Can CoolSculpting Mini cause permanent nerve damage to your face and chin? 3 days post op and have numbness and drooping.

Question

I received cool sculpting mini for my double chin on Monday and immediately after noticed numbness from the side of my jaw to my lip which is causing my smile to droop. This was a serious concern of mine before getting the procedure and the technician assured me it wouldn’t happen. It has now and she is saying it will definitely go away. Im worried it may have caused permanent damage to my nerve is this possible? If it does go away how long will it take?

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

This may be related to the placement of the applicator but is certainly concerning for affecting the marginal mandibular nerve.  Ask to speak to the doctor who is in charge of the facility and they should be willing to follow you up regularly or refer you to a specialist if needed.   It is likely it will go away, but you should be supported by the practice with follow up calls/visits until it is resolved.   A physician assistant evaluates and monitors all of our patients for coolsculpting and is supervised by a physician.  Nerve palsies tend to resolve in 6-8 weeks, but you should have support during that time.

Scott Gerrish, DO · Answer

nicole1014:
It is possible to irritate the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve when treating under the chin with CoolSculpting. If this occurs, a resultant weakness of the lower lip on that side would appear. As the Medical Director for the East Coast CoolSculpting Training Center I have seen this occur, albeit very rare. In my experience, the weakness will slowly resolve over the next several months. To date, I have not seen or heard of any permanent nerve damage.
Be Well
Dr Scott Gerrish - CoolSculpting University East Coast Medical Director

Isobel Walker, MBBS · Answer

Did you see a technician or a doctor? Please have this medically supervised. Neuropraxia or nerve damage is a well known side effect of Coolsulpting and all other non-invasive fat reduction treatments- this includes SculpSure. Alway have a physician supervise these treatments. More than likely you have neuropraxia or temporary nerve damage. The use of PreGabin, also known as Lyrica can help. An expert physician can titrate the dose. Nerve conduction studies are NOT needed early on. I wish you well in your recovery (usually days, sometimes weeks to months depending on the motor nerve). Dr Isobel Walker. Fiori Institute. Brisbane. Australia.

Simon Liubinas, MBBS · Answer

I’m very sorry to hear about this event. Nerve damage, or neuropraxia, is a possible, rare side-effect from Coolsculpting. In most cases it effects the nerves just underneath the skin and leads to some temporary changes in sensation. In this case, it is possible that the nerve which controls the muscle to your lips has been temporarily injured. In most cases of nerve injury, the nerve function returns fully in an average of six to eight weeks. You may wish to consider consulting a specialist neurologist. Best of luck.

Can CoolSculpting Mini cause permanent nerve damage to your face and chin? 3 days post op and have numbness and drooping.

Answers (4)

Answer: In most cases of nerve injury, the nerve function returns fully in an average of six to eight weeks.

Answer: In most cases of nerve injury, the nerve function returns fully in an average of six to eight weeks.

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Can CoolSculpting Mini cause permanent nerve damage to your face and chin? 3 days post op and have numbness and drooping.

Answers (4)

Answer: In most cases of nerve injury, the nerve function returns fully in an average of six to eight weeks.

Answer: In most cases of nerve injury, the nerve function returns fully in an average of six to eight weeks.

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Everything you need to know about CoolMini

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.