Most cosmetic procedures, especially if they’re surgical procedures, can be painful. However, if you’re seeking a relatively low-pain technique that can help you look your best, CoolSculpting is an excellent option. Compared to more invasive procedures, CoolSculpting typically involves less discomfort and a quick healing time.

If you’ve decided that CoolSculpting is right for you, you should be prepared for the sensations that you’ll feel during and after the procedure. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a cosmetic procedure that dissolves fat by freezing it. Fat cells freeze at a higher temperature than skin, so during CoolSculpting sessions, the physician applies cold gel packets to the parts of the body where the patient would like to remove fat. When the cooling is finished, the patient gets a massage in the area where the gel packets were applied. Sessions last about 60 minutes.

Is CoolSculpting Painful?

While the procedure is taking place, the area of the body being cooled becomes largely numb. However, many patients do experience some pain during the CoolSculpting procedure itself. After the process is finished, they may feel pinching during the massage. This pain generally ends when the session is over. During the entire 60 minute session, the worst of the discomfort lasts about 10 minutes.

When the procedure is over, some patients do report some side effects including:

• Cramps
• Itchiness
• Muscle spasms
• Bruising
• Stinging
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Tingling

Some patients do experience severe pain at the treatment site after the procedure is finished. This pain, which can be severe, may last for days or weeks after the treatment is over. Experiences of severe pain are rare and have not been observed in a medical setting.

Can CoolSculpting Cause Nerve Damage?

No, CoolSculpting does not cause nerve damage. However, it can cause numbness in the area where the CoolSculpting took place. This numbness may come and go, but usually dissipates after a few weeks.

What Can You Do to Control Pain During CoolSculpting?

Your doctor may have recommendations that can help you control pain during CoolSculpting, so talk to your doctor before moving forward with the procedure. Because CoolSculpting is non-invasive, prescription pain killers are not prescribed and no anesthesia is used. Do not take pain killer before going through with the session, as this can increase bruising.

After the procedure is over, you may take over the counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help with discomfort. Follow all recommendations when taking Tylenol. Ibuprofen can also control inflammation and pain.

Don’t like pain medications? Breathing exercises, meditation and warm compresses can also help.

Interested in CoolSculpting? Get Started Today

CoolSculpting is a safe and quick cosmetic procedure that can change the way you look, boost your confidence and give you the body you’ve always wanted. Want to know more about CoolSculpting? Ready to get started with a CoolSculpting procedure? Contact us today to make an appointment for a consultation.