Had round 2 of CoolSculpting on flanks. I experienced a "Thermal Event" on my right flank. Now there's a dark burn mark? (photo)

Question

I experienced a "Thermal Event" on my right flank. I felt a burning sensation 13 min into the treatment, then the machine turned off as a safety measure. I had redness as a result. The provider said we can re-treat in 24 hours since it overheated my skin. We re-treated in 3 days. It has been 2 weeks and I have these marks, looks like burn marks! They're very noticeable, brown and the exact shape of the hand piece. How do I treat the marks and make them fade? Will it disappear? I'm very worried.

Ramandeep Sidhu, MD · Answer

Very sorry to hear that you had an adverse event. First of all its very rare to have this kind of event so I am not sure if you are going to get a strong recommendation. In my practice I would recommend giving some more time and let the inflammation settle down completely -  avoid sun exposure, SPF and then re-evaluate in 4-6 weeks. Hopefully this will continue to fade.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with a cosmetic dermatologist for after care and treatment for hyperpigmenatation. This can be improved with a combination of lasers, Aerolase, microneedling/prp, skin lightening, peels, and skin care. Sun protection is essential.

Sean Maguire, MD · Answer

This discoloration 2 weeks after a "freezer burn" is uncommon. It's probably a bit early to call it PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). The most important thing that you can do to minimize long-term darkening of the skin is to avoid the sun and wear sunscreen. A skin care product with 4% hydroquinone like Obagi Clear or Triluma may also be used. If there is pigmentation that remains after a few months, it could be treated with a IPL or other laser or light devices.

Edward Stokes, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  This is a very rare occurrence, and presents most frequently in those of darker skin types. The CoolSculpting machines have a built in mechanism that recognizes when the skin is getting too cold, and the machine shuts off.  Sometimes the result is a freezer burn type of mark in the shape of the applicator.  This mark will fade over time, but that could take a few months.  In the very rare instances that this has happened here, we administer a lactic acid peel for free to the client to help lighten the pigment in the area.  Additionally, retinol creams can be very effective for at home use. It is unfortunate that you are having this experience, but hopefully your CoolSculpting results will be worth it!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This is PIH and is related to a COLD thermal event, not a hot one. This should be treated as any other PIH with Retin A, hydroquinone, and possibly lasers. A thermal event is not that uncommon and is a protective mechanism by the device to prevent a burn from being too cold. Having PIH is much rarer but it is treatable. It mostly will happen in darker skin types.

Had round 2 of CoolSculpting on flanks. I experienced a "Thermal Event" on my right flank. Now there's a dark burn mark? (photo)

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Answer: CoolSculping and Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Answer: CoolSculping and Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Answer: PIH after a thermal event with Coolsculpting

Answer: PIH after a thermal event with Coolsculpting

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Had round 2 of CoolSculpting on flanks. I experienced a "Thermal Event" on my right flank. Now there's a dark burn mark? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: CoolSculping and Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Answer: CoolSculping and Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Answer: PIH after a thermal event with Coolsculpting

Answer: PIH after a thermal event with Coolsculpting

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.