Is this pigmentation going to be a permanent mark? (Photo)

Question

I did coolsculpting 2 months ago on my thigh, unfortunately during the treatment the machine was showing an error msg of thermal event. i didnt know what was that mean &no nurse was around, my thigh was under that temperature for hour and when ppl saw the error msg, they did 2nd treatment and same error occured, my thigh was under that cool sculpting temperature for almost 2 hours. And now i have a big dark pigmentation on my thigh. Is it gonna be healed???

William Groff, DO · Answer

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation should not usually occur after CoolSculpting, and treatment should not have continued if there were error messages. However, hyperpigmentation can be treated in a variety of ways, including topical solutions, peels, or lasers. I recommend visiting a board-certified dermatologist for a consultation and treatment plan.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Your skin is alive and the deeper tissues are healing. Unfortunately, regardless of the cause (and this can happen even without "error messages") in order to kill fat cells via freezing, the skin must also be sub-lethally damaged. That's how Coolsculpting "works"--killing fat cells while preserving skin.So, with the skin having been chilled/frozen, there can be inflammation that leads to hyperpigmentation. This will gradually resolve over time, but there are prescription medications that your surgeon or Dermatologist can prescribe to aid in the process. Plus, you must stay out of any ultraviolet exposure as long as there is visible hyperpigmentation in order to avoid re-stimulating the pigment cells that are causing this discoloration.Resolution can take several months. Talk to your surgeon for more advice. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

The mark is just some hyperpigmentation that will fade over time.  You can ask your provider about hydroquinone or sun avoidance to help it fade faster.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.When a thermal event code happens, it should've been repositioned and tried again.If the same message appears, it should've been discontinued The post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) need to be treated The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest seeing a cosmetic dermatologist, post inflammatory hyperpigmenation can last a while.  It needs peels and skin care at this point.  Best, Dr. Emer.

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