Could Coolscupting Be Causing Hot Flashes?

Question

I had coolscupting performed on my entire abdomen area about 2 weeks ago. Within a day or two, I started having intense hot flashes which would alternate with then becoming cold. I am 50 yrs old, last period was over one year ago, and have read somewhere that estrogens are produced by fat cells in the abdomen. Can the freezing and destruction of the fat cells, which possibly contain estrogen, be causing these hot flashes?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

I have not been aware of patients mentioning hot flashes after CoolSculpting by Zeltiq to me nor my colleagues, but that doesn't mean that you didn't experience this as a result of your treatment. Possilby your theory of estrogens and symptoms after CoolSculpting is a possible cause of your symptoms but I have checked with Zeltiq and they have researched their entire data base and have not one mention of hot flashes as a side effect. The company's representative also searched via the internet and did not find such a mention of hotflashes from CoolSculpting. Please note that this does not mean you didn't, in fact, have symptoms you described as a result of the device, but it hasn't been reported by others. You should ask your doctor to formally report it to the company and in this way as more reports are tabulated by Zeltiq, they can inform the physicians who use the device, and physicians can inform their patients more thoroughly. It's better to centralize side effects in this way to be able to study the numbers and determine if a side effect is prevalent or not. Otherwise, periodic mention on the internet doesn't provide, me and other physicians, with the information we need to educate my / our patients as best we can.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting is an excellent form of non-invasive  fat reduction for
the right patient. Some applicators take 1 or 2 hours but the new advantage
applicators take only 35 minutes and have significantly less risk for delayed
onset pain (especially in the abdomen). Results are seen at 2 months and
typically 1-3 treatments will be necessary on each area to achieve ideal
results. The number of treatments depends on the amount of fat there and the
patient's goals.  There is not downtime and the results can be impressive
in the right patient.  We also use the Zimmer Z-wave for improved patient
comfort and added results. The best candidates are those who are in pretty
good shape with areas of stubborn fat that won't go away no matter what. You should speak to your primary care doctor regarding the hot flashes.

My best,

Sheila Nazarian, MD, MMM

Beverly Hills, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Shapiro, MD · Answer

Typically, there is minimal to no downtime after CoolSculpting though patients may experience temporary pain or discomfort. Side effects can include redness, bruising, swelling, tenderness to the touch, cramping, itching, tingling, and numbness. Hot flashes are not a known side effect of this treatment.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.

	I have not heard of hot flashes occurring after CoolSculpting and it is not in the literature (that I know of).  Talk to your primary care to see if anything else is going on that may be contributing to this.

	Best Wishes!

Steven Hacker, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting does not cause hot flashes and if they are persistent I would suggest you discuss with your primary physician. There are many causes for hot flashes and some include endocrine issues but Coolsculpting is not one of them.

Could Coolscupting Be Causing Hot Flashes?

Answers (5)