CoolSculpting Carried Out by a Nurse Instead of a Doctor - Worried

Coolsculpting is a non-invasive, class 2 device. This means that it is not necessary for a physician to perform the procedure. WHAT IS necessary is that your technician is both adequately trained and experienced. In our practice, our Coolsculpting technicians are nurses or medical aestheticians. Both hold every certification and training possible for this device and procedure, possess natural talent for aesthetic artistry, and understand human anatomy on a medical level.Researching your technician, and their level of experience, is paramount in ensuring excellent results. The Coolsculpting department of the facility you are considering should easily be able to answer all of your questions, walk you through the procedure and processes, as well as provide excellent references with before and after photographs of previous patients.The side effects you are experiencing can present themselves after Coolsculpting, and would be considered normal. Symmetry of your ultimate results cannot be determined by bruises left from the device. In our patients who experience more severe nerve pain (approximately 2%) we would prescribe a nerve blocking agent, such as Lyrica or Neurontin. I advise you to contact your provider and see what they recommend for comfort.

Normal side effects after CoolSculpting can include tenderness, swelling, bruising, numbness, itching, burning, and skin sensitivity. These symptoms normally resolve anywhere from 1-2 weeks. These side effects can occur regardless of who performs the treatment. Anyone who provides CoolSculpting treatments are certified through the Zeltiq training program. This ensures that you are getting proper treatment. If you have concerns with your treatment you should consult with your provider so that they may evaluate you.

Different states may have different regulations as to who can treat patients with lasers, and other non-laser devices such as Zeltiq's CoolSculpting.  In my NYC office, we have taken the extra effort to become a certified CoolSculpting practice. I, or another physician, first sees the patient in consultation and then if it is determined that the CoolSculpting is indicated, I will determine which applicator is needed per area of treatment. 

The symptoms and signs you mention are not unheard of and should recover spontaneously, but this may take a different number of weeks in different people. If there is no short term improvement then please call the practice that did the treatment for the physician to examine you.

i evaluate all of my coolsculpting patients personally.  some are better candidates for liposuction, other better candidates for an excisional surgery ie tummy tuck.  as far as performing the procedure, as long as the correct area is properly targeted, i do believe this can be safely performed by a nurse or other medical staff.  swelling and bruising are normal as this device truly does target tissue!

Thank you for your question. Yes, it is common to have some swelling, numbness, bruising and tenderness after Coolsculpting treatment and typically resolves in a few weeks. Typically, patients start to see results in about a month with maximum results around three months. If you have any other concerns please follow up with your treating physician. Best of Luck! ­­­­