I have Raynaud's disease. Should I cancel my upcoming CoolSculpting treatment?

Question

Hi. I have a coolsculpting session scheduled for my submental fat. What will happen if I go through with the procedure when I have Raynaud's? Will having Raynaud's increase the chances of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia? Is Kybella a safer procedure for me?

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I appreciate your concern. In most cases, Raynaud’s is not a contraindication for CoolSculpting. Since Raynaud’s primarily affects the hands and feet, the treatment areas for CoolSculpting are not usually affected. There are no studies to suggest your risk for PAH is any higher because of Raynaud’s either. In fact, the risk of PAH is very low overall with CoolSculpting treatments. 
The best way to reduce this danger is to work with a very experienced, board-certified dermatologist who will take the necessary steps to ensure your procedure is both safe and successful. Make sure your doctor knows your full medical history and you should be able to enjoy the results of your CoolSculpting procedure without worry over complications or side effects.

Monica Boen, MD · Answer

Raynaud’s will most likely not increase your risk for PAH and this has not been reported in the literature. Raynaud’s disease is not necessarily a contraindication for Coolsculpting treatment, especially since Raynaud’s is usually located on the digits and Coolsculpting is not performed in those areas. I would choose a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in CoolSculpting for your procedure to discuss these potential risks with your condition. Discuss your medical history and concerns to determine whether CoolSculpting is the right choice for you. There are other options for treating submental fat that do not involve controlled cooling, such as Kybella and liposuction. If CoolSculpting does not turn out to be the best procedure choice, you do have other treatments to consider.

Anshul Gambhir, MD · Answer

Thank you for your message! Raynaud's is not a specific contraindication if you are treating the submental area. You can always speak with your managing provider regarding this if you are worried however. CoolSculpting can cause altered sensation to the area being treated, though this typically goes away rather quickly. Raynaud's will not increase the risk of PAH either! I would recommend a consultation with a provider in  your area for further assessment!

Heidi A. Waldorf, MD · Answer

Raynaud's disease affecting the hands and feet is not a contraindication to coolsculpting of other body parts.  It is also not a risk factor to paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH).  Of note, PAH is a very rare complication of coolsculpting that seemed to be most related to the original large high suction applicators.  The newest applicators have significantly less suction.Raynaud's is  not a contraindication to Kybella either.  However, if your submental fat 'fits' into a coolmini applicator, you I'd generally recommend starting with coolsculpting because there is no downtime after the procedure.  You can have significant swelling for 1 - 4 weeks after Kybella treatment so we usually use that for any residual fat too small for coolsculpting.I hope that answer was helpful.  Best of luck.

Vibha Gambhir, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  If treating the submental area , there is no definite contraindication with Raynaud's and coolsculpting.  Be sure your provider is an experienced, lisenced cosmetic doctor and is a certified  coolsculpting provider.  They should be able to answer your questions go over expectations and help with your concerns.  Coolsculpting is an excellent non-invasive procedure that helps reduce fat cells by 20% , typically 2 or more treatments are needed per area.  Hope this helps,good luck to you!

Thomas Nakatsui, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Coolsculpting is a great treatment for submental fat. Raynaud's is a relative contraindication but not an absolute one. We have treated many patients with Raynaud's without any problems, although we did decide to defer therapy in one patient with severe Raynaud's even though we have no evidence this would have been an issue. Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia is a rare occurrence and Raynaud's will not increase the risk of developing this. Kybella is also effective in the management of submental adiposity should you decide to pursue this.

Scott D. Holley, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! CoolSculpting on the submental area is a great way to rid of excess fat. CoolSculpting is chilly and can trigger patients that have Raynaud's. It is certainly something to consider when undergoing treatment, however, is not an absolute contraindication. Our practice has treated many patients with Raynaud's without any problems. Raynaud's will not increase the chances of getting paradoxica adipose hyperplasia. Kybella is another great option for reducing submental fat. There are pros and cons to each treatment although there are no contraindications with Raynaud's and Kybella. I would discuss your concerns with your provider. Good luck!

Martin Everhard, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

I have treated patients with Raynauds without any problems.  The results that Zeltiq has collected world wide have not noted any problems with this condition.  PAH occurs in an extremely small number of patients and should not be any additional concern.

Kent V. Hasen, MD · Answer

Since Raynaud's is triggered by cold temperatures, CoolSculpting can be a contraindication to treatment.  It would not increase your risk of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia.  There is a chance, however, you could have more sensitivity to the treatment.  In our practice, we have safely treated patients with mild Raynaud's.  However, I would defer to the physician managing your Raynaud's.  Kybella may be the better alternative.  It is also an extremely effective treatment for excess fat of the chin and would have no contraindications with Raynaud's.

Drew Varano, MD · Answer

Having raynauds and performing coolsculpting is a relative contraindication not an absolute . It will have no effect of increase or decrease chance of PAH , your odds will be the same regardless of the raynauds . With raynauds there is going to be more sensitivity to the actual treatment if it is performed. We have performed the treatment on several raynauds patients including myself and have spoken to the coolsculpting medical  /adverse events department team at zeltiq about treatment of raynauds patients, which confirmed it is a relative contraindication and can be performed. Because kybella is another option this is one of the few times it maybe more useful than coolsculpting

I have Raynaud's disease. Should I cancel my upcoming CoolSculpting treatment?

Answers (10)

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