CoolSculpting outer thighs. Horrible Pain and stinging!! How long will this last?

Question

I have been prescribed gabapentin 300 but even that doesn't seem to help with this excruciating pain. Tylenol seems to work for the pain but not the prickling sensations. How long is this going to last? I had the procedure last Friday June 30th. Can I keep taking Tylenol 500 every night? Is that safe?

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

You are experiencing late onset pain that is fairly common with the outer thigh treatment. Gabapentin does not take affect immediately. You should be taking several doses throughtout the day. This pain could last for about a month but is not permanent. You should follow up with your treating physician if your symptoms are not getting better.

Vincent A Marino, MD · Answer

What you're describing is late onset nerve pain, which will dissipate. Gabapentin works well for some, but not for others. You certainly can continue to take Tylenol every evening, it is safe; you can also take it throughout the day. Your physician may prescribe a different or stronger pain medication for you if you ask. This type of pain usually last 1 to 2 weeks. Best of luck with your treatment!

Drew Varano, MD · Answer

The gabapentin will help with burning prickling nerve irritation . The dose needs to be increased and titrated to 3 x a day . After 900 mg daily then and no relief then the dose should be increased . Some people with nerve pain from other conditions  require up to 3600 mg daily , so 300 mg is not a very high dose and should improve with titration and  proper dispensing instructions. Please do not use this information without proper consultation with your treating physician.

Christopher Dannaker, DO, MPH, FAAD · Answer

This pain syndrome will resolve.  It typically flares about 4-7 days after coolsculpting and resolves within several weeks.  Most of the time ice, heat, tylenol and narcotic analgesics do not help.  Gabapentin is usually very helpful but as mentioned already, takes some time to work.  Your physician might gradually titrate your dose.  Please ask your physician for instructions.  The few patients I've had that have developed this problem were much better after 7-10 days.

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CoolSculpting outer thighs. Horrible Pain and stinging!! How long will this last?

Answers (4)

Answer: Pain after Coolsculpting

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