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Occasionally, patients experience itching or pins and needles sensations following a CoolSculpting treatment.

While these symptoms are annoying, they tend to resolve within two weeks and have no negative bearing on the final outcome. Our patients sometimes find a mild compressive garment, such as Spanx, can minimize pain.

There are also pills and/or patches that can help ease the discomfort as well. I would follow up with your provider to discuss your concerns.

The good news is the itching and swelling will definitely resolve with time. (Kent V. Hasen, MD, Naples Plastic Surgeon)

Some patients tell me that they have itching or some swelling afterwards.

These symptoms usually resolve in about a week. Please consult your treating physician for examination or concerns. (Michele S. Green, MD, New York Dermatologist)

The swelling people experience after a Coolsculpt treatment is normal. The sensation you are having is also normal, some people describe it as “itchy”, “tingly”, “painful” & “numb” this feeling will resolve as the swelling decreases.

It generally can take up to two weeks for it to fully resolve. If these side effects are not letting you sleep I would suggest you take a Benadryl at night to see if that helps.

If you need something a bit stronger ask your provider to see if they can prescribe something that will help you sleep. (Steven Swengel, MD, Los Gatos Dermatologic Surgeon)

Itching will go away

Itching and swelling after Coolsculpting will go away on it’s own within a week or two. You can try and see if an antihistamine, like Zyrtec, can help with the sensation. At night you may want to try Benadryl since it can also help with sleep. (Andrew Campbell, MD, Milwaukee Facial Plastic Surgeon)

Delayed itching

The after-itching or delayed pain of Coolsculpting is self-limited and usually doesn’t last past two weeks. It is also much less with the new applicators. (Sheila S. Nazarian, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

Delayed onset pain following Coolsculpting

It sounds like you may have delayed onset pain which is typically itching, burning, stabbing sensation which can occur 5 to 7 days after the coolsculpting treatment. It seem to be more prevalent in the abdominal or flank region.

The swelling and pain will subside over the new several weeks. Given pain is neuropathic, you may want to contact your provider for Lidoderm patch (anesthetic patch) or a medication like Lyrica or Gabapentin which can alleviate some of the symptoms.

Without treatment, it will also resolved over the next several weeks (Hardik Soni, MD (not currently practicing), Summit Emergency Medicine Physician)

What Can I Expect The First Weeks And Months After CoolSculpting

Itching and swelling

For most patients the itchiness and swelling (which are both completely normal) generally resolve after a week but it some cases it can take up to two. Many patients have reported that they are helped by wearing a compressive garment, like spanx.

Most certainly, call the office that treated you for any recommendations or prescriptions for medication and know that this definitely will resolve. The results will be worth the discomfort. (Grant Stevens, MD, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)

Itching after cool sculpting

Your symptoms can be a normal response to the treatment and some patients find they need compression garments (spanx) to help. I recommend contacting your provider to ask about additional methods to relieve your symptoms.

Some patients find a prescribed medication for nerve pain is helpful. (Emily Hartmann, MD, Chico Plastic Surgeon)

Itching, Tingling Or Numbness For 2-8 Weeks

Itching after CoolSculpting treatment

Because CoolSculpting destroys fat cells, your body creates an inflammatory response after the procedure. The result of this inflammatory response varies from patient to patient – some experience mild redness or swelling, some have mild pain, and some patients experience itching.

You should contact your Dermatologist. There are medications that she can recommend to quell the itch and help you get a good night’s rest. The itching will be temporary and should resolve in the near future for you. (Jill C. Fichtel, MD, Columbus Dermatologic Surgeon)

Inflammation after coolsculpting can lead to numbness, tingling, tenderness and itching in the areas treated.

This generally resolves in 3-4 days. However, especially around the belly button it can last up to 2 weeks rarely. Over the counter anti-itch creams such as Sarna can be used to decrease itching.

If there is tenderness and pain, sometimes physicians will prescribe muscle relaxers, nerve agents or pain pills. Thankfully, it will go away soon. Sometimes light compression garments may help as well. (Kyle Coleman, MD, New Orleans Dermatologic Surgeon)

Pain after CoolSculpting

The swelling and itching are normal expectations after CoolScultping. Usually when bigger applicators are used, it tends to be more painful. This may last for a couple weeks but can be relieved by prescriptions pills.

Contact your treating physician. (Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS, Bay Area Plastic Surgeon)