Follow up - Pain when coolsculpting applicator applied. Would a numbing cream help?

Question

See my previous question and one doctor reply that completely ignored the fact that I am saying it hurt like hell when the applicator was applied for at least a couple of minutes until the freezing started. Why don't you doctors recognize this and offer some sort of topical cream/gel whatever BEFORE the applicator is applied?

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Again, the discomfort from the initial application of the CoolSculpting device is due to the pressure of the vacuum as the fat is drawn up into the applicator. Local anesthetic has no effect on this pressure sensation. As the cold temperature sets in you go numb. If you are having that much discomfort then you can have your physician give you some medication prior to your treatment to help.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

A topical numbing cream would have no effect on the discomfort or pain that some people may feel when the CoolSculpting applicator is attached because it would not penetrate deep enough.  Each person has a different pain tolerance, so you may be more sensitive to the suction from the applicator than the average person.  I have never had to do this before for a CoolSculpting procedure, but you might try having your treating physician prescribe a pain pill for you to take before the procedure to lessen the pain.

Jared Mallalieu, DO · Answer

A numbing cream such as EMLA would not have any effect on the discomfort you noticed with your procedure. The Zeltiq device uses a vacuum to hold the fat in the treatment handle. This discomfort is at a deeper level than numbing cream would penetrate. It is well known that a small (actually very small) number of people experience pain which prohibits Zeltiq treatment. You may just be one of the unlucky ones! In the 5 years we have been doing the office I've seen this once. Good luck, Dr. M

Follow up - Pain when coolsculpting applicator applied. Would a numbing cream help?

Answers (3)

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