SculpSure hurt! Could this be caused by not enough fat in the treatment area?

Question

Had my flanks done (two panels on each side). Set at 1.10, it was almost unbearable. I tried going up to 1.20 and it made me nauseated, so I dropped back down to 1.10. I gave birth without an epidural so I‘m really surprised at the pain. After, it felt as though the back of the actual hipbones were bruised. Dr said I had perfect pillows of fat in each panel. Was there enough fat? Would a .90 setting be as effective? Scared for next treatment!

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. A change in the setting should prevent any discomfort. Always work with a board certified facial plastic surgeon and a medical team that is trained and experienced with SculpSure.
Best wishes,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If you were feeling uncomfortable during the procedure, I suggest advising your physician in order to adjust the settings or switching to different treatment that has less pain such as vanquish.  We combiune vanquish and coolsculpting to get the best outcomes with minimal pain. Slight discomfort/mild pain is common with Sculpsure - comfort levels are dependent on individual tolerance. Speak with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

The energy setting on a SculpSure device can be adjusted for each individual patient so that the treatment should not be painful.  I would say that there might be some intervals of mild discomfort, but it should not be painful.  The amount of fat present should not affect the amount of pain with the treatment.  I do find that many patients are able to go to a higher level after the first treatment.  If you are experiencing pain during the treatment, there are some maneuvers that can be done to help with this.  It is possible that you may need a lower energy setting to tolerate the treatment.

Rachel Rosen, MD · Answer

There is a huge variability in the amount of pain people experience with SculpSure ranging from very mild discomfort to almost unbearable.  The same person can experience different degrees of pain in different body parts and may have a completely different experience on the same body part with additional treatments.  If the panels are sitting on bony areas there can be more pain, so it might be possible to slightly adjust the placement of the panels if you are still able to cover the desired treatment area.  The fat destruction zone is 1.1 so it would be best not to go below that to make sure you get the best results.  I would recommend taking 2 extra strength Tylenol prior to your next treatment.

Dennis Gross, MD · Answer

Many people report pain with their Sculptsure treatment. Perhaps you could discuss pain management options with your doctor before your next treatment.

Daniela Atanassova-Lineva, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your experience with SculpSure. At the lowest settings it does not have to be intolerable, but everyone has different pain threshold and bear in mind that if you do the procedure prior or during your MP you will be more sensitive. The treatment is effective even when conducted at the lowest therapeutic levels of 1.1 , but below that there are no studies showing how effective the  procedure would be.
Based on my experience, if closer to the muscle and less fat in the area the pain is more pronounced.
Take some Motrin prior to the next procedure, schedule a week after your period and ask for an ice pack to apply on and off near the treated area as a destruction. Music and deep breathing helps as well.

Good luck,

Dr Daniela Atanassova Lineva

Jennifer Levine, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear that you had a painful experience. While it is rare that a patient experiences pain during a SculpSure treatment, it can be uncomfortable. To decrease pain, discuss taking a pain reliever with your physician prior to the treatment. You can also lower the setting slightly without losing efficacy of the treatment.

North Carolina Weight &amp; Wellness - Cornelius · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the pain you experienced with your first SculpSure treatment. The treatment can cause some discomfort but should never be unbearable. Never hesitate to be open with the technician or provider and let them know how you are feeling throughout the treatment. The treatment should be individualized to your comfort level. There are different techniques that can be used during the treatment to minimize discomfort. Also, you can still have great results on the lowest settings. I wish you the best!

Maryann Prewitt, MD · Answer

I address this question with my patients all of the time. The beauty of SculpSure technology is that it is highly effective regardless of the settings (1.1-1.4). Here is where perception of pain is deceptive of the efficacy of the treatment. Each of us is born with remarkably variable pain tolerances. Among my patients, 20% have little discomfort, 40% mild to moderate, and 40% require assistance with pain relief (typically Tylenol 1000 mg an hour prior to SculpSure, others, on rare occasion, require prescriptions for pain or anxiety). Despite a patient's individual pain tolerance, every one is eager to return for that next treatment and/or next area because they are overwhelmingly pleased with their results. As you choose a physician, it is so important that they educate and engage you in order to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible and have realistic expectations with amazing results.

Lichun (Li) Huo, MD · Answer

Hi, there's certainly some discomfort with sculpsure.  It's ok if you couldn't go up above 1.10.  We all perceive different types of pain differently.  Just because you can tolerate one kind of pain, it doesn't mean you can tolerate other types of pain (pressure pain vs pain from needles vs headaches, etc).  You and your physician probably both thought there was a fat pocket that could be reduced so the procedure was done.  It's normal to be sore for about a week after sculpsure.   Maybe for your next tx, you can consider taking medication to help with relaxation? You should discuss with the physician.
Best,
Dr. Huo

SculpSure hurt! Could this be caused by not enough fat in the treatment area?

Answers (15)

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