SculpSure is very painful. What can I do to minimize the pain?

Question

I have had 4 treatments already and it has been very but very painful, even in the low setting. What can I do to minimize pain I bought 16 treatments, so a way to go.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you move forward and consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon because SculpSure - when performed by experts trained in the procedure - can be comfortable for the patient. It emits a pleasant and warm feeling during the 25 minute, non-invasive, in-office procedure.
Best wishes,

Dennis Gross, MD · Answer

At my practice we offer laughing gas to help patients be more comfortable during the treatment. See if the office offers that. The laser uses heat at high temperatures to destroy fat and most patients do not experience pain during the treatment, however everyone's pain tolerance is different and the applicators can be adjusted if any discomfort is felt.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Ice pack rotated around help with pain as does the Vibrata which distracts the patient with Vibration.Nitrous oxide (ProNox) can also help, and is an additional cost.

Jill Hazen, DO · Answer

The Sculpsure treatment can be uncomfortable. Each patient tolerates the treatment differently and the area being treated also plays a role in how the patient will feel. 
In our office we try to set the expectations for the patient prior to treatment. We do advise them that the treatment is uncomfortable but tolerable. 
We ask the patients to bring things to distract them and we also have a TV in each treatment room so patients can watch Netflix. 
We use fans and the Zimmer Chiller which provides cold air for the patients to use during the treatment. 
We also advise the patient to be hydrated prior to treatment and they can also take acetaminophen if they choose.

Vinh Ngo, MD · Answer

SculpSure can be painful depending on the areas treated.  Most often we try to distract our patients with conversation, although sometimes this isn't enough.  We also use fans, music, and ice packs.  I encourage patients to have their phones with them for distraction too.  If it is really painful I am okay with pre-treating a patient with Hydrocodone if needed.  Hang in there.  The results are truly worth it.

Rosalind Hudson, MD · Answer

We have found frozen gel packs really help. I replace them half way through the treatment. One of my Brazilian patients "played the drums" with them on her flanks, distracting herself percussion as well as cold. Other patients have put them on their temples, forehead or necks, or just outside the frame. 
Since I stay in the room with patients, conversation is essential. The more lively the conversation, the faster the treatment.
However, if you are one of the the small percentage of patients with"heightened sensory perception", then consider asking your doctor for a Rx for Xanax 0.25 of 0.5mg, depending on your size and sensitivity to medication. Have someone drive you. No, it's not a pain reliever, but it really helps, since the anticipation of discomfort is a big part of the perception.

Patricia Faraz, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear that your SculpSure experience has not been comfortable for you. Each person has a different pain toleranceIn our office we try to make your treatment as comfortable as possible. Here are a few ways we keep our patients at the highest settings with the least amount of discomfort. We use a machine call a Zimmer, which is a cooling air unit where we can cool the area that is being treated. It is very important for the patient to not tense the body, the more relaxed your muscles the more comfortable your treatment will be. Bringing in earpods with music is a great distraction. In our office our nurses stay with you throughout the treatment which seems to help as well.Hope this helps!

Alex Martin, MD · Answer

Some of our patients take an Ibuprofen before procedure to help with pain. However, we cannot completely take away pain because we need our patients to have some sensation. In the case that the laser is burning the skin (which is very uncommon) we need to know.

Taaly Silberstein, MD · Answer

You are right that SculpSure treatments can be downright painful, and though you can do something to minimize the pain, you probably won't be able to make it pain free. The reason is that we want you to be able to give feedback on what is manageable to you, and what is too painful, as pain can reflect something that is not going right.
That being said, I recommend that my patients take 2 extra strength Tylenols (acetaminophen) and 2 Advils (ibuprofen). The combination of the two medicines is really more than the sum of their parts. 
Ibuprofen (and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications) should not be taken after SculpSure because you actually want the inflammatory response, which helps your body clear out the fat cells that were destroyed by the SculpSure, but a one-time dosing about half-hour prior to the procedure should not interfere with that, and really helps.
Some people have asked about taking a prescription pain reliever, but unfortunately those can cause nausea and lightheadedness. I have had the experience of needing to stop a patient's SculpSure treatment (who took Vicodin prior) because she was feeling so lousy from the Vicodin. Better to skip the prescription pain medicines.
Good luck!

Peter McIlveen, MD · Answer

Different parts of your body will be more sensitive to the treatment, for example the inner thighs.  A patient's pain tolerance is also a factor.  A great advantage of Sculpsure is the fact that settings can be adjusted and cool blasts can be used to make the patient comfortable during the procedure.  It's important to have a certified Sculpsure tech that doesn't leave the room during the procedure, so they are completely attentive to you, and can adjust settings and use the cool blast feature as needed.

SculpSure is very painful. What can I do to minimize the pain?

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