Sculptsure painful! Did the Doctor do something wrong?

Question

I just attempted to have my first Sculptsure treatment and had to have the doctor stop after 4 minutes. The pain was so intense. In the past, I have had coolsculpting and didn't have a problem. Did the dr. do something wrong?

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your technician should work with you to create a comfortable and safe treatment. SculpSure uses Contact Cooling technology to prevent damage to the skin and keep the patient comfortable. I suggest that you discuss how to improve your procedure experience with your board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

Jennifer Parker Porter, MD, FACS · Answer

During the first 4 minutes of your sculpsure treatment the laser is heating up the tissues. Once this build phase is over the heat intensity subsides quite a bit. For those that cannot tolerate the heat during this phase it is possible to get a cool shot to take the heat down immediately for tolerance purposes.  I have not had anyone that has not been able to get through a treatment. The majority are actually quite comfortable and describe the pain as cramping or just heat.

Maggie Chen, MD · Answer

We have performed many SculpSure treatments by now and it should really just be "uncomfortable" at the most without being painful.  If you are so painful within the first few minutes, there is a chance that the Dr. doing your treatment may have "clipped" your skin by accident while putting on the applicator. This can be the painful feeling you experienced.  All he/she needs to do is to re-attach the applicator (maybe loosen up the straps a little so your skin won't get caught within the brackets).  It is an excellent procedure and we have seen great results with it.  Keep this in mind in case you would like to try it again.  Thanks for sharing your experience!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There can be some discomfort with Sculpsure and it could be due to the settings used. I recommend a "Fire and Ice" treatment with Coolsculpting and Vanquish which will give you better results. VASER and ThermiRF are also an alternative. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Pain with a SculpSure treatment is not usual.  The settings for SculpSure can be adjusted and this normally will prevent it from being painful.  You might check with your doctor to see if perhaps the energy setting could have been decreased.

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

I have had sculpture done on myself, so I can tell you that there is some discomfort. The first 4 minutes is the most discomforting as the heat increases. After treating over 100 patients, I have found the pain is quite variable. Some patients have no pain and others complain more. I have found that by varying the temperature settings, the pain can be controlled. I personally would try it again, but I might try a different technician who is experienced and knows how to vary the settings.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

The first 4 minutes are the worst. It does get better after that. You can have the energy level turned down just keep in mind that it won't be as effective (but more effective than not finishing the treatment, I guess).

George H. Pope, MD · Answer

I'm sure the doctor didn't do anything wrong.  There is pain involved, but it is usually not severe, or even close to that.  The energy level can be turned down to allow better tolerance, but the higher the energy the more fat destruction.  Anxiety or fear of the unknown could be playing a role here.  I think it's worth trying again; the doctor can monitor your progress and adjust the energy level accordingly.

Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

Your experience seems normal, but Sculpsure energy can be reduced to make your treatment more comfortable, but you'll get the best results, with the most fat destroyed if you have a higher energy, hotter treatment.  Consider distraction by watching a NetFlix movie or listening to music while you have your treatment.  We have had very few patients unable to complete their treatment.

Sam Sadler, MD · Answer

The experience of pain with the sculpsure treatment is highly variable. Most of our patients have tolerated the pain without difficulty. We have only terminated one treatment as you described. I do not think your treatment with performed incorrectly. In our experience the second treatment is usually more tolerated than the first so I do think there is some pain effect due to the novelty of the experience. If you decide to go forward with your treatment some some light pre-medication. Good Luck!

Sculptsure painful! Did the Doctor do something wrong?

Answers (20)

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