Are burns and lumps from Sculpsure permanent? (photo)

Question

Sculpsure procedure burned my skin and after a week I still have large red burn marks, large lumps and what looks like a red line down the middle of my abdomen. It is still too tender to properly massage. Is this permanent?

Geeta Vaze, MD · Answer

1st of all none of this is permanent. 
The redness soreness is temporary and can be treated with ice and possibly some Tylenol and then massaging. The lumps and bumps can also occur after a treatment which are basically clumps of dead  fat cells. Your body will eliminate them in time but I do advise stepping up your water intake which will help you to eliminate them faster. 
The lumps indicate you did get a good treatment

David Chappell, MD · Answer

We have not seen second-degree burns with our use of the SculpSure device.  However, the treatment definitely can be painful and causes temporary redness. Perhaps it was not placed properly? However, if everything was done according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and you still burned  consider reporting your issues on the FDA’s safety reporting portal.  More safety information is useful for any new device.

Rahele Mazarei, DO · Answer

Your burn should be temporary, We don't create burns so far with our patients, but if you have them, they will go away.  As for the lumps, please up your water intake and message them as often as you can, ie while your watching tv or sitting down.  These are pockets of dead fats and will go out of your system.

Anya Rose, MD · Answer

I have not had any burns from SculpSure but the inflammatory response can take time to resolve.  You should notify your provider about these concerns so these events can be investigated.  You may need a lower setting on your next treatment and that will help reduce the lumps as well.  You sound like you will have a great response from the treatment.  Keep your practitioner in the loop for best care!

Joseph Morandi, DO · Answer

The bumps are normal in a minority of patients, the dying and dead fat cells coalesce and form these temporary bumps. Drink lots of fluids and massage them regularly and they will resolve.
Regarding the redness, its probably not a burn, I have never seen or heard of any reports about burning. It could be a skin reaction to the topical liquid that is applied to help increase the contact between your skin and the laser.
You should follow up with your Doc if these symptoms persist or worsen.
Good luck

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting a picture.  I'm sorry this has happened to you.  We have done over a 1000 of these treatment and have never had a burn.  I would recommend that you speak with the supervising physician where you were treated.  Based on the SculpSure technology, I think it's not a burn, but instead some sort of allergic reaction to the lux lotion or something else.  The red line looks like some skin may have been pinched in an applicator.  We have seen lumps or nodules in less than 10% of our patients.  For some reason, some of the treated and ruptured fat cells bond together.  The good news is that you received an excellent treatment.  The bad news is that they can be uncomfortable to massage away.  Most nodules resolve in a couple of weeks. We have had 2/1000+ where it took 3 months.  Start massaging gently and slow increase the intensity.  I hope this helps.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

i would agree with Dr. Riehm below. i don't believe that this is a burn from Sculpsure. The machine is extremely safe and I have never heard of a burn occurring. Plus, if you got a burn, it would likely be very superficial and healed within a week. I suggest you let the supervising doctor know. I am sure that both the redness and the lumps will go away in time. i would avoid putting anything beyond coconut oil on the red area (btw if it is itchy,, it is an allergic reaction and NOT a burn) and gentle massage the area.david berman md

Are burns and lumps from Sculpsure permanent? (photo)

Answers (7)

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