CoolSculpting 40th Birthday Gift to Myself - Elkton, MD

I am an almost 40 year old, mother of two. I was always naturally thin till the birth of my second child 6 years ago. Since then, I have had to work to maintain my weight. I exercise a few times a week (however, some recent life events have made my trips to the gym very inconsistent). I had Coolsculpting done yesterday in northern Maryland. I had four areas treated...small applicators on the upper abdomen and inner thighs and a large applicator on the lower abdominals. The procedure itself was initially uncomfortable (the lower abs being the worst), but not unbearable. After the first seven minutes in each area, the numbness sets in and it is fine. The massage after the suction is taken off isn't that bad as some others had described, but again, the lower abdominal area was the hardest to endure. After the procedure, I was still pretty numb, but there was no pain. The nurse advised me to try to hold off taking any anti-inflammatories (Advil, etc.) since it can hinder results. Of course, if the pain is too much, then all bets are off regarding pain meds!

Last night I slept fine...no ice packs needed, but they are on hand as well as Spanx. Today, I woke up with some slight bruising on my inner thighs and feel like I overdid it at the gym. I fear that my lower abs are going to be the most problematic in my recovery. The area is still somewhat numb, yet sensitive. It's a strange sensation. I get an occasional little "shock-like" prick in the lower abs, but nothing to write home about.

I really debated on this procedure and came very close to canceling. With my 40th birthday around the corner, I really needed a pick-me-up. I hope and pray I don't have the horrible, debilitating pain that others have described. My doctor has given me a quote for a repeat procedure for all four areas for $425, but only if I have it done within two months. I scheduled the procedure for the end of July, but may cancel if I see no results or if the pain is too intense during recovery.
I will continue to post during my recovery.

I slept fine again last night. I am still relatively numb with virtually no pain. When I went down the stairs this morning, there was a weird "tugging" feeling in the left side of my abdomen. I have a small bruise on my abdomen and on one inner thigh. I am holding my breath till next week when the dreaded 5-6 day mark comes. I am taking it really easy...no working out, no strenuous activity. Not sure if that will make a difference at all, but I am hopeful!

Things are definitely starting to "wake up" (so to speak). I am still relatively numb and very swollen (I look like it could be the beginning of my second trimester). I am getting some pin-like pains and tenderness, not unlike menstrual cramps. I put my Spanx on late last night to go to a town concert, which seemed to help. I am going to put it on again now that it is the end of the day. I don't sleep with it on, and have not had the need to use ice or ibuprofen thus far.

From what I've read, the pain can begin anywhere from Day 3 till day 6. I know I am not out of the woods yet, but my fingers are crossed!