Would a lidocaine patch be a possible treatment option for late onset CoolSculpting pain?

Question

The pain is bad. It's causing me to not be able to sleep. I whimper when I move. It's so bad that had I known it would be like this there is no way I ever would have gotten this procedure. It has brought me to tears!!!

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

So sorry to hear that you are having that much pain.After I had Coolsculpting, I used heating pads and Spanx for compression and the pain never came.  Try those first.If not, ask your practitioner for a prescription for neurontin... that helps with the nerve pain.Thankfully, the pain is self-limited and usually doesn't last more than 2 weeks.Best of luck!

Robert Heck, MD, FACS · Answer

I know this is not fun but is a rare and known side effect with cool sculpting. If you have a reputable practice, call them right away and have the physician help you with medication management during this period of time. We have a protocol that includes ice, compression, lidocaine patches and if NSAIDS or tylenol aren't enough you can try neurotin. This would all be short term and will cease. Sorry you are experiencing it. Best of Luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A lidocaine patch can help manage pain and discomfort after CoolSculpting. You can also try massage. I like CoolSculpting in combination with other modalities, such as Cellutone, Venus and Vanquish to give the best results. If the lidocaine patch doesn't help, please see an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Topical lidocaine patches, oral anti-inflammatory medications, oral pain medications and muscle relaxers can all be used to treat post-procedure pain from coolsculpting.  Make sure to see your physician for evaluation; thankfully, this usually resolves in a week or so.  Best of luck.

Sarah Mess, MD · Answer

Lidoderm/lidocaine patches are our preferred treatment for patients with delayed onset pain such as yours. Contact your doctor and inquire about a prescription.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

While a lidocaine patch could be helpful for pain after a CoolSculpting treatment, there is also a prescription medication that can help.  If you have not already, I would contact the physician who treated you to let them know about your pain and see if they can prescribe the medication (gabapentin) for you.

Guy Cappuccino, MD · Answer

Hello there,Sorry to hear about the pain, it can be bad in rare circumstances.  You didn't mention what area was treated, but I would not oppose a patient trying a lidocaine patch.  We typically prescribe Tramadol for pain, so you might ask you doctor about that.  But don't worry, the pain is temporary and the results permanent.  Best wishes- Dr. C

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

If you have the rare side effect of significant pain after Coolsculpting that is not responding to Aleve or Motrin then you should contact your physician for the appropriate oral prescription medication.  Best, Dr. Green

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear jco3:

So sorry to hear of your discomfort!! Hyperaesthesia and pain are very rare concerns with CoolSculpting (CS) but obviously can happen. I believe that the sensory nerves within the CS treated areas are temporarily injured during the cooling process but not permanently injured. It will improve.

Based on a single patient who had this problem among over a 1000 of our CoolSculpted patients, I have come up with a pain assistance protocol. It includes different levels of care based on the amount of discomfort and includes:

TylenolNSAID's: ibuprofen / naproxenLidoDerm patchTopical hydrocortisone or benadrylTopical lidocaine or LidoDermOral antihistamineCool or warm compressesCompression garmentNarcotic GABA medications and sedativesPlease review this list with your CoolSculpting Specialist to see what is appropriate and helpful to you.

I wish you the best!

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and as always we recommend that you consult with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to see what your treatment options are at this time.  Post-treatment pain with CoolSculpting can and does happen on occasion and as noted by Dr. Stevens, one of the world’s experts on CoolSculpting, this is usually short-lived and can be associated with even better results.  Use the lidocaine patch and you will be fine --- we know it is a little discerning now, but it will subside and you will do just fine.  If you have questions, ask your provider.

Would a lidocaine patch be a possible treatment option for late onset CoolSculpting pain?

Answers (12)

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