Intense pain after CoolSculpting.

Question

Day 8 after cool sculpting on my outer thighs and the pain is constant and intense. Can't sleep at night. Ice packs help. Tylenol does nothing. What topical creams might help the pain? My Dr is away so getting prescription drugs is a challenge unless I go to a walk in clinic. Recommendation?

Martin Ray, MD · Answer

Hi EJC,
The type of constant and intense pain following CoolSculpting you appear to be describing is something we see in about 5% of our clients. The timing is usually 5-10 days post treatment.
Gabapentin 300mg taken once or twice daily is likely your best answer. Gabapentin is used to relieve nerve pain but will most commonly cause drowsiness, so it is best to take at night. Lyrica (pregabalin) is an alternative option to gabapentin. If your doctor is away and there is no one covering, then go to a walk in clinic and get the prescription. You will start to feel better within hours, and most people need to continue taking the medication for up to a week. Be assured that there will be no harm from the CoolSculpting treatment. I suggest you keep ice away from areas that have been CoolSculpted; the tissues have already been subjected to cold with the treatment and aggressive icing could damage your skin. Good luck and I hope the prescription settles your pain quickly!

Melanie L. Petro, MD · Answer

So sorry to hear  of your late onset pain and unfortunately this can be a side effect of coolsculpting but not a very common one.  In our practice we prescribe Neurontin for our patients that experience this discomfort and typically in a few days their pain is gone.  I hope you found some relief and are enjoying the results.

Skin Presence MedSpa - Greenbrae · Answer

I'm sorry you're experiencing the late onset pain that is common with the other thigh treatment.  There are lidocaine patches that you can wear throughout the day and try a sleeping pill at night before your doctor gets in town to prescribe more medication.

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

Your doctor is required to have a physician covering for him/her while away, so the office should be able to assist you.  It may be a neuralgia (an overstimulated nerve) which is reacting to the coolsculpting.  Local anesthesia patches sometimes help but are prescription items.

James Silberzweig, MD · Answer

One topical treatment for discomfort following CoolSculpting is use of lidocaine patches (e.g., Icy Hot). You should seek guidance directly from your CoolSculpting provider.

Intense pain after CoolSculpting.

Answers (5)

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