Is CoolSculpting less painful on the love-handles?

Question

Hello I had CoolSculpting done two weeks ago on my lower abdomen. Its been a painful journey, but most of it has finally gone away. If I get results, I might want to do it on my love-handles. I was wondering -- is it less painful there? I am talking about the post-procedure pain.

William Groff, DO · Answer

Most patients don't find CoolSculpting to be painful. If you experienced pain when being treated on the abdomen, that is not necessarily a sign that you will be uncomfortable when treated on the flanks. If you had a good result from your first CoolSculpting treatment, then you should respond well to the next one, too. Be sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist who has been certified by Zeltiq as a CoolSculpting expert.

Sarah Mess, MD · Answer

In our experience, the flanks are typically less sensitive compared to abdominal treatments. This can vary from patient to patient and is not a hard and fast rule. One thing that is universal is that the newer applicators provide a more comfortable treatment than the original parallel plate applicators.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Pain can be variable for patients who have had Coolsculpting. If necessary, this pain can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications and neurontin. For best results with Coolsculpting, I recommend a combination approach. I recommend adding radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish, Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing. Vaser with ThermiRF is an alternative. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Oscar A. Aguirre, MD, FPMRS · Answer

Hello momo333,Great question. Typically there is less discomfort in the love-handles than in the abdomen, but its rare for patients to describe their CoolScukpting experience as a "painful journey". I would proceed with confidence that your first experience was an outlier and that you will do well with your next step in your transformation.Best of luck,Oscar A. Aguirre, MDUrogynecologist & Cosmetic Surgeon

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately there is no sure way to tell whether or not you will experience less pain there. Everyone and every area of the body responds differently. Regards,

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Some people develop some pain after a CoolSculpting procedure while others do not.  It is possible that you could develop some pain after treating the love handles, but I would say that it is less likely to occur there than the abdomen.

Paul Pietro, MD · Answer

Hello momo3333,Thank you for your question. Pain is very difficult to quantify because it is so subjective and descriptions used can often cloud the true nature/intensity of it. My experience has been that the flank area is typically and consistently described as much less discomfort when compared to the abdomen. Fear not and proceed as you have planned.

Joseph Doumit, MD · Answer

Hello , 
  
Normally it is less painful on the love handles from my experience. You might feel a little sensitivity after the treatment that could last for the next few days .

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This is usually a phenomenon associated with treatment of the abdomen. It is not that common but if you read Realself, you would think it happens to all patients. I would say I have had 5 or less patients in the last 7 years of using Coolsculpting. Usually it is easily treated with lidocaine patches. It doesn't seem to occur with the love handles when they are treated. It is also less with the Cooladvantage handpieces and when the Zimmer Z wave is used.

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

Typically patients will experience the most discomfort in the abdomen.  Having said that most patients do not have severe or prolonged discomfort.  It is less likely that you will have that degree of discomfort in the flank area.

Is CoolSculpting less painful on the love-handles?

Answers (11)

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