I had SculpSure in my low flank for an hourglass figure, but I feel soreness in my hip area, is this normal? (Photos)

Question

Hi, I did sculpsure in my mid-lower flank area, but I'm afraid the applicators were put too close to my hips, as I do feel some soreness in that area. I have included photos I took right after the procedure to show where the applicators were placed. The technician used the highest setting. Based on the photos and my soreness in that area, do you think my hip size is going to decrease with some of my sides? Also, is it normal for only side to be sore/hurt during the procedure?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Tenderness is typical and can extend into surrounding areas. Keep in mind, with Sculpsure, a combination of treatments is needed. I recommend combining Sculpsure with Vanquish and Venus Legacy/Exilis Ultra treatments. We currently use a fire and ice treatment with Coolsculpting and Vanquish for good results in fat removal. However, a VASER hi definition procedure would give you the best results with fat removal, contouring and definition. Cost will vary. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is important to work with a board certified facial plastic surgeon and team that is experienced with SculpSure. You may experience some soreness after using the highest setting, which should subside shortly. 
Best wishes,

Jennifer Levine, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.It is quite normal to experience soreness after non-invasive body sculpting treatments like SculpSure. The treatment specifically targets fat cells in the areas the applicators are applied, but you can be sore in the surrounding areas as your body flushes out dead fat cells. Based on your photos, it looks like the applicators were placed in the ideal areas for treating flanks.

Taaly Silberstein, MD · Answer

Doing SculpSure in one area can sometimes result in soreness in other areas. The reason is because the dead fat cells are carried away by the lymphatic system, and rely on a degree of inflammation to do so. As such, that inflammation can cause soreness, even in areas that weren't directly "SculpSured."
The best way to deal with the soreness is to massage the area and drink plenty of water.
Good luck!

Lawrence Eisenhauer, MD · Answer

It looks to me like the applicators were properly spaced. If you are sitting, they will drop often onto the edge of the "hip bones" (not really the hips, but the iliac crests:Google) and the surface of the bone will be sensitive. This is temporary and should be gone 10-14 days. Are you getting 2-3 treatments? You could be positioned differently.

Ellen Stehouwer, DO · Answer

Feeling some tenderness nearby where you had your Sculpsure done is not uncommon.  This has to do with the way our nerves are distributed.  It is also not uncommon to have one side be more sensitive than the other.  Some people are unable to tolerate the same setting on both sides of their body but in the same area (right flank vs left flank).  The results should be the same.  Lastly, there is generally about a 2cm area beyond the laser that also receives benefits from the treatment.

Vinh Ngo, MD · Answer

It does appear that the applicators may have been placed a little low on you from what I see on the from the photos.  When treating the flanks the applicators should be placed above the hip bones.  It is normal for the treatment to be more painful on one side of the body than the other.  Patients report that it is more painful to have the posterior flank treated than the anterior side.  Also, it is totally normal for one side of the body (left or right) to hurt more.  I suggest that for your next treatment you show the technician exactly where you want the treatment, so that you achieve your desired results.

Raminder Saluja, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Post Sculpsure laser, the area targeted can be sore for 2-3 weeks when massaging.  We have patients massage the area several times a day.  There will also be slight swelling in the area for around 2 weeks.  Typically, results begin to be seen around 6-8 weeks and a second treatment is performed around that time frame.  Hope that helps.

David U. Lipsitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Although most clients do not have any side effects or downtime after SculpSure, some clients do experience tenderness or soreness after the treatment. It is also possible to have referred pain to another area so if you had your flanks treated, the general area around your hips could feel tender as well.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

it is also very normal for one side to be somewhat sore or tender and not the other. This occurs all the time with any bilateral procedure, where one side will be more sore than the other. you can also get some soreness near the area treated but not where the paddles were actually placed. there can be referred pain along the course of a nerve. i doubt you will get much improvement on your hips, if the paddles were placed on your flanks.remember, you can enhance your final result, by better dieting and exercising.david berman md

I had SculpSure in my low flank for an hourglass figure, but I feel soreness in my hip area, is this normal? (Photos)

Answers (10)

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