Dear Lisa33351:I have been performing CoolSculpting since Zeltiq first asked me to be one of 10 doctors to premiere the procedure in the New York City area, and can assure you that it is not possible to get an infection from CoolSculpting. There are no needles and no breaks in the skin occur during or after the procedure, so there is no possibility of bacteria being introduced into the tissues. If one had a history of cold sores in the area being treated, herpetic infection could be triggered. The same is true for shingles, if one had a history of chickenpox. but in that case, you would not be "getting an infection" but rather triggering an outbreak of an infection your body already carries. If you have a history of cold sores in the areas to be treated, you should ask if you should take Valtrex the day of the procedure.Very rarely, firm areas develop after the procedure in the treated areas. These resolve within a few weeks. Perhaps this is what you have noticed? I do hope your issue has improved by the time that you read this answer.All the best,Dr. Clark
