Different pain level in different areas treated with Coolsculpting

Thank you for your question. Your results should be consistent. Some areas may be more sensitive than others and therefore, it is common to experience different pain levels in varying areas. Regards,

Pain can be variable depending on the body parts and doesn't mean you won't have good results. 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 the best alternative if you want a more contouring outcome. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

There is no rule how painful it will be after Coolsculpting procedure. Different people experience different levels on pain on different areas of your body. You will see initial results after 8 weeks while end results will be visible after 3 months. I believe that stronger pain and discomfort means that more fat cells are being dissolves so results should be great. If your pain is not going away I advise you to consult your provider. Good luck!

Thank you for your question, Luna2020- While every patient has a different pain level tolerance, typically the abdominal area is the most sensitive area to treat with CoolSculpting.  Also, within the past year CoolSculpting has improved their technology and applicators to be more tolerable to patients and less painful. It is possible that your CoolSculpting Specialist used the new advantage applicator for your flanks and lower abs and your treatment was more comfortable the second time. My Best, Dr. Basile  

There is no rule how painful it will be after Coolsculpting procedure. Different people experience different levels on pain on different areas of their body. You will see initial results after 8 weeks while end results will be visible after 3 months. I believe that stronger pain and discomfort means that more fat cells are being dissolves therefore it can lead to better results. If your pain is not going away I advise you to consult your provider. Good luck! 

Dear Luna2020:I have found that the upper abdomen can be more sensitive to CoolSculpting. In addition, using the CoolMax applicator sometimes causes more discomfort. It may be that the new CoolAdvantage applicators will cause less discomfort because the vacuum is less strong. In general, CoolSculpting is not a painful procedure.  If you are particularly sensitive to discomfort, discuss this with your dermatologist prior to treatment.All the best,   Dr. Clark

There is no rhyme or reason as to why certain areas feel worse after CoolSculpting than other areas.  It could be related to the amount and/or density of fat in the area, the amount of tissue the applicator pulled up, the positioning of the applicator, the type of applicator used (the older versions vs the Cool Advantage), on and on.  The amount of discomfort does not equate to the result you will obtain from the procedure.  If you do not have post procedure pain, be happy, not nervous!

This is typically what is seen with the Coolsculpting. What you described is right - the upper abs are the worst and flanks are minimal. Topical lidocaine patches can be used to help the discomfort after the procedure. Pain doesn't equate to results so don't worry about that. The Cooladvantage handpieces and Z Wave help with the procedural pain during and afterwards and better results.

Each area that you have treated will feel differently from other areas.  In general, the abdomen is more sensitive than the flanks.  More discomfort does not mean that you are going to have better results.  If you had great results the first time, you will probably be very happy with your current treatment.  Good Luck!

Though most people tolerated CoolSculpting very well, there can be some discomfort and there can be a lot of variability when it comes to that response.  Pain can vary between areas treated, between patients and even between sessions.  Fortunately, the saying, "No pain, no gain", does not apply here.  Effectiveness is related to temperature and time on tissue,  and both of these are closely monitored and controlled by computer in the device, so your treatment should be same despite the variability in symptoms.