Painful Itching After CoolSculpting - Is This Normal?

Question

I did the procedure on my lower and upper abdomen 3 weeks ago. Still painful and itchy, is it common? Please help.

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Itching is one of the possible side effects after the Coolsculpting. It normally lasts for 3-4 days but in rare cases it may take 2 weeks before it gets better. Other common side effects include mild bruising, cramping, needles and pins sensation under the skin or tingling. You can take Motrin or Ibuprofen and if your symptoms last for more than 2 weeks you should contact your doctor for an evaluation.

Daniel Shapiro, MD · Answer

Typically, there is minimal to no downtime after CoolSculpting though patients may experience temporary pain or discomfort. Side effects can include redness, bruising, swelling, tenderness to the touch, cramping, itching, tingling, and numbness. Itching is a normal side effect, and should subside in time. Best of luck.

Melissa Chiang, MD, FAAD · Answer

Many patients experience mild discomfort (tingling, soreness, itching) after Coolsculpting.  A small minority of patients experience moderate to severe discomfort.  Thankfully, the discomfort persists for only a few weeks. 

	To help control pain, I recommend starting off with tylenol and ibuprofen.  For patients that need additional pain relief, gabapentin (a medication that helps with nerve pain) can be very helpful.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting does cause fat cell death and the body metabolizes the dead cells. You may be experiencing greater than normal itching and soreness but in all likelihood this should all go away. See your doctor to be examined.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

Many patients have mild aching and soreness after the procedure.  This can last a few weeks. But it is no where near as bad as the soreness you get after liposuction.   

	The Itching may come and go.  Usually there is no rash or redness. If there is, see your doctor.    Hydrocortisone cream may help with the itching.  This can be purchased at any pharmacy or food store.

William Kwan, MD, FAAD · Answer

Itchiness and pain/tenderness is very common after coolsculpting.  These symptoms can last for a few weeks and will gradually resolve.  However, if there is any change to the overlying skin, such as redness or scaliness; you should go to your doctor to have it evaluated.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Itching is a common side effect as the fat cells are breaking down. It generally lasts less than 2 weeks but can persist in some patients. You can manage the discomfort with anti-inflamatories and over counter Tylenol. If the itching is more than you can manage, contact your treating physician as soon as possible. If there any skin changes or rash, contact your treating physician as soon as possible.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

This maybe simply due to irritation of the sensory nerves.  The first step is to use anti-inflaamatories and over counter tylenol.  Other medications like Lyrica maybe necessary.Body
reshaping can be performed with a cannula that removes fat via liposuction or
with noninvasive technology like Cool Sculpting.  With Cool Sculpting there is no cannula
inserted into your body.  All treatments
are performed on the surface from the outside in using technology that freezes
the fat.  Don’t hesitate to give us a
call in Austin regarding a Body Reshaping Consult at the Upper Room.  On our Facebook Page there is an Interview I
recently did with KVUE, a local news station in Austin, that was picked by
affiliates around the United States, including Miami.  During the Interview we discussed the
technology of Cool Sculpting as well as it application process.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

Itching is a common side effect after a CoolSculpting procedure.  The itching or hypersensitivity is due to the inflammation from the procedure.  Compression garments - such as an abdominal binder, spanx or control top pantyhose, can often help with the itching. I also recommend contacting your provider if the itching is severe or is interfering with work or sleep.  They can possibly prescribe you a medication - such as Lyrica or Lidoderm Lidocaine patches - to help.

Eric Chang, MD · Answer

As the body heals itching and soreness is very common. Realize that although this is not surgery actual cells have been affected with treatment and there is a normal inflammatory then healing phase. This is a completely normal part of your healing phase.

Painful Itching After CoolSculpting - Is This Normal?

Answers (16)

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