of the smaller applicator. Talk with your physician about this possible option.

Tina Venetos, MD · Answer

The initial discomfort is usually short lived and usually resolves within the first 5 minutes.  Even though during your first treatment you initially felt discomfort it does not mean the next will have the same response. Each and every treatment is different with most patients during treatment not feeling any discomfort at all. Typically the large Cool Max applicator will cause some of what you described but further treatments may require smaller applicators which are more tolerable. Topical numbing cream is not necessary and would not numb deep enough.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

The initial discomfort of the CoolSculpting procedure is because of the pressure used to suck the fat into the applicator. Lidocaine will not help this sensation. Taking ibuprofen or in severe cases an antianxiety pill such as Xanax about an hour before your treatment can help take the edge off a little bit. The most effective remedy is the actual freezing of the fat, which as you stated makes you numb after 5-10 minutes.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

When treating the abdomen with CoolSculpting, there is some discomfort when the applicator is initially placed.  As you noted, this normally resolves after about 5-10 minutes when the cooling process causes the area to become numb.  I do not think that topical lidocaine would help with this issue, as the lidocaine would only affect the outer layer of the skin and not the deeper layers underneath.  I would discuss your concern with the physician treating you, as they might be able to suggest taking some medication beforehand.

Remedy for pain during Coolsculpting?

Answers (12)

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