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POSTED UNDER CoolSculpting REVIEWS

Lower Belly Pooch, Won't Go Away! Elk Grove, CA

ORIGINAL POST

I got my procedure done with a large applicator on...

sdvamja
$1,500
I got my procedure done with a large applicator on my lower abdomen with the same impression as all people on this site - no down time, no side effects, etc. And have gone through the same pains many people have been feeling. Day 0, 1, and 2 I had numbness and no pain/issues whatsoever. Day 3 I started feeling the pins and needles sensation that would not go away. All day and night. The night part is what got me to call my MD on day 4 for medical assistance. I read people's reviews thinking, I will be able to tolerate this pain, I have a high tolerance for pain. These people aren't lying. The pain is real. I have had a kid with contractions starting in my back, have multiple piercings, and 20 tattoos. Yet this is a pain in its own class. I really think this is nerve pain. Here is what I have learned:
1) The pain is mentioned in a UK aftercare site, but no US sites...
2) The pain occurs when I even touch my abdomen. So clothing stimulated it as well. Thank God for my work schedule, because I have 5 days off till I go back to work. I have spent the last 2 days with my pants rolled to my hips and a sports bra on, which has helped considerably. This adds to my theory that it's a nerve pain. Also the mention of Neurontin prescribed by a physician to some other person on this site. My doc prescribed norco, and if nothing else, it has helped me sleep at night. This is a beast of a pain since motrin usually helps me and it has not here. Hence, my theory of it being a nerve pain.
3) Cold treatment helps when the pain gets unbearable. Ice packs for a few minutes to 'reset' the pain.
4) There was no real aftercare info on any US sites. But that UK site mentioned dry brushing - which is the use of a natural bristle brush to brush the skin. The strokes should all be directed towards the heart, and it is supposed to allow the lymph system to move the broken down fat to the circulatory system for excretion from the body. The site also said drink at least 2 liters of water a day. And also exercise at least 30 minutes a week. At this point, I can barely walk let alone run. So working out will be put on hold. I guess if you're super motivated you could do squats or upper body stuff. I am too doped up for that.
5) I feel huge right now. It is day 5 and I'm hoping it is inflammation from the treatment/post-treatment. I read that the removal of the dead fat cells causes an inflammatory reaction in the body. Scientifically it makes sense... but I feel huge and horrid. I have also gained some weight, even though nothing in my diet has changed. Time will tell how things will look in a few more weeks/months.
I will continue to post updates. Hope this helps people. It sucks that the pain is not addressed by some physicians, and ignored by others. But like all medical treatments out there - they all have side effects. No pain no gain! (Or loss, in this situation!)

sdvamja's provider

Sherif M. Khattab, MD - Account Suspended

Sherif M. Khattab, MD - Account Suspended

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Replies (3)

June 18, 2015
Thank you for your honesty! I am anxious to see your future posts!!! Are you willing to post photos?
June 19, 2015
I just took some pics I will try to add them now!
User Avatar
June 18, 2015

Thanks so much for sharing your experience.  I've included a few resources from our site that may help during your recovery.  Please let us know how you're getting on.

CoolSculpting: Top 10 Tips for Before & After

Why Doesn't Anyone Discuss the Pain? (CoolSculpting)

UPDATED FROM sdvamja
13 days post

2 week update

sdvamja
So tomorrow it will be 2 weeks and the swelling has gone down significantly. It looks back to normal. I never had bruising but I had soreness. The pain was neurogenic in nature. I called the medical office again and was prescribed Neurontin and that was what finally helped! It took a few days (3-4) for it to completely kick in, but I can finally wear clothes! I actually had to leave work halfway through my shift because I couldn't take the sensation. It's still not 100% normal and I can tell after a long day I need to uncover my abdomen. But I was able to work out today!! Before I couldn't even walk fast because the slight jiggling would cause irritation when rubbed against my shirt. Don't see results yet but it's still early! I will try to post pics. I just can't find them on my computer.

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