Is itching normal after CoolSculpting?

Question

I had coolsculpting done 6 days ago and yesterday I started to get extremely itchy. I was told itchy would be normal in the spots that I had cs done, but it's not the areas I had it done that itch. my entire body itches, Is this normal? Is there anything I can take to relieve the itching?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Please see your doctor as itching is usually most common in the treated areas. This may or may not be related to coolsculpting. Your doctor would be able to advise you best.Regards,

Himansu Shah, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. It is not unusual to have itching post Coolsculpting procedure and I would recommend to apply lotion. Also I would recommend for you to follow up with your board certified physician. Good luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Itching can be a common side effect after Coolsculpting and can last a a few weeks after your procedure. Keep in mind, it will take 3-6 months for final results with Coolsculpting. 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 a great alternative. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Susan Van Dyke, MD · Answer

Generalized itching after CoolSculpting is not something that our patients have experienced in the many years that we have been performing this procedure.  Localized itching can occur just as a result of local cooling and rewarming of the skin.  It is temporary and not of concern.  I would consider other causes if the itching occurs all over the body.

Garry K. Kim, MD · Answer

Hi,
It's not typical to have itching in areas that weren't treated by CoolSculpting.  It may be that your immune system is on hyperalert because of the treatment and it's triggered a reaction in your body.  It also could be that you are reacting to something completely unrelated to CoolSculpting.  The itching that you get from CoolSculpting is treated with either a topical or oral antihistamine like benadryl.  You should be aware that if you take an oral antihistamine like benadryl, you may experience drowsiness.  We typically caution people against driving (or operating heavy machinery) after taking medications such as benadryl.
Hope this helps
Dr. Garry K. Kim

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Laine3:
  
Itching can be a side-effect of the CoolSculpted areas where the underlying sensory nerves are also temporarily altered by the cooling cycle. It can last for a very short period of time and may be reduced with:
  
non-sedating antihistamines such as (OTC) Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra
  gentle use of ice
  ibuprofen 
  desensitization massagegabapentin if it lasts longer than a few days to 2 weeks.
  If the itching is outside of the CoolSculpted areas and related to the area of a compression garment or overlying garment with changed detergent / softener, this may be:
  
Xerosis or skin dryness, managed with a skin “moisturizer or 
  a contact dermatitis easily treated with anti-histamine or short course of steroids.
  For the above, start with your CoolSculpting Team for recommendations. 
  
If the itching is not one of the above, it is not related to the CoolSculpting procedure and you may have an allergy from another source. Please see your Primary Care Physician. 
  
I wish you the very best!

Pamela Kimbrough, MD · Answer

Yes, it is normal for itching after CoolSculpting service.  It is your body reacting to the freezing of the fat cells to clear them from the body. The sensation should pass in 10-14 days.

Vincent A Marino, MD · Answer

It is completely normal to experience itchiness after CoolSculpting along with other common symptoms like numbness. Its just a nervous system response to the cold, and should subside in a few days. An over the counter antihistamine has been shown to alleviate these symptoms for patients that found the itchiness distracting.

Maurice M. Vick, Jr., MD · Answer

Itching at the treatment site is common after Coolsculpting. However generalized itching in our experience of over 4000 treatments is not. If it persists I would recommend a Dermatology consult. Best Wishes, Maurice Vick MD

Renee Russell, MD · Answer

Itching after coolsculpting is commonly in the affected areas.  This itching can last a couple weeks.  I would be worried you are having a reaction to something else if your entire body is itching.  It is possible you are allergic to something.  It could be a product used during Coolsculpting, but it also could be something else unrelated.  My suggestion to you is to contact the provider who performed the coolsculpting to discuss what products may have been used on your skin or you may need to see your physician for further treatment.  In the meantime, you can take an antihistamine to help with the itching, like claritin or zyrtec.

Is itching normal after CoolSculpting?

Answers (10)

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