What does it mean that my CoolSculpting session was cut short because the machine sensed that my skin got too cold?

Question

About 20 minutes into my first session on my chin, the technician came in and shut off the machine because it had “triggered a thermal event” and sensed that my skin was too cold. She rescheduled me. Because I elected to have both sides of my chin/jaw done separately with a small overlap in the middle, I am worried about ending up looking uneven. Also, more than 24 hours later, I have a distinct patch of red skin. Does this mean my skin suffered freeze burn, and if so, what should I do?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Coolsculpting often takes a few treatments separated 8-12 weeks apart to get significant improvement. I am not familiar with the skin becoming too cold, that doesn't sound accurate. In regards to the red marks, cold can damage the skin just as heat can. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

W. Tomasz Majewski, MD, FACS · Answer

If the machine alerted that there was a thermal event, then the machine can not be reapplied for at least 24 hours.  This is to keep from doing any harm to the skin in the treated area.  This could mean there was loss of suction with the applicator or a break in the drape over the applicator.  Sometimes after a treatment you will have redness, swelling and even bruising.  If this is something that persist, then you should return to the practice where you are having CoolSculpting to have the area evaluated.

Aurora DeJuliis, MD · Answer

Thermal event means that the applicator moved out of its position and it had lost its suction. CoolSculpting is very precise and it is impossible that your skin became too cold. The mini CoolSculpting applicator is sensitive to every little neck movement so if it is not placed precisely it will not work.
Good luck.

Ray Bayati, MD · Answer

HelloRecommending to see the physician in regard to redness. Cold can damage the skin too similarly does the heat. MAKE sure the machine in Coolsculpting NOT other generic brands which are not FDA approved.Have evaluation by an expert for liposuction. just get the fat out in one day under local anesthesia. essentially no risk if done by experience physician.The Best

Martin Everhard, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

The CoolSculpting(r) machines have many built in safeguards including monitoring the skin temperature.  When an out of acceptable temperature is noted, the machines automatically turn off.  Then we wait at least 24 hours to retreat.  If the skin looks normal at that time, we retreat.  In your case I would wait until the skin looks normal.  I would not expect this to result in uneven results.

What does it mean that my CoolSculpting session was cut short because the machine sensed that my skin got too cold?

Answers (5)

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