Is this amount of redness to be expected 12 hours post CoolSculpting? (Photos)

Question

I had my 2nd coolsculpt procedure today on a new area - my back. The immediate response is quite different to my initial treatment on my stomach where the redness subsided within a couple hours post treatment. There is also mild tingling and numbness of the area. I am not concerned about the bruising/petechiae as was expecting this from suction but was not expecting the redness. Concerned about a possible burn? I will add it is not painful but does feel mildly burning/tingling right >left.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I have seen the same degree of redness, in some patients, that you have 12 hours after the CoolSculpting treatment to your back.  This discoloration should resolve completely over time.  It does not appear to be a burn, based on your photos, but if you have any concern you should contact the physician who treated you.

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

This amount of redness is not typical.  Bruising on the other hand would be considered a normal reaction.  Your coolsculpting provider should be using a gel pack to protect the skin before applying the applicator.  I would share these results with your coolsculpting provider and seek medical attention.Best of luck,Dr. Philip Solomon, Solomon Facial Plastic

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

While this amount of redness is probably a bit more than we see on average it certainly can occur.  It is often a result of small broken blood vessels secondary to the suction the applicator puts on the tissue.  It will resolve on its own and you will see daily improvement until it is gone probably in about a week or so.  
Thank you for the question.
All the Best,
Dr. Paul Flashner

Edward Stokes, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Having successfully treated tens of thousands of patients with Coolculpting, we have found that patients have varying reactions to the treatment. Redness may occur in some areas and not in others, or may occur after a second treatment. Ultimately, this redness is temporary and should resolve within a week or two at most. Good luck with your CoolSculpting journey!

Vinay Aggarwal, MD · Answer

It is normal to see even this amount of redness (soreness) post-coolsculpting. Every patient is different and their skin's adherence to the treatment can range from no visual marks to something that looks as if it were a bruise. This should subside in a week or so.

Maurice M. Vick, Jr., MD · Answer

Redness and tingling are very common after Coolsculpting. They subside at varying rates. This does not look like a burn. If you have questions or problems it is best to return to your treating physician for evaluation. Best Wishes, Maurice Vick MD

Scott Gerrish, DO · Answer

seaview88,
I commonly see the redness and petechiae you are experiencing immediately post treatment, especially on the back. The area should improve over the next several days to weeks. Should you have any concerns or notice any changes I recommend you return to the treating office for evaluation.
Be Well
Dr G - CoolSculpting University East Coast Medical Director

Hadley Claire King, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hello. From your pictures, it appears like you are experiencing the typical redness and petechiae associated with coolsculpting. The mild burning/tingling sensation is also normal. This does not look like a burn. “Burns” from CoolSculpting are often frostbite. Typically, these types of “burns” appear bright red, can develop into blisters, and really hurt. Burns from CoolSculpting are uncommon and usually result from technicians not following proper protocol (like not properly placing the gel pad.)
It is also not unusual to see different bruising patterns and different amounts of redness when treating different parts of the body. 
The redness and petechiae should clear up within 1 to 2 weeks. But if you still have concerns, or want a concrete answer (something you just can’t get from physicians looking at a couple photos over the internet) call up the CoolSculpting provider that performed your treatment. They should be more than willing to address any of your concerns.

Martin Everhard, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Redness usually subsides in a short time after treatment.  Bruising is not common but may occur and I expect this might happen to you.  If so, it should resolve in a few weeks.    Tingling and numbness are common and should slowly improve.

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi seaview88,
I have extensive experience in CoolSculpting and I can tell you that many clients have experienced the same side effects, a condition which we call petechiae. In fact, temporary redness may mean anywhere from a few hours to a few days. It eventually resolves without further incidence. Client experience and side effects may differ from previous experiences. What IS important is that you have been cleared of any condition that is contraindicated such as  cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (Reynaud's disease).
Severe pain or inflammation are the hallmarks of something more sinister. So, if the pain worsens, please see a doctor or return to the facility that performed the procedure.
You can just sit back and do nothing. It should be gone, or at least diminished in a week or two.
All the best,
Justin Harper, M.D.

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