Simon Liubinas, MBBS

Getting a “Dr Spock” eyebrow, or an overly raised or arched eyebrow, is not an uncommon occurrence following anti-wrinkle injections to the forehead. It happens when the injections are not placed laterally enough. The muscle in the middle of the forehead has been weakened and is unable to raise the eyebrows upwards, but the muscle at the edge of the eyebrows is still fully active and pulls the edges of the eyebrows upwards. To correct this you need a small number of units at the edge of the of the forehead muscles. It sometimes happens that after the first injections that a “correction” is needed. However, for this to happen every single time is unusual! I would advise that you discuss this with your injector, or perhaps find someone with more experience.

The Coolsculpting process draws skin and fat into the applicators, but not the deeper structures. The kidneys are a much deeper structure, protected by muscles. In someone with normal anatomy, there is no reason to think that the kidneys could be damaged, and there is no evidence to suggest that this is the case.

As far as I am aware, there is no evidence that Coolsculpting is less effective in people with either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. It would be safest to discuss the treatment with your endocrinologist beforehand, and ensure that your blood sugar levels are optimally managed prior to your treatment. I’d recommend having your treatment in a clinic where a doctor is on hand in case of a hypo. I’d also recommend using your insulin pump on an area that is not being treated for a few hours before the treatment, and wouldn’t put it back onto the treated area until all of the bruising and tenderness from the Coolsculpting has fully resolved.

Although there is no way to know for sure, as there is no data on the topic, this steroid injection is unlikely to have an effect on your Coolsculpting results. In any event, you were wise not to compromise your health and your regular medical treatments for Coolsculpting, which, after all, is a cosmetic procedure.

In our clinic we have treated many clients on the upper arms, with great success. If you have a pocket of fat which can be pinched, you should be a good candidate for Coolsculpting. I would recommend an in-person assessment with an experienced Coolsculpting clinician to assess your suitability.