I had CoolSculpting done 3 days ago on my lower abdomen, but right lower side feels more numb, tender and swollen

Question

so i didnt the 2 large suctions 3 days ago on my lower abdomen but i feel like only the right lower side feels more numb and swollen more the the left side what does this mean ? i had a c section 9 yrs ago .. could this mean they didnt it wrong on the left side?

Tina B. West, MD · Answer

If your CoolSculpting specialist used the older treatment applicator, the CoolMax (yellow applicator), you may experience swelling, numbness or other changes in sensation for 1-2 weeks or even longer.  If the newer treatment applicator was used, the CoolAdvantage Plus treatment applicator, you are much less likely to have swelling, bruising, numbness, etc. for more than a few days.  One area being more affected than another does not mean one side was treated differently than the other.  Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol and Advil are usually sufficient to alleviate most patients' discomfort, but always check with your doctor first to make sure they are safe in your specific situation.

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

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                                         Tweet                                           Sep 06 '16

Richard Balikian, MD · Answer

You should not be alarmed. It is normal to be more swollen and numb on one area vs another. That does not mean something went wrong. It means CoolSculpting is working and you are just freezing your fat more in one area than another. It typically takes 12 weeks to see the full results after one treatment.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon to experience numbness and swelling on one side but not the other. This does not mean the treatment did not work. Please follow up with your provider to discuss any further concerns.Regards,

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would not be concerned that you have a difference in numbness, tenderness and swelling on one side versus the other after the CoolSculpting treatment to your abdomen.  It is not unusual to have some difference of sensation between sides normally, and this can also occur after a CoolSculpting session.  It can take up to 12 weeks to see the full effect from the treatment.

Maurice M. Vick, Jr., MD · Answer

These treatments commonly cause numbness, tingling and some swelling. This clears at different rates of speed in all patients, but does clear. Frequently it may be more symptomatic on one side than the other. This does not necessarily indicate a treatment error. Give it some time and follow up with your treating physician. Best Wishes, Maurice Vick MD

Josh Waltzman, MD, MBA · Answer

What you describe is very typical.  There might be certain areas that are more numb than others after treatment.  This does not necessarily mean that anything was done wrong during your treatment.  I would recommend giving the symptoms several weeks to resolve and make sure that you go to your follow up appointments so your doctor can track your progress.  Good luck!

Garry K. Kim, MD · Answer

Hi Denisa, 
It's normal to experience differences from side to side.  Our bodies are not as symmetric as they appear on the outside.  You can experience different side effects on one side and even experience different treatment effects; although it's not likely that you'll notice any difference.  
Hope this helps,
Dr. Garry K. Kim

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

Even though the two areas are in close proximity to one another, it doesn't mean you will have the same reaction, response or sensations.  Different sensations, redness, swelling, etc., don't necessarily mean one side was treated differently than the other or that one will be more effective.  Your sensation may be altered from your c-section,but again, this shouldn't effect your results.  Give everything some time and follow up with the office that treated you in 8 weeks.

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It is normal to feel numb for a few days after Coolsculpting. Each nerve ending is unique and will adjust at it's own rate. If it is bothering you, try massaging the area in the shower with a gentle body scrub. The sensation of the scrub should "awaken" those nerve endings and bring the sensation back to the area quicker. At this point, I would say that you have nothing to worry about. If the problem persists, consult your doctor.

I had CoolSculpting done 3 days ago on my lower abdomen, but right lower side feels more numb, tender and swollen

Answers (10)

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