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8 months post op of CoolSculpting, I noticed skin discoloration on my thighs. Is this normal? (photos)

I have had CoolSculpting on my abdomen as well as my inner thighs. It has been about 8 months and I notice odd "striping" on my thighs. It looks like the skin is darker where it was touching the plates - but i have nothing like this on my abdomen. Upon closer inspection it looks like maybe there was more fat loss where the plates hit and now the skin is more dense there so looks darker. In some lighting it is worse than others so I know shadowing play a part. I talked to my doctor but she didn't know.

Doctor Answers 3

Discoloration after CoolSculpting not common.

June 24th, 2014
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CoolSculpting works by slowly chilling the tissue to just above freezing and then maintaining that temperature fo r one to two hours (depending on the applicator used).  If the skin is very sensitive to irritation it is possible to see some pigment at about 3 to 6 weeks that could last for several months.  This is called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).  In the many hundreds of patients of all skin types that we have treated I have not seen this.  
Another issue that may be interpreted as pigment is simply due to shadows.  I have found that in inner thigh area can have the illusion of darkness even before CoolSculpting due to the draping of the skin when standing upright. This is especially true when skin laxity is present. 

Web reference: http://vandykelaser.com/body/coolsculpting-by-zeltiq/

Susan Van Dyke, MD


Paradise Valley Dermatologic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 29 reviews

Skin discoloration post coolsculpting

September 11th, 2014
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I have not seen skin discoloration that has presented itself this long post treatment. While extremely rare and for those with extremely sensitive skin, Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is possible but should present itself more quickly. Consult with your treating physician and a dermatologist to understand what could be occurring. It may be unrelated to the coolsculpting treatment.

Web reference: http://www.drkrisreddy.com/coolsculpting.html

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
4.5 out of 5 stars 35 reviews

Skin discoloration

July 12th, 2014
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Coolsculpting is a great non-invasive fat reducing procedure.  I have not seen any discoloration after the procedure.  Was it red originally? If you have some post-inflammatory pigmentation it should resolve in time.  I suggest you consult a board certified dermatologist for another opinion if this is of concern for you.
Michele S. Green, MD

Michele S. Green, MD
New York Dermatologist
5.0 out of 5 stars 60 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.