Insane burning on abdomen and pain around navel after CoolSculpting

Question

Hi there. Today is my 8th day post Coolscultping done on upper and lower abdomen. I'm experiencing insane burning that started yesterday. Like someone is rubbing over a sunburnt area over and over again. Is this a normal side effect of the coolsculpting and if so how long will this last? I am using ice packs all day and night as without an ice pack it's unbearable. Secondly, I'm having quite a bit of strong pain around my naval. Could cool sculpting cause a hernia? Why am I so sore around my navel?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Some patients experience pain with Coolsculpting. I recommend following up with your Doctor for a formal evaluation. If necessary, this pain can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications and neurontin. For best results with Coolsculpting, I recommend a combination approach. I recommend adding radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish, Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing. Vaser with ThermiRF is an alternative. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jeffrey M. Hartog, DMD, MD · Answer

This type of pain is a normal side effect from CoolSculpting, especially in the abdomen area.  Icing can help reduce the nerve pain you are feeling.  You could also try using heat or compression to help with this pain.  Usually the late-onset nerve pain lasts a few days at most.  Check with your provider to see what they recommend.  Normally, gabapentin is prescribed to help alleviate the late-onset nerve pain.

Patrick L. Basile, MD · Answer

Hi toniacol- For CoolSculpting treatments on the abdomen area, it is very common for some patients to experience late-onset pain/ sharp pains due to inflammation.  This is temporary and should subside in a few days.  Gabapentin is the recommended prescription remedy to alleviate this type of nerve pain. Pain killers are not recommended post-CoolSculpting treatments because they do not target the nerve and can slow down your body's ability to eliminate the frozen fat cells. I would recommend you speak with your provider about prescribing a low-dose Gabapentin script if the pain continues. You may also try other natural remedies such as massage, stretching, compression garments, and heating or cooling pads. My Best, Dr. Basile

Darin Jackson, MD · Answer

Though only 10-15% of patients experience the discomfort you describe, it is real and it is uncomfortable. Tylenol is usually effective in combating the discomfort.  Of the few patients of ours who have described the "late onset pain" that you are experiencing, we have found that prescribed Neurontin is very effective in alleviating discomfort caused by the nerves rebounding from the CoolSculpting procedure.  
Our practitioner has performed close to 1000 treatments and has discovered that of those patients who experience this pain, it is from treatments with the very effective and great surface area large treatment applicator.  It is possible the small applicators could produce the discomfort, but in our experience we educate our patients on the possibility of late onset pain especially with the large applicator.  
Rest assured that those nerves are not damaged, they are just angry and they will return to normal. It is a very temporary experience.  Contact your CoolSculpting provider for options.  
For comfort, some patients prefer looser fitting clothes and some prefer more snug compression clothing (like exercise pants or Spanx).  See what helps you to feel most comfortable.  Either icing the area or warm therapy can be beneficial (protecting the skin with a towel as barrier) - again - one or the other with likely feel more preferable to you.  
A trained and experienced CoolSculpting practitioner would not place the applicator directly over the navel, but even treatments around the navel can make it feel hypersensitive because it is involved in the treatment area.  If you have any concern about the area or possible hernia, do contact your provider for evaluation and peace of mind.  
A few more weeks and you should start seeing some change, but remember, the elimination of fat cells naturally is a gradual process, so the most dramatic results are a few months down the road.  Good luck to you and thank you for asking this question.  I hope the information is helpful to you.

Edward Stokes, MD · Answer

Hi toniacol, thanks for your question.  What you are experiencing is called late onset pain.  The earlier generations of CoolSculpting applicators, which used a deeper suction, did frequently cause this type of post treatment reaction, particularly in the abdominal region  For most who experience this, the pain begins around the 7th day and lasts about 5-7 days, sometimes a little longer.  The degree of discomfort varies from patient to patient, but what you describe is normal, so no need to worry.  CoolSculpting will not cause a hernia.  We recommend icing, which you are already doing. You may also want to alternate with heat. Compression garments can also be helpful. I would also suggest Tylenol or any other pain reliever that is not anti-inflammatory.  The inflammation is necessary to achieve the best results. Hang in there. The pain will pass, and your results will be worth it.  This is what we have heard time after time from patients who have experienced what you are going through.  If you decide to treat again with CoolSculpting, I would suggest trying the new CoolAdvantage applicators.  These newer applicators treat in less time, with less suction for greater comfort during and after treatment.  The vast majority of patients who choose CoolAdvantage find they have no late onset pain.  Good luck with everything.  I hope you feel better soon.

Alain Michon, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear you are having this issue after Coolsculpting. The degree of discomfort varies greatly from person to person. Usually over the counter medication, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, is sufficient. On rare occasion and only after a proper follow up examination, Lyrica may be prescribed for patients who are experiencing greater pain following Coolsculpting. Discomfort usually resolves within days ,sometimes it may take up to one to two weeks. I strongly recommend following up with your Coolsculpting provider. I hope this help. All the best,

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Without being able to examine you or review photos I don't know to explain your symptoms.  In general the discomfort from CoolSculpting should be treated with over the counter tylenol or ibuprofen.  Please see your provider of the treatment.

Michael E. Ciaravino, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Thank you for your question. What you are describing does all sound very normal and common after the Coolsculpting procedure. I do find that most of patients who do experience pain after Coolsculpting experience it most in the abdomen. Rest assured that the pain is temporary, will subside soon, and you will begin to see results from your treatment which hopefully make the pain worth it. In the meantime, follow up with your Coolsculpting provider as they may be able to prescribe Neurontin, which can help alleviate the nerve pain you are experiencing. Best of luck!

Insane burning on abdomen and pain around navel after CoolSculpting

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