POSTED UNDER CoolSculpting Reviews
It is Painful. Don't Let the Other Reviewers Fool You! - Miami, FL
UPDATED FROM C.B.
It has been over 2 months, and I do notice that it...
C.B.May 8, 2012
WORTH IT$1,250
It has been over 2 months, and I do notice that it has worked for me. However, the one downside is that the results are not even. The left side is flatter than the right side and now that my lower abs are smaller, it looks like I have an upper stomach bulge.
Regarding the left side being flatter than the right side, the only explanation I can think of is that after the procedure when the nurse did the massage, she worked on the left side slightly more than the right side. The pain was so unbearable that I just couldn't have her try to massage the right side equally since I was reeling from the pain. Now I'm kinda stuck with the consequences. It's not horrible, but it also doesn't look natural. I want to get my upper abs done now so that it matches better with my lower abs. I started exercising, so if that doesn't help, then I'll probably go back for the upper abs.
But I'm happy that the lower abs worked. Pants that used to be too tight on my waist now actually fit. I guess all of the pain wasn't a waste.
Regarding the left side being flatter than the right side, the only explanation I can think of is that after the procedure when the nurse did the massage, she worked on the left side slightly more than the right side. The pain was so unbearable that I just couldn't have her try to massage the right side equally since I was reeling from the pain. Now I'm kinda stuck with the consequences. It's not horrible, but it also doesn't look natural. I want to get my upper abs done now so that it matches better with my lower abs. I started exercising, so if that doesn't help, then I'll probably go back for the upper abs.
But I'm happy that the lower abs worked. Pants that used to be too tight on my waist now actually fit. I guess all of the pain wasn't a waste.
C.B.'s provider
UPDATED FROM C.B.
I am 3 weeks post procedure. The...
C.B.March 16, 2012
I am 3 weeks post procedure. The shooting/stabbing/electrocution jolt pain stopped on day 13 (Mar 6). The pain was a gradual buildup and the pain peaked between days 4-11. There was also a gradual reduction in pain from then on. Even today, day 23, I am not completely without pain. However the only time I feel it is when I touch the stomach area. It feels like a bruise. Luckily with bruises, they don't hurt unless you touch them and that is when you realize one is there.
I'm still wearing low rise pants since tight waistbands or jeans on my stomach are still uncomfortable. It is miles away from the sensation I had before, but it is still more comfortable not to have anything tight on that area. A loose-fitting waistband is perfectly fine though. I've been able to exercise since the pain stopped at day 13. For the first few days after that, I had to wear a compression garment on my stomach in order to run or jog because I felt non-painful shocks when the stomach moved. Now I don't need anything.
I was hoping to see some results since I read on others' pages that they began seeing results at Week 3. I don't notice any difference yet, but I can say that the swelling is gone. Yay! I'll post pics once I see some improvements or at the 2 month mark, whichever comes first.
I really want to thank everyone who posted comments. Your support and comments helped to get me through this painful experience.
I'm still wearing low rise pants since tight waistbands or jeans on my stomach are still uncomfortable. It is miles away from the sensation I had before, but it is still more comfortable not to have anything tight on that area. A loose-fitting waistband is perfectly fine though. I've been able to exercise since the pain stopped at day 13. For the first few days after that, I had to wear a compression garment on my stomach in order to run or jog because I felt non-painful shocks when the stomach moved. Now I don't need anything.
I was hoping to see some results since I read on others' pages that they began seeing results at Week 3. I don't notice any difference yet, but I can say that the swelling is gone. Yay! I'll post pics once I see some improvements or at the 2 month mark, whichever comes first.
I really want to thank everyone who posted comments. Your support and comments helped to get me through this painful experience.
Replies (5)
March 17, 2012
I did not see this page prior to getting my much anticipated cool sculpting yesterday..2 treatments at once lower and upper abs..I must admit the suction from the machine did take my breath away but by far the worst was the massage that the nurse did afterward. My stomach was swollen to the point it looked like I was pregnant when I got up the next morning it had went down, but during the process of the day it began to swell again but not as much. I tried to walk a mile which hurt like crazy but I did force myself but running couldn’t go there…. I do have the tingle sensation and when in itches I can’t find anything to relieve the itch. The nurse did tell me about the shooting pain which I haven’t experienced but from what I am hearing the best is yet to come. I am hoping that the results will be worth the pain..I have yet to hear anyone say “ but it was worth it” which concerns me a great deal..I wasn’t told about putting on a garment thanks for that info..will keep reading updates and giving mine..good night from day 2..hoping for the best…
March 17, 2012
I have had two treatments on my upper abdomen. The second treatment was 2 weeks ago. I find the initial attachment hurts and then numbs due to the cold. It is uncomfortable when they remove the suction and it looks like a piece of salmon.
the last two days have been sharp pains in the area. I remember this from the first time. It will go away, and I did not find it debilitating (much better than smartlipo!!-not recommended ever). Anyway, I know it is worth it. There was a definitive improvement the first time, but I wanted more. The upper 'shelf' of my abdomen is stubborn.
I am a prime candidate for a full tummy-tuck, but due to money and lack of recovery time available to me, I am taking these short cuts. I think it is worth it and I muscle through the discomfort and drink lots of water. I find stretching helps. Remember, it is the fat cells dying off.
Jane.
the last two days have been sharp pains in the area. I remember this from the first time. It will go away, and I did not find it debilitating (much better than smartlipo!!-not recommended ever). Anyway, I know it is worth it. There was a definitive improvement the first time, but I wanted more. The upper 'shelf' of my abdomen is stubborn.
I am a prime candidate for a full tummy-tuck, but due to money and lack of recovery time available to me, I am taking these short cuts. I think it is worth it and I muscle through the discomfort and drink lots of water. I find stretching helps. Remember, it is the fat cells dying off.
Jane.
March 17, 2012
I'm am day 10 and had upper and lower abs done. The first 3 days weren't too bad. Mostly numb. Day 4 was when the pain started and by day 6 I was so uncomfortable that I couldn't sit up straight. Forget sleeping thru the night. I was told NOT to take any anti-inflammatory meds and to take Tylenol. I think this procedure has some effect on the inflammatory cells and so taking anti-inflam will "fight" the process. At day 10, I'm in a bit less pain, but it's still bad. I was told there "may be some bruising", which I didn't have. However, I wasn't told about the pain to expect. Not sure I would go thru this again.....I guess it will all depend on the results. I better see something after going thru this!
March 18, 2012
uggh....tomorrow is my day 4..I was thinking this is not that bad but to be told this....I am like you this better be worth it...thanks for the post...
March 19, 2012
I had upper abdomen, love handles and fatty bits below shoulder blades done. I am now day 8. The pain in upper abdomen is really bad. Painkillers don't touch the sides. Areas on back just feel bruised,, but not painful. I was meant to have 2 treatments on each area, but certainly won't have abdomen done again. I wish I knew if it will work as I'm due to have repeats in 3 weeks. Not sure if I can stand the pain again. I paid $1700, per area, and am terrified I won't lose enough to make it worth the pain or expense.
I think the actual treatment was the easiest part.
Hope we all see some results soon, and be pain free again soon.
I was able to work out the first 4 days, but not now.
Pain is terrible!
I think the actual treatment was the easiest part.
Hope we all see some results soon, and be pain free again soon.
I was able to work out the first 4 days, but not now.
Pain is terrible!
March 19, 2012
My docotoR doesn't recommed a retreat for at least 2 to 4 months after the first treatment since that is when full effects are seen and then new fat would be treated..my suggestion is wait that whole as months and see if it is even necessary......especially cuz that price seems High...
March 19, 2012
I was told treatments should be months apart also. I had my tummy done 4 days ago and have been fine. Numb and a bit tingly to the touch, but no bad pain. I did wear a compression garment for the first 2 days. I almost cancelled my appointment because of the reviews I've read on here. I'm so glad I didn't.
March 19, 2012
i was told to wear the spanx for full two weeks starting at day one. it does help. my pain didnt start until about day 5 to 7. i am on day 12 and pain is starting to go away. i was glad to read about the ice packs, really helps at night. skin seems to be firming up and cant wait until the 2 month point....
UPDATED FROM C.B.
Today is Day 11 and there is still pain. It's...
C.B.March 4, 2012
Today is Day 11 and there is still pain. It's easing up a little, but I'm still not able to work out or do anything that makes my stomach jiggle. I'm so annoyed, because I had hoped to be able to continue working out 4 days a week after getting this thing done. I'm basically bed and couch ridden, so I'm getting fatter because I'm just sitting around all day. Ugh, sooooo #$% annoying!!!!!!! By the way, the Neurontin is not a miracle worker like I thought it would be. It only takes the edge off of the pain and if I take it during the day, I get dizzy and sleepy. I can only take it at night for that reason. So I also got Dr. Bowes to call in a prescription for LipoDerm for me. 7 patches cost me around $70, which makes me soooo mad, because they don't even work all that well. They also take the edge off, but they do not take the pain away. What a waste of money. I will be so pissed if this procedure doesn't work and I had to suffer through this shitty quality of life while I wait to feel better.
Replies (5)
March 4, 2012
Thanks, Cookie496! I'm now at day 11 and still in pain too. I got a prescription for Neurontin, but that only takes the edge off. I then got LipoDerm, and that doesn't work all that great either. Considering this is a non-invasive procedure, it is really invading my life!! Why the hell does it have to be so painful!? This procedure is barbaric and can stand some fine-tuning, because as it is now, it sucks.
March 5, 2012
Thanks C.B. for all the details on the procedure. I was thinking about getting this done in the future I am just such a wimp with pain. I am really hoping for all of you that it works amazing and that it was worth it in the end.
Just a note, I have a friend who had it done, and his skin is pretty soft and squishy because he's not in 100% great shape. But... his stomach looks REALLY good! He doesn't have the overall consistency of fat on it that he has on his back and arms which really tells me that the CoolSculpting worked... like noticeably a HUGE difference which I was impressed by. I have a little pouch that working out doesn't really get rid of; the only way to not have it is if I lose a ton of weight and then I am too thin. I want to save for CoolSculpting but I have to prepare myself for some downtime because it seems I would have this too.
Please post pics and update us when things subside (same with Cookie and JF). I really want to see how your after photos look!
Kate
June 17, 2012
Hi; just FYI and for other patients info. Neurontin is an anti seizure medication, used off label for nerve pain (nerve pain does not respond to narcotics) that you should probably take for 2 weeks prior as it is not used for acute pain, rather for chronic pain. LipoDerm is not a pain killer. It is caffeine and yohimbe ( which was used as a sexual stimulant before viagra) You should get a narcotic pain killer, Take it prior to the procedure; and as needed for the 2 weeks most seem to have problems. Take every 6 hours or as directed. Also ask for something for 'breakthrough' pain. when the regular med doesnt quite cut it. it is better to treat pain asap rather then waiting until it gets worse.
March 4, 2012
I am at day 9 and feeling the same! :( Starting to feel discouraged because I have not been able to work out. Hopefully this will pass soon and can start exercising again and seeing some results. Thanks for posting ... it is helping me cope and know I am not crazy! Good Luck!
March 6, 2012
It's reassuring to know that I'm not a hypocondriac and there really are others out there like me. The office I had the procedure done at has said between 5-10% of people experience pain. I think that number is WAAAAAAY off.
March 5, 2012
I am on day 13 and still in pain. I had lower ab area done. Area is still portruding more so than preprocedure. Also, still numb and extremely sensitive. I have only worked out twice and both times couldn't run without pain. This is so depressing. I wonder when this pain will end and when this stomach will deflate.
March 6, 2012
Sorry to hear you are feeling that way. :(
Best suggestions I can offer that worked for me: no matter how badly you want to, you can't try to work out, it will just make the pain and swelling worse. (I JUST started to be able to walk up and down the stairs without pain and I am about 2 weeks out. Apply ice packs while you are at rest to the area and to decrease swelling AND pain, try wearing a compression garment- something tight like "Spanks" or a girdle type wrap for 24 hours a day for at least 2 days. The first FULL night of sleep I got was night 12 after the procedure wearing the garment. Also, try some over the counter anti-inflammatories every few hours. I think we all here are looking at weeks to months before full recovery. Stay strong and feel free to contact me if I can help in any way.
Best suggestions I can offer that worked for me: no matter how badly you want to, you can't try to work out, it will just make the pain and swelling worse. (I JUST started to be able to walk up and down the stairs without pain and I am about 2 weeks out. Apply ice packs while you are at rest to the area and to decrease swelling AND pain, try wearing a compression garment- something tight like "Spanks" or a girdle type wrap for 24 hours a day for at least 2 days. The first FULL night of sleep I got was night 12 after the procedure wearing the garment. Also, try some over the counter anti-inflammatories every few hours. I think we all here are looking at weeks to months before full recovery. Stay strong and feel free to contact me if I can help in any way.
April 18, 2012
I had mine on March 15th. I was doing great until day 6, that's when I started with the electrical shock pain, LOL. That's the best I can describe it. That lasted for about a week but was pretty intense for 3 days. Standing or walking helped during that time. I never lost sleep because of it, I sleep on my side. After that week was over I was still a bit swollen and my tummy felt hard. Now that I am a month out, the swelling is gone, my tummy is a bit flatter and it's only occasionally that I feel slight twinges in my tummy. I am about 10 pounds overweight and 55 years old. I am not a person that works out regularly even though I tell myself I need to get back to it.... A month out, I think it was worth it for $750.
April 18, 2012
Sorry, I did not miss anytime from work and I work in a professional office, if that helps.
March 6, 2012
Cookie496- thank you so much for your reply. I am going mad, not being able to run. I signed up for a 10k that is at end of March and fear I won't be ready now that I can't run. I can't believe all reports said no downtime after procedure. I'm a flight attendant and worked 12 days right after procedure. I really think flying(cabin pressure) is not a good idea right after.
Is your tummy portruding more so than prior to procedure?? I do agree with you in what u are experiencing. Keep me posted how you are doing.
:)
Is your tummy portruding more so than prior to procedure?? I do agree with you in what u are experiencing. Keep me posted how you are doing.
:)
March 6, 2012
Worried44, I feel so bad for you!! I would be so frustrated if I had a 10K at the end of the month. Maybe you can do some swimming to keep your cardio up? I really hope you'll be feeling good enough to do a long run by the end of March. Well, that's around 2.5 weeks away, and based on other reviewers, all the pain should be gone by 1 month after the procedure so hopefully you'll be in tip top shape in another week. By the way, my stomach is protruding more now than before, but I think it is due to the swelling and the extra weight I've gained sitting around all day. :(
March 6, 2012
I had mine done January 30.In 2 to 3 weeks the pain and swelling will be gone.Numbness sticks around but smaller area of it and starting to see my abdomen gettting a little smaller.Lost 3 lbs. Couldn't eat much first few days,wear sweats,much more comfy.If it keeps going like it is it will be well worth it.Would have cost $1,500 but was given a coupon for $300 off.It really is working,just takes a little time but we'll worth it.All the working out never touched that area,I'm 54 and post meno,quit smoking si I really had the big muffin top going on but it really works.Hang in there ladies,it is worth it!
March 6, 2012
Thanks for the encouragement FDL! Worried 44 I bet you will be ok for your 10k by the end of March. Sometimes when I take some time off running I feel more recharged when I go back to it. Good luck with the run!
March 6, 2012
Thank you FDL for your advice and insight. Today is the 2 week mark. I think I have finally made the turn!! Feeling improvement from less pain!! yea
March 7, 2012
FDL, thanks for sharing. It's good to know there is light at the end of the tunnel. :) Congrats on the new chapter in your life. It sounds like you're off to a great start!
March 7, 2012
Thanks C.B. and you will be to.The things we do to ourselves to look better,this old girl isen't about to grow old gracefully.
Replies (5)
All in all very disappointing for the expense and pain associated with the treatment..
I guess it won't be long before we hear it is another expensive SCAM!