How Can I Get Relief from This Severe Pain I'm Experiencing After Coolsculpting?

Question

I had coolsculpting on my upper and lower abdomen seven days ago. The evening of day 3 is when the excruciating pain started. The only way to describe the pain is to imagine someone is ripping you apart from the inside...graphic, but truthful. The pain isn't easing up and I can't sleep or go to work. Any advice on how to get any relief from this pain? My doctor's office is no help. They told me to take Advil. No OTC medicine is even touching the pain.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have delayed onset pain after a Coolsculpting procedure. This pain is more commonly experienced with abdominal Coolsculpting. It starts 3-5 days after the procedure and can last 10 days or so. This pain is nerve based and is best treated with Neurontin. Ask your physician to prescribe you som

Best of luck,

Sheila Nazarian

Best of luck,

Sheila Nazarian

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

There are rare patients that demonstrate severe pain after coolSculting for fat reduction.This is self-limiting but can take a few weeks. Some doctors report good results with a prescription medication, Lyrica, as an off-label use. This must be discussed with your doctor to determine if  you're a candidate and discuss the risks in consideration of your medical history and concurrent medications.

	The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.

Michael Law, MD · Answer

What you are describing is a normal side effect when treating the abdomen with CoolSculpting.  Patients may experience discomfort from mild to severe levels of intensity.  Many practices report prescribing a non-narcotic nerve blocker for this specific sensation.  Medications are not required for CoolSculpting and this uncomfortable sensation you have is temporary.  My practice offers CoolSculpting Complete which includes a compression garment for patient comfort.  Compression may relieve or eliminate the undesirable side effects following CoolSculpting.  CoolSculpting Complete is a complimentary package that my patients enjoy.  Along with compression garments, it also includes dual machines for faster treatment, and vibrational therapy to speed the elimination of fat cells through the lymphatic system.  As the top provider of CoolSculpting in my region, patients at my practice receive Instant Rebates for free CoolSculpting with each session purchased.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

Though it is a small percentage of Coolsculpting patients that experience significant pain, it does happen.  It generally begins after 3-4 days.  It is important that you follow up with the office that treated you, especially if you are not finding relief from OTC medications and NSAIDs.  The good news is that this pain will resolve. We've not have had anyone not recover completely.  Some patients find relief from wearing a tight fitting garment or compression garment (something like spanx or a girdle).  Try ice or hot compresses in the area as well. (some patients definitely prefer one over the other) 

	Good luck. Hang in there. Definitely follow up with your treating physician.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about what you are experiencing. Yes, this does happen to a small percentage of patients and it should subside in about a week.

	Try OTC pain medication, topical pain rubs and/or numbing creams.

	Hopefully you will be very happy with your results and forget the 2 weeks of pain.

	Best wishes.

How Can I Get Relief from This Severe Pain I'm Experiencing After Coolsculpting?

Answers (5)