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POSTED UNDER CoolSculpting REVIEWS

My Zeltiq Experience - Tucson, AZ

ORIGINAL POST

I went in for a consult on Dec 2, 2010. I am...

zeezeeDecember 7, 2010
$700

I went in for a consult on Dec 2, 2010. I am 5-10lbs within my target weight, but I've always had a muffin top and love handles. After chatting, I decided to go forward with treatment. There was an immediate opening, so I had my lower abs treated with the small hand piece (large one was too big for me). The treatment felt crowded, but not painful. I read and listened to my ipod. I was given some pillows to prop under my knees which made me more comfortable.

I'm not terribly squeamish, but I was a little freaked out to see the pomegranite-red lump the size of a large stick of butter when they pulled off the device. After a minute or two of massage, it was just a numb pink spot. Within an hour you couldn't see anything.

On day 3 & 4 I still feel numbness at the treatment site. I'm also feeling a little tenderness and some intermittent prickling, tingling, and itchiness. The itchiness cannot be relieved because of the numbness! I spoke to the dermatologist's office, and they told me this is normal. I'm a little bothered by it, but it isn't terribly painful.

I can't really rate this yet, but I'll try to come back and update.

Replies (12)

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Sharon at RealSelf
December 7, 2010

Hi zeezee -- Welcome to RealSelf! How are you feeling today? Is the tingliness going away yet?

zeezee
December 9, 2010
Hi Sharon. Tomorrow is one week since my treatment, and I am still pretty numb, sore, and tingley. The feeling that my belly isn't part of my body but it's attached is a little disturbing. I hope this goes away soon!
zeezee
December 11, 2010
Today is day 8, and I think the numbness and tenderness and shooting pains (not terrible, but who needs them?) are starting to recede. I hope so!
zeezee
December 14, 2010
Today is day 12. While my midsection is still both numb on the surface and tender to the touch, the pain is diminishing.
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Sharon at RealSelf
December 14, 2010

Thanks for the updates, zeezee. Glad to hear the pain is going away.

UPDATED FROM zeezee

It is now about 5 1/2 weeks since my treatment....

zeezeeJanuary 9, 2011
It is now about 5 1/2 weeks since my treatment. The numbness is entirely gone, but I don't see any difference. I have gained a couple of holiday pounds :(, but my lower ab pudge just hasn't changed. I was told the peak change would be at around 2 months. I was also told that the change is subtle. My fingers are crossed.


Replies (11)

zeezee
January 9, 2011
Hmm, I got a little confused with the web site, made an updated that didn't appear, and mixed up cape corals comments with my own. It's now 5 1/2 weeks. I have no pain or numbness, but also no visible results. I was told 2 months would be the peak of results, so my fingers are still crossed. I gained a couple of holiday pounds, too, but I think the pudge is the same as before the weight and the treatment.
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Stephanie Mobile
March 17, 2011
Hey zeezee, I figure its been just over 3 months and whatever result you were able to get should have happened by now, do you see much of a difference? I have been watching this for a couple months and am interested in Zeltiq - I have an appointment for a consultation in a week but I am really hoping I can loose at least an inch off my belly bulge and I don't want to waste the money if no one is getting that kind of result...Thank You!
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Sharon at RealSelf
January 10, 2011

Thanks for posting another update! I've heard it can take 2-3 months to see results, so hopefully that's the case here. Did you (or your doc) take pre-op pics that you can compare yourself to?

lizb77
January 14, 2011
Hello,

I would like to know where did you had this cool sculpting here in Tucson, AZ, I would like to go for a consultation too... thank you
zeezee
January 20, 2011
Hi lizb77,

I went to ironwood dermatology. The PA who performed the treatment was great, and I have no complaints about them. I notice that it's a lot less money up at Gilbert Perfect Skin in the Phoenix area.

The dermatologists took pictures, but I think I will notice a change, too. At this point there is no change.
Cabot
February 3, 2011
Hi,

Thought I'd chime in with my experience. I had the treatment three weeks ago today. I am within 5 pounds of my desired weight range, but I have always had that belly pooch beneath my navel.

I was sore to the touch (when I would press on the treated area) for about a week, but not to the point that I felt I needed even Motrin or Tylenol. The strangest feeling was the "fuzzy," numb feeling in the area. It was intense (but not painful) at first, but it has gradually subsided and is now barely noticeable.

At this point, I am still not seeing any results, but I was told not to expect much before the two-month mark and that the most major results would not be visible for four months.

I'm hopeful, but I'm ready to see some reduction!
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Sharon at RealSelf
February 4, 2011

Thanks for sharing, Cabot. Glad to hear you haven't had much pain. If you haven't done so already, take photos now so you can more easily see the results in a few months.

Would you consider also writing a review of your experience so we can add your vote to our "Worth It" ratings? You can also use the review as a diary to chart your progress.

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Dr. P
February 4, 2011
Hi All,

Thanks for sharing your Zeltiq experiences. The technology is scientifically proven to work, but it does usually take multiple sessions. The numbness and tingling is normal for a few weeks. There have been a few patients who have experienced more severe pain that has responded well to lidocaine gel or patches (speak with your physician before self treating). Good luck and be well.

Michael Persky, MD
Encino, CA
asmnduf
March 12, 2011
I had this procedure 3 weeks ago. I did not feel extreme coldness at all during the procedure but when the vacuum was taken off there was a cold swollen lump. There was no numb feeling following the procedure, or itchiness. Is this normal, or is it a sign that it was not done correctly?
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Dr. P
March 13, 2011
Hi a,

Everyone's experience with Zeltiq is a little different. The fact that you had a "cold lump" when it was removed is a good indication that you had an adequate treatment. The other signs are side effects. Good luck and be well, let us know how it goes.

Dr. P
asmnduf
March 22, 2015
Just to update, I never saw results. If it worked at all it was very subtle and not worth the cost.
UPDATED FROM zeezee

It's about 10 weeks now, and I think I see the...

zeezeeFebruary 15, 2011
It's about 10 weeks now, and I think I see the faintest of reductions, but it's pretty subtle. Almost anything seems worth it when it comes to getting rid of the muffin top, but I don't know about this. I can barely see the difference. Clothes aren't fitting me differently. The numbness for a few weeks after treatment was bothersome.

Replies (9)

Cabot
March 18, 2011
Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to post a quick update. It's been eight weeks since I had my treatment. I went back in for a measurement and I've lost one inch. I can see a distinct "flatness" in the treated area. According to the techs, I should see additional results over the next two months.

I'm happy with the loss, but I hope I'll lose a little more. But even if I don't, with the results I've seen thus far, I would absolutely consider having the treatment again.
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Sharon at RealSelf
March 21, 2011

Hi Cabot,

Glad to hear your treatment is starting to take effect. Would you mind sharing your experience by writing a review too? This way your opinion is added to our "Worth It" ratings.

Thanks!

Wildflower66
May 7, 2011
Hello, I am with in 5 pounds of my healthy weight. I have a muffin top and I had the front side areas done on Monday. It was painful when they put the vacuum on. I felt it on my hip bone. The pain went away in about 5 minutes. I had one side done at a time. When they fininshed the second side I was in alot of pain for about 10 minutes. I felt numb, but the next day and since then, I have been experiencing sharp tinglingl that wakes me up at night. I am taking tylenol and the pain is still there. I need relief bad, I am iratable and unable to function;(. What can I do. I can wear pants or underware, when it touches my skin it is painful. I went last night to get the back part done I had my areas on my sides (muffi. I asked them to measure me, they were reluctant but I knew that I was loosing inches even only after 5 days. I was right, I lost 2 inches so it is working quickly, but very painful. I need something to help the pain. Any suggestions, I am desparate.
Wildflower66
May 14, 2011
Well I finally went to the emergency room and was given a prescription for a topical anlgesic, gabaentin for neuropathy, and percocet (oxycodon). I have not read anything like this. Will the pain ever go away?
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Dr. P
May 15, 2011
Yes,your discomfort will resolve over time (1-2 weeks). Lidocaine gel patches help. Good luck and be well. Dr P
Marisel
October 15, 2011
I had the treatment performed 11 days ago, and the pain is not gone. I am in a tremendous amount of pain.
Wildflower66
May 15, 2011
Yes as a matter of fact, Dr. P I have stopped taking the gabaentin and I feel much better. Thank you for the support
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