CoolSculpting is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment for reducing visible fat bulges. The procedure is suitable for healthy people who are physically active and within 30 pounds of their ideal weight.
Vibrant Skin Bar offers premium CoolSculpting services and one of the most common questions we get from first-time patients is: Does CoolSculpting hurt?
This article answers the question whether CoolSculpting hurts and explains what you can do to minimize the chance of experiencing pain during and after the procedure.
Does CoolSculpting Hurt?
CoolSculpting is a cold therapy treatment, which means it freezes and kills fat cells with the use of special cooling applicators applied to the treatment area. When the fat bulge is sucked into the cooling applicator, you may experience an unpleasant tugging, pinching, or sucking sensation. Most patients evaluate the experience as uncomfortable rather than painful.
The manufacturer’s official website claims patients may experience the following sensations at the treatment site:
- Intense cold
- Tingling
- Stinging
- Aching
- Cramping
The CoolSculpting provider may massage the treatment area after the procedure to enhance fat cell elimination and rewarm the area. This minimizes the chance of swelling and bruising after the procedure, but it may cause some pain and discomfort.
Note: To learn more about the effectiveness of CoolSculpting, be sure to check out our article on how long does CoolSculpting lasts.
Is There a Lot of Pain After CoolSculpting?
The level of pain from CoolSculpting is unique to each patient and depends on how well they tolerate discomfort. If your pain threshold is low or if you’re more than 30 pounds overweight, you’re more likely to experience pain during the CoolSculpting session.
Also, some areas are more sensitive to pain than others. Patients who come in for the abdominal or submental fat may feel more discomfort that those who have their buttocks or thighs treated.
Note: Find out more about swelling after CoolSculpting, and what to do to minimize the discomfort.
There are anecdotal reports of patients who experienced severe pain and nerve pain weeks after the procedure. These are isolated cases that haven’t been observed during clinical trials.
The FDA approved CoolSculpting as a safe, minimally invasive method, but some conditions and behaviors may increase the chance of pain and other side effects:
- Pain killers and blood thinners before the procedure
- Alcohol and nicotine before the procedure
- Cryoglobulinemia
- Cold agglutinin disease
- Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria
- Hernia
- Pre-existing allergies
- Recent surgery
- Infection, scars, or sunburn at the treatment area
To ensure the safety of the procedure, book your treatment at a reputable clinic or med spa. An experienced medical professional with a CoolSculpting license will determine whether you qualify for the treatment based on your health records and current medical condition.
How Long Does CoolSculpting Pain Last?
CoolSculpting pain and discomfort typically last 5-10 minutes until the skin becomes numb. Patients usually feel minimal or no pain during the rest of the approximately 60-minute treatment and spend their CoolSculpting session reading or watching TV.
Most of the pain and discomfort occur during the procedure, but the symptoms are also possible after CoolSculpting – especially swelling and numbness. They usually resolve within two weeks and may come and go during that period.
How to Relieve Pain After CoolSculpting?
If you experience any discomfort or pain after your CoolSculpting procedure, the following tips may help.
- Take ibuprofen or another pain killer recommended by your medical provider.
- Gently massage the painful area several times per day.
- Wear a compression garment.
- Wear comfortable clothes.
- Avoid sugar, coffee, alcohol, and nicotine.
- Take walks or do gentle exercise to reduce pain and inflammation.
Note: Make sure to read our article Coolsculpting aftercare to find out more recovery tips.
Should You See a Doctor?
If you experience severe pain or long-term discomfort following the procedure, get help from your medical provider.
If you experience moderate pain and want to take an over-the-counter medication, call or visit your doctor to see which pain-relieving medication they recommend.
Conclusion
They say, “no pain, no gain,” and sometimes that applies to cosmetic treatments. CoolSculpting effectively eliminates unwanted fat and creates a finely sculpted body, but it may hurt and cause discomfort.
Fortunately, the side effects usually resolve quickly. According to patient reports, most patients—even those who experience pain—come back for more CoolSculpting treatments.
Are you looking for CoolSculpting in Phoenix? Contact our experts at Vibrant Skin Bar and book a consultation today!
