CoolSculpting on belly 20 years after hernia removal in groin

Question

Female aged, 29, stubborn fat on belly. Considering cool sculpting, however, in general contraindicated for adjacent hernia. Original hernia was removed at age 5. About five years ago, I felt a little pea lump b/w right leg and groin mid way down. I had a scan to see it was still visible in adulthood and it is there about the size of a 10c coin. Surgeon said nothing to worry about unless I want to consider surgery before pregnancy. Wondering whether there’s any issue getting the treatment

Anshul Gambhir, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question! I would not recommend for a patient to receive cool-sculpting with history of a hernia. The suction from the machine can cause issues with a pre existing hernia repair and also an existing one.

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hello Fierce!

Thank you for your question. As long as the hernia itself is not being sucked up into the treatment area by the vacuum of the applicator, there is no reason why you cannot have Coolsculpting treatment. The doctor who is planning the placement of the Coolsculpting applicators will be able to determine this at the time of your consultation. Please see a board-certified dermatologist who has had many years of experience with Coolsculpting for this issue, to make sure you don’t run into any problems. In our practice, I determine the placement of each applicator myself so that patients achieve maximal fat cell loss and true sculpting without divots or depressions.

All the best from New York City, 
Sheryl Clark, MD,FAAD

CoolSculpting on belly 20 years after hernia removal in groin

Answers (2)