Inner thighs CoolSculpting gone wrong? (Photo)

Question

I had cool sculpting 6 days ago for inner thighs. I think the applicator on one side was applied way too low. That said I have very hard lumps on both inner thighs. Are these lumps frozen and dead fat cells or the hardening effect only.05 get as a nasty effect? I am worried now. I also have a great deal of pain and when I walk I feel like glass is stabbing me. Sadly I have been unable to do my normal running as it is way too painful. Is this normal?

W. Tomasz Majewski, MD, FACS · Answer

After CoolSculpting the area may be hard, red, bruised, tender and even feel lumpy.  These are all side effects that should resolve in a few weeks.  When you return for you second treatment, you may ask them about placement of the applicator.  The applicator should be placed while you are standing beside the bed.  The applicator should be at the area of the pelvic floor.  It is an awkward position for placing the applicator, but for best results it should be at the pelvic floor and positioned more posteriorly.  During the treatment it is best to sit in the frog leg position so that the applicator will stay in place.  After your second treatment you should see results in about 2-3 months.  You should be reevaluated at that time to see if more treatments are recommended.  If you continue to have concerns you should consult with the CoolSculpting provider that performed your treatment.

Johnny Chung, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. What you are describing is a normal part of recovery with coolsculpting. It does occur quite frequently and can be painful. The pain is a neuralgic type of pain. This will subside with time. I recommend following your PS post treatment recommendations. Best of luck with your recovery.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

Greetings~ the feelings you are describing can actually be a normal part of recovery and should subside soon.   Quite often as the body is eliminating the fat cells that have died, you can feel hard or tender nodules in the area and the good news is- they resolve on their own.  Massaging the area helps (even though it may be sore).  Some patients like to wear compression garments (like spanx) for the first 7-10 days because it feels better and helps symptoms resolve more quickly.  Pain in the area is often associated with the nerves 'waking up' again and may feel like little electrical zaps- this too is normal.  It's difficult to see if the placement was correct or symmetric.  Reach out to the provider that performed your Coolsculpting so they can help you and monitor your concerns and recovery and they may have other tips for you as well.  Definitely address any issues of placement or asymmetry with them as well.  Your symptoms will resolve, try not to worry.  If there is an asymmetry issue it is much better to observe, address and possibly re-treat but not for at least 3 months.  You don't want to worsen or cause a problem by treating again too soon.  Best of luck

Inner thighs CoolSculpting gone wrong? (Photo)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

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

Inner thighs CoolSculpting gone wrong? (Photo)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

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