Can CoolSculpting be done over old surgical scars on the abdomen or other areas of the body?

Question

Does it increase the risk of delayed onset nerve pain?

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

Coolscupting treatments can be performed on existing healed scars or adjacent too the scars with no risk of increased delayed onset nerve pain. We routinely treat above and around C-section scars to help improve exercise resistance fat pockets located directly above these scars.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting
may be performed over scars from previous surgeries, providing those
scars are well-healed, over 1 year old and do not cause you any pain.
CoolSculpting isn't cold enough to have much of an effect on skin or
nerves, other than to create some temporary redness, tingling or
numbness. Fortunately, the delayed pain syndrome is very rare and I
have found that wearing  Spanx or other elastic shape wear for 3-5
days after CoolSculpting really seems to prevent it. Please consult a
board-certified dermatologist so that your scars can be examined and
you can be cleared for CoolSculpting.

Kent V. Hasen, MD · Answer

It is safe to perform CoolSculpting over old surgical scars, as long as there is no underlying hernia.  Your provider should do a thorough examination to ensure the scars are safe and well healed for treatment.  The scars should have no bearing on the development of late onset pain.  In our practice, we have safely and effectively performed CoolSculpting over well healed surgical scars, and I have not seen an increased incidence of late onset pain in these patients.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Coolsculpting can be done over old surgical scars once properly healed. Please discuss with your provider before treatment.Regards,

Steve Merten, FRACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi,

It probably depends on where the scars are, what they are from, size, etc. It would be best if you sent photos or came in for a consultation to advise you properly.
Regards, Dr Steve Merten, Sydney

G. Robert Meger, MD · Answer

LGai:  Yes, Coolsculpting CAN be used over old surgical scars, no problem.  CS does not necessarily increase the risk of delayed onset nerve pain but there are a very small percentage of patients who develop a poorly understood nerve-like discomfort in the area treated which generally improves with time.Best of luck to you!G. Robert Meger

Trang Nguyen, MD · Answer

Although it is safe for the CoolSculpting applicators to be placed over old scars with no related hernias, I usually work around them if possible.  For instance, for a midline scar extending from the umbilicus to the lower abdominal area, I would use 2 CoolFit applicators on either side of that scar.  Some of my patients complain of outpouching of the skin and fatty tissues above and below   their lower transverse abdominal scars typically seen in  C-sections.  In these instances, I use the CoolSculpting at and above the scar, and I would use Body FX or Mini FX for areas below the scar for additional finer body contouring.

Garry K. Kim, MD · Answer

The scar can't be from a recent surgery.  I think most physicians agree that the surgery has to have been at least 6 months ago.  If it was over a year ago, that would be safe.  Also, the surgical scar can't be overlying a hernia.  If there is an underlying hernia present, you must avoid doing CoolSculpting over this area, otherwise, the hernia will get worse.  
Hope this helps,
Dr. Garry K. Kim

Tianna Tsitsis, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting is safe over scars as long as there is no underlying hernia protruding through the scar.  It does not increase the risk of delayed onset of pain, although the etiology side effect is not well understood.  Make sure you have a qualified physician assessing your areas of concern.

Can CoolSculpting be done over old surgical scars on the abdomen or other areas of the body?

Answers (9)

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