CoolSculpting gone bad, now what? (Photo)

Question

I had coolsculpting done about 5 months ago on my lower abdomen, since then the area has progressed into forming a hard fibrotic mass that doesn't feel normal. Office suggested another round of coolsculpting however I'm not interested due to this outcome (also had terrible nerve pain that lasted weeks). Is this normal? Interested in lipo to remove this now. Will that be a better solution? I've experience no weight gain, however this has now caused a large hardened lump larger than b4.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I have treated many patients with this type of reaction and this requires VASER body sculpting to get improvement.  Traditional liposuction does very little to get rid of this fibrosis to the point that gives the best cosmetic outcome.  noninvasive treatments will not help at this point.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to tell without examining you. If you have developed paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, the treatment would be liposuction. I would recommend discussing this with your provider or a board certified plastic surgeon and speaking to Zeltiq as well. Regards,

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Hi.  You may well have "paradoxical hyperplasia" (= unusual growth) of the fatty tissue in the area treated with coolsculpting.  This is a rare side effect of coolsculpting.  It can be treated with liposuction.  Best to see a local PS who is also familiar with the coolsculpting process.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

It would help to see your before and after pictures side by side. A very small percentage of people (less than 1%) develop paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) after CoolSculpting treatments. It usually presents with a firm area of increased fat where treatment was done. Your doctor should evaluate you for this. Zeltiq, the company that makes the CoolSculpting machine, is actually very pro-active in these situations. Your treatment provider should get them involved. Hope this helps!

Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Hi and sorry to hear of your problem. Without an examination I cannot make a diagnosis. However, it appears you may have developed paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. If that is the case then the best treatment is liposuction which is quite effective to correct the problem. In addition, Zeltiq will usually cover the cost of liposuction provided the diagnosis is correct. Good luck.Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICSTriple Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

CoolSculpting gone bad, now what? (Photo)

Answers (5)