Can CoolSculpting cause vagus nerve damage?

Question

After CS above my navel I experienced pain and swelling followed by a bulge and bloating. A plastic surgeon found fat nodules and an internal adhesion. A GI doctor prescribed meds for stomach bloating, burning and discomfort, issues I NEVER had prior. FYI I'm 48, athletic, 5'1" and weighed 109 lbs before CS, several months later I weighed 116, barely ate and a CT scan showed my intestines were not emptying. 2 yrs later I have still have stomach issues and have been diagnosed with SIBO.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

No, it is unlikely that Coolsculpting caused damage to your vagus nerve. Coolsculpting is more superficial than where the vagus nerve is located. If it persists, I recommend following up with your Doctor. Best, Dr. Emer

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I do not believe that CoolSculpting could cause any vagus nerve damage.  The CoolSculpting applicator draws in the skin and fat, but nothing below those layers.  The vagus nerve is much deeper and would not have been affected.

Anthony P. Terrasse, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. While the vagus nerve does run into the abdomen, the CoolSculpting treatment does not penetrate deeply enough to cause any damage - either to the vagus nerve or the deeper organs such as the stomach or intestines. Additionally, any side effects related to CoolSculpting would not have persisted for two years. If you are still having issues, I recommend seeing a specialist to ensure you are properly diagnosed and treated. Good luck, and hopefully your health will improve.

Drew Varano, MD · Answer

The vagus nerve is 1 of 12 cranial nerves. It courses deep in the intraabdominal area behind the abdominal musculature. It is too deep to be affected by coolscultping. The hypoglossal nerve is also a cranial nerve which controls the tongue. This is superficial and can be affected with neck ( double chin)  coolscultping (though it’s a very rare side effect). When it is affected , it is a temporary issue for a few hours that the tongue may deviate to the left or right side and fully resolves. So  1) the vagus nerve is too deep to be affected and 2) when a cranial nerve is affected it is immediate & only temporary affected withl full resolution

Mary Beth Mudd, MD · Answer

Interesting question. It is not unusual for patients to experience temporary discomfort and swelling in the area where CoolSculpting was performed. However, intestinal problems 2 years later are totally unrelated to the CoolSculpting treatment since the cold induced by the CoolSculpting treatment does not go deep enough to affect structures below the abdominal muscles such as the vagus nerve, stomach, and intestines.

Can CoolSculpting cause vagus nerve damage?

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Answer: Coolscultping and vagus nerve

Answer: Coolscultping and vagus nerve

Answer: Can Cool Sculpting cause vagus nerve and intestinal oroblems?

Answer: Can Cool Sculpting cause vagus nerve and intestinal oroblems?

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Can CoolSculpting cause vagus nerve damage?

Answers (6)

Answer: Coolscultping and vagus nerve

Answer: Coolscultping and vagus nerve

Answer: Can Cool Sculpting cause vagus nerve and intestinal oroblems?

Answer: Can Cool Sculpting cause vagus nerve and intestinal oroblems?

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Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

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