Could there be a possible connection between Coolsculpting and Shingles?

Question

I've read that Coolsculpting messes with your nerves. Friday morning I had Coolsculpting on my abdomen and that evening had strange sensitivity on my arm. Pain got worse and eventually developed a rash which turned out to be Shingles. Seems way too coincidental

Edward Stokes, MD · Answer

Hi DebiGat, thank you for your question.  So sorry to hear that you have had an outbreak of shingles.  In our experience having treated thousands of patients with CoolSculpting, we have not had one single case that resulted in shingles.  However, as you may be aware, shingles is a virus that lies dormant and can be induced by a trauma. CoolSculpting, although non-invasive and non-surgical, does cause a trauma that could possibly bring out shingles. I do have to say, however, that the shingles outbreak would be expected to most likely present in the area that was treated.  But, it is possible that the virus could flare up elsewhere.  I hope this is helpful to you.  Good luck with your CoolSculpting results!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Although I have never heard of this happening, it is possible that the trauma from the procedure induced your shingles. Shingles is virus that is already found in your body and can be caused by stress or trauma. Best of Luck!

Michalynn Farley, MD · Answer

DebiGat, that's an excellent question & one I've researched before. Your recent bout of Shingles is unlikely to be directly caused by Coolsculpting. It's more likely that the stress of the procedure contributed to a shingles outbreak that was coming & sped up the presentation. Just as any aesthetic procedure, injection, or treatment can contribute to the appearance of a cold sore, genital herpes, or even Bell's Palsy. It's tempting to blame the illness on the procedures, but studies do not support causation.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

Although I have never seen or heard of this happening, it is possible that the trauma from the procedure induced the shingles. Shingles is a deactivation of a virus already in your body and this can be caused by stress or trauma.

Could there be a possible connection between Coolsculpting and Shingles?

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Answer: Can Coolsculpting cause shingles?

Answer: Can Coolsculpting cause shingles?

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Could there be a possible connection between Coolsculpting and Shingles?

Answers (4)

Answer: Can Coolsculpting cause shingles?

Answer: Can Coolsculpting cause shingles?

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Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.