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I have unbearable itching after Coolsculpting a week ago, is this normal?

had coolsculpting done one week ago. I had terrible bruising which is beginning to subside but the itching is almost unbearable. I have a prescription for Gabapentin which helps somewhat. Is this normal?

Doctor Answers 9

Itching of the skin after Coolsculpting

April 23rd, 2014
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The skin along with the fat was frozen during this process, and it is not unusual for it to respond with the sensation of itching in the area.  The area can still be numb from this process and then itchy in its recovery.  If there is a rash on the skin, then the treatment may be different.  I encourage you to speak with your provider again if this sensation persists or if there is a rash on the skin.  Good Luck! 
Rachel Pritzker, MD


Chicago Dermatologic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 2 reviews

April 23rd, 2014

Itching of the skin after Coolsculpting

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The skin along with the fat was frozen during this process, and it is not unusual for it to respond with the sensation of itching in the area.  The area can still be numb from this process and then itchy in its recovery.  If there is a rash on the skin, then the treatment may be different.  I encourage you to speak with your provider again if this sensation persists or if there is a rash on the skin.  Good Luck! 


Chicago Dermatologic Surgeon

Itching after CoolSculpting

December 6th, 2016
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Itching is a normal side effect of Coolsculpting so don’t be alarmed. This may persist up to 2 weeks following your procedure. I recommend taking oral Benadryl for this. You can also try icing the area as some patients find this to help. 

Web reference: http://www.coolskinny.com

Mike Majmundar, MD
December 6th, 2016

Itching after CoolSculpting

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Itching is a normal side effect of Coolsculpting so don’t be alarmed. This may persist up to 2 weeks following your procedure. I recommend taking oral Benadryl for this. You can also try icing the area as some patients find this to help. 

Learn more: http://www.coolskinny.com

Mike Majmundar, MD

I have unbearable itching after Coolsculpting a week ago, is this normal?

October 1st, 2015
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Thanks for your question. Itching is one of the side effects of CoolSculpting. I advise my patients to take Benadryl or an oral antihistamine to reduce the itching. I would advise you to contact the office where you were treated. Best wishes.  
Brian C. Reuben, MD
October 1st, 2015

I have unbearable itching after Coolsculpting a week ago, is this normal?

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Thanks for your question. Itching is one of the side effects of CoolSculpting. I advise my patients to take Benadryl or an oral antihistamine to reduce the itching. I would advise you to contact the office where you were treated. Best wishes.  
Brian C. Reuben, MD

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Itching After CoolSculpting

July 27th, 2015
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Itching can sometimes occur after treatment. It is always best to consult with the provider that did your treatment so that they can assess your issue and provide you with some options for relief. Oral antihistamines and topical hydrocortisone cream can help relieve itching and rashes, but definitely contact your physician in order to be evaluated properly.
Steven H. Williams, MD
July 27th, 2015

Itching After CoolSculpting

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Itching can sometimes occur after treatment. It is always best to consult with the provider that did your treatment so that they can assess your issue and provide you with some options for relief. Oral antihistamines and topical hydrocortisone cream can help relieve itching and rashes, but definitely contact your physician in order to be evaluated properly.
Steven H. Williams, MD

Itching after Coolsculpting

September 12th, 2014
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Itching post treatment is not a common side effect, but one that can be easily managed if you contact your treating physician's office.

Web reference: http://www.drkrisreddy.com/coolsculpting.html

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
September 12th, 2014

Itching after Coolsculpting

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Itching post treatment is not a common side effect, but one that can be easily managed if you contact your treating physician's office.

Learn more: http://www.drkrisreddy.com/coolsculpting.html

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS

I have unbearable itching after Coolsculpting a week ago, is this normal?

May 11th, 2014
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Itching after a Coolsculpting treatment is not a very common reaction. I suggest returning to your provider and explaining the sensation, especially if there appears to be a rash on the skin. 

Web reference: http://www.shapiroplasticsurgery.com/surgical-procedures/coolsculpting.php

Daniel Shapiro, MD
May 11th, 2014

I have unbearable itching after Coolsculpting a week ago, is this normal?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Itching after a Coolsculpting treatment is not a very common reaction. I suggest returning to your provider and explaining the sensation, especially if there appears to be a rash on the skin. 

Learn more: http://www.shapiroplasticsurgery.com/surgical-procedures/coolsculpting.php

Daniel Shapiro, MD

CoolSculpting and itching

May 5th, 2014
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Common side effects from CoolSculpting are bruising and localized tenderness.  If you are describing unbearable itching I would return to your treating physician since this is an uncommon side effect and needs to be evaluated.

Web reference: http://www.michelegreenmd.com/coolsculpting-nyc

Michele S. Green, MD
May 5th, 2014

CoolSculpting and itching

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Common side effects from CoolSculpting are bruising and localized tenderness.  If you are describing unbearable itching I would return to your treating physician since this is an uncommon side effect and needs to be evaluated.

Learn more: http://www.michelegreenmd.com/coolsculpting-nyc

Michele S. Green, MD

Itching after Cool Sculpting

April 30th, 2014
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There are instances where patients have had significant bruising.  The entire area should be evaluated by the provider for other skin problems.  Anti-inflammatories are helpful.  You have been placed on Gabapentin which is a neuromodulator.  It may be helpful.  Lyrica is also useful in these cases but should be at you providers discretion.
Robert Whitfield, MD, FACS
April 30th, 2014

Itching after Cool Sculpting

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
There are instances where patients have had significant bruising.  The entire area should be evaluated by the provider for other skin problems.  Anti-inflammatories are helpful.  You have been placed on Gabapentin which is a neuromodulator.  It may be helpful.  Lyrica is also useful in these cases but should be at you providers discretion.
Robert Whitfield, MD, FACS

Itching of the skin after Coolsculpting

April 19th, 2017
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Thank you for your question. Please don’t worry. It is common to have itching after CoolSculpting treatment. This is part of your body’s reaction to inflammation and healing, which can last up to 2 weeks. You may consider taking oral Benadryl and you can ice the area to help with itching.  If you have any other concerns please contact your treating physician. Best of Luck!


Web reference: https://www.myethosspa.com/services/coolsculpting-service/

Hardik Soni, MD

Hardik Soni, MD
Summit Emergency Medicine Physician
5.0 out of 5 stars 46 reviews

April 19th, 2017

Itching of the skin after Coolsculpting

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Thank you for your question. Please don’t worry. It is common to have itching after CoolSculpting treatment. This is part of your body’s reaction to inflammation and healing, which can last up to 2 weeks. You may consider taking oral Benadryl and you can ice the area to help with itching.  If you have any other concerns please contact your treating physician. Best of Luck!


Learn more: https://www.myethosspa.com/services/coolsculpting-service/

Hardik Soni, MD

Hardik Soni, MD
Summit Emergency Medicine Physician
5.0 out of 5 stars 46 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.