How long will nerve pain from Coolsculpting my abdomen last? I'm on Day 10!

Thank you for your question. Nerve pain can last up to a couple of weeks after treatment. it will usually subside within a month. Please follow up with your provider with any concerns.Regards,

Thank you for your question. Temporary numbness is common after the Coolsculpting.  It is not uncommon to have delayed onset of pain around 5 days after Coolsculpting.  The discomfort is due to inflammation of the tissue. Not everyone has pain or numbness.  The intermittent discomfort tends to subside within a week. It generally takes couple of weeks for the swelling  subside. The numbness can take longer to resolve, especially with the larger abdominal Cool Max applicator.  I do recommend compression for at least 3 weeks or until the numbness has resolved.  We utilize the new Cool Advantage applicators which are much more comfortable and reduce treatment time to 35 minutes.  We currently have 4 Coolsculpting machines and can offer "Dual Sculpting" which further reduces the treatment time.  I recommend keeping in touch with the office of your treating provider and regular follow-up.  Best wishes

Great question.  The type of pain you are describing is not a common side effect from CS but it does occur.  Using an ice pack on the area is the best treatment, but if it is not working you can ask your doctor for Neurontin which may help.  This nerve pain typically lasts 1-2 weeks.  Of note, with the new CoolAdvantage applicator I am not seeing this side effect at all.  This applicator uses much less vacuum and is a 35 minute treatment, not the typical 60 minute treatment.

Although not common, it is possible to get sharp pins and needles type pain several days after CoolSculpting to the abdomen.  There is a prescription medication (called gabapentin) that normally helps with this issue.  I would contact the physician who treated you and let them know about your pain and see if they will be able to prescribe this for you.  The pain can last 1-2 weeks or so.  

I'm sorry you are experiencing this pain. I know in talking to patients it can be quite irritating. There are several medications that can help. I always tell my patients to call immediately if they start feeling "pins and needles" pain so I can prescribe something. Tenderness in the treated area is normal and painful but not as problematic for most patients as the nerve pain. You should see your doctor for a prescription  The good news is it shouldn't last much longer.. Dr. Adrienne Stewart MD FAAD

In some patients nerve pain can persist for a few weeks after CoolSculpting. This is seen more with the older applicator, CoolMax. Our practice follows up with each patient following treatment & provides a cell number to reach us after hours. There is a medication called Neurontin that can be prescribed by your physician that will help with the neuropathic pain. Please contact your local treating physician.