CoolSculpting on inner and outer thighs. One side feels normal, other side is tender. Does that mean it didn't work?

DrMe,
It is very common to experience varying degrees of numbness and tenderness in CoolSculpted areas. The good news is that there is not a correlation between post treatment tenderness and the effectiveness in fat reduction. Paradoxical Hyperplasia (PAH) is a very rare occurrence (1 in 25,000 with the new Advantage applicators) and is typically not seen until about 4 months after treatment. Additionally, there appears to be no correlation with the amount of bruising, tenderness, or numbness and the development of PAH. Massaging the area is an important aspect of the treatment immediately after removing the applicator. Continued massage days after the treatment will not offer additional benefit and may actually increase the tenderness you are experiencing.
Be Well
Dr Scott Gerrish - CoolSculpting University East Coast Medical Director

Hello, thank you for your question. Numbness and tenderness are both very common side effects of CoolSculpting and it is possible that the different treated areas are responding somewhat differently. Fortunately, the degree of numbness and tenderness post CoolSculpting treatment actually have no effect on the efficacy of the treatment or the fat lost so it is unlikely that one side did not work just because it does not feel tender and numb. Paradoxical Hyperplasia is also extremely rare and if you were suffering from it it would not be apparent so soon after your treatments. It seems you are doing just fine but if you do continue to feel worried and concerned I recommend seeing or speaking to your board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

The discomforts you are experiencing are very common after Coolsculpting treatments. They are not related to the results you will attain. Paradoxical Hyperplasia is very rare and does not appear until several months later. You should be fine. Follow up with your provider if you are still worried. Best Wishes, Maurice Vick MD

Thanks for your great question.  The interesting thing about CoolSculpting is that everyone has slightly different reactions to the treatment. Having provided this service to over 10,000 patients, we have seen it all.  Frequently, patients remark that one area or side feels more tender than another post treatment.  Our experience has been that post treatment tenderness is not a determining factor as to whether or not the treatment worked.  We have some patients who say they have no tenderness at all anywhere, and still have amazing results. I would seriously doubt that you are experiencing paradoxical hyperplasia. Only 1 person in 10,000 presents with that anomaly. And, tenderness is not an indication either.  So I would simply wait out the three month period for your results to show, and be sure to schedule a follow up visit with your provider.  Also, be sure they take follow up photos. Photos are the most helpful way to really see results after only one treatment.  I wish you the best with your CoolSculpting adventure!