Hives after CoolSculpting: Is it safe to get another cycle of treatment? (Photos)

Question

I had the CoolSculpting done 2 and a 1/2 months ago one cycle. I was supposed to go for my second and I did not want to return because I got hives afterwards all over my body but it started in the area treated. After the procedure I called my doctor and they said it takes a day or two for the treatment to go in through out the body. And that it could possibly cause an allergic reaction. , Is it safe to go back and get laser hair removal?

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Hives are unusual after a Coolsculpting treatment. Best to follow up with your specialist or family doctor. Perhaps you are having a reaction to the cleaning/ prep solution or the protective gel? Or possibly cold urticaria. I would investigate this prior to undergoing any further Coolsculpting treatments. I would also wait on the last hair removal until the hives have resolved. Hope this helps. Dr. Philip Solomon

Ramandeep Sidhu, MD · Answer

If it was just hives then there should not be an issue with repeat treatment. Now if the hives are associated with itching and redness then I would consider pre treating with benadryl but overall should not be an issue. If you got good results first time go for the second.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This isn't typical after Coolsculpting. Yes, you can have laser hair removal. It will take a series of treatments. Benadryl before and after treatment may give improvement. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Hung William Song, MD · Answer

Please do not get another Coolsculpting treatment until you have been properly evaluated by an allergist/immunologist. You may have a condition called cold urticaria. 
This is in essence an "allergy to cold".
This is the one contraindication to Coolsculpting. Although most people have mild symptoms, there is a possibility of having an anaphylactic reaction with your next treatment. You should be evaluated to make sure you do not have this condition. Even if they determine you are negative, I would hesitate to treat you again with Coolsculpting. There are other options like Sculpsure which uses laser heat to do the same thing. You can also have liposuction without a problem since cold urticaria is very specific to cold.

Jennifer Harrington, MD · Answer

Although it's not usual for someone to get hives after a CoolSculpting® treatment, it shouldn't have any bearing on your ability to get laser hair removal. Just be sure you let your laser technician know the situation before your scheduled appointment in case there's any advice they need to give you ahead of time. Best of luck to you!

Edward Stokes, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Hives are rarely if ever seen as the result of CoolSculpting, but there are those who treat end then discover that they do have a sensitivity or allergy to extreme cold. This condition is known as Cold Urticaria.  You would want to see your physician to see if this is what you are experiencing, but it does sound like it could be the case. Localized urticaria would not necessarily be an issue, but due to the fact that it is presenting throughout your body, the second treatment may not be advised.  Again, please see your physician before moving forward.  As for the laser hair removal, it is important that you are completely over your hives before treating. I hope you feel back to normal soon!

Marcia Fleming, MD · Answer

Hives post Coolsculpting is not a typical reaction.  This response could indicate that you have a cold allergy and should be discussed with your family physician before undergoing further treatment.

Warren B. Seiler III, MD · Answer

Hi, sorry to hear you had a problem with CoolSculpting and hives.  I have never heard of anyone getting hives after a CoolSculpting treatment, but anything is possible.  I have not seen this in my practice or in any of my colleagues' practices across the country.  I am not sure what they meant by "that it could possibly cause an allergic reaction" because it should not cause any allergic reaction.  I would suggest getting a second opinion.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This is an unusual reaction that I hadn't seen. Perhaps you are allergic to the material on the gel pad. It is not related to the breaking down of fat. I would consider pre and post treatment with Benadryl or a steroid pack.

Drew Varano, MD · Answer

You  likely have cold urticaria, which is a reaction to the cold temperature. Antihistamines taken prior to a treatment may help , but it is best to see an allergist to get tested to see the severity of your condition . It is most likely safe to have additional coolsculpting with proper pre treatment and preparation ( epi pen ), but I would suggest clearance from an allergist first . Laser hair removal works via heat, so you could do that without any issues

Hives after CoolSculpting: Is it safe to get another cycle of treatment? (Photos)

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