Is it normal that months after a Coolsculpting 3rd degree burn, the 8 areas treated that day are still swollen and cold?

Question

After last visit I noticed that I had a burn on my upper abdomen. Other areas seemed normal. Well the burn wound up being a 3rd degree burn. Still hasn’t healed completely. Still numb feeling in that area, deep grey discoloration, swollen and very cold. The other 7 areas I had done that day are still just as cold & swollen. The provider I saw does not seem concerned and has basically blown me off. I am wondering what I can do? It has been 2+ Months & im worried about permanent damage

John M. Hilinski, MD · Answer

It would be incredibly unusual to have a burn as you described as a result of Coolsculpting. I would highly encourage you to seek out a professional examination to determine precisely what might be going on.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is absolutely not normal to have a burn following a CoolSculpting treatment.  My advice is to follow-up with your technologist and be evaluated by a physician.  Best of luck.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear bhr8605,

I am so sorry to hear of your issue! While "frostbite" is theoretically possible from "CoolSculpting" (CS), this is the most unusual response I have yet to hear.

Please consult with another Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, with a Certified CoolSculpting Team or an Academic Medical Center / Burn - Wound Center to review and examine your concerns. Provide for him / them:

1.    A copy of your medical file,

2.    A review of your past medical history including skin, hematologic, auto-immune, diabetic, vascular and vasospastic concerns,

3.    Photos of the progress.

The "CoolSculpting" machine by Zeltiq cools to a point that signals the fat cell to die and then warms the superficial skin; it never freezes. There are receptors and indicators to stop a faulty machine.

1.    Is it possible that a non-CS machine was used?

2.    Has this machine failed anytime previously?

3.    Please also locate and contact the CoolSculpting / Zeltiq / Allergan representative to review your case.

I wish you the very best with this concern!

James C. Grotting, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry that you are going through this and no, it is not normal. What is normal is a little redness, mild swelling and some hypersensitivity. This should last no more than 2 weeks and it would be unusual if any of these symptoms lasted longer than 6 weeks. The provider should report this as an adverse event if you are experiencing these symptoms and they are a direct result of the treatment. I hope you heal well from your burns.

W. Tomasz Majewski, MD, FACS · Answer

No, it is not normal to have a 3rd degree burn after CoolSculpting.  The skin should have been cleaned with the skin prep wipe (this helps to protect the skin) and then the protective pad should have been applied.  The applicator is then applied over the pad and all this helps to protect your skin from frost bite.  If you are having these issues months after your treatment you should return to the provider for treatment.  If the provider is not helping you in this situation you should go to your primary care physician or seek out another CoolSculpting provider in the area.  They may be able to provider some help with this situation.  You may also want to report this to Allergan.

Larry Pollack, MD · Answer

Hello,Sorry to hear this.  It is not normal to experience a burn after Coolsculpting.  If the provider who treated you is not offering you any assistance, you should check with your primary physician to treat your burn. I also recommend contacting Allergan, the owners of Coolsculpting to report an adverse event.  This information can be helpful in preventing further occurrences.

Daniel Baber, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Without seeing the picture it is difficult to say whether that was a third-degree burn or not. I will take you for your word, or your providers word that it was indeed a full sickness injury. These are insensate wounds, they have no feeling after the healing, so if it was indeed a third-degree burn there would be no feeling in the scar area. About the other areas feeling cold, there yet may be some swelling or inflammation in the tissue but a month or two afterwards sounds like a long period time. It would be much easier to assess if I could see with my own eyes and feel with my own hands to give a better answer. But any problems after a month is not normal. For tightening of skin we  use the Fotona Dynamis 1064 nm laser as well as erbium to tighten the skin which may be due to some looseness. Additionally we utilize BTL Exilis, a radiofrequecy device, for the same purposes. I would recommend heat and massage at this point and try to contact your provider for follow up. CoolSculpting really does want to know if there are any events or problems with the treatments. I wish you a speedy recovery and hope this was helpful.

Is it normal that months after a Coolsculpting 3rd degree burn, the 8 areas treated that day are still swollen and cold?

Answers (7)

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