Does frost bite kill fat cells? (photo)

Question

In a botched at home cool sculpting attempt I have given myself frost bite. I placed cool packs directly on my sides for 15 min. and the hospital has confirmed that I gave myself frost bite. I've learned my lesson and WILL NOT do it again, it is swollen, red, painful and could have serious perminent damage. But if I have given myself frost bite for nothing I will be seriously pissed. So for the damage I have done, will I at least have killed some fat cells and have some effect of cool sculpting?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Sorry to hear that. Your underlying tissue is likely unaffected. Please ensure that you follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. Regards,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is likely you damaged your skin and will need wound care at this time, the fat is likely unaffected.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Your skin injury from the cold will need some time to declare any problems.You may turn out fine as your body heals. It is unsure if the cold will damage the deeper fat without damaging your skin.Keep up with your instructions from the doctors and hospital.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear pudding.0:

Frostbite is a cold injury to the layers of the skin and will injure the epidermis, dermis, fat and even cause skin
loss and changes in sensation  from lack
of circulation or direct cold injury.

Thank you for sharing your photo. It appears that you have
cold injured the first layer of the skin and will not experience a fat loss
result.  It is helpful but does not show
the “whole” picture of what happened or what can occur. For this reason, please
continue in your care with your primary care physician.

Please consider consultation with a Board Certified Plastic
Surgeon and Certified CoolSculpting Team to achieve your safe and effective
non-surgical fat loss results. All the best!

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

I am sorry for your problem.  Frost bite is thermal injury to the skin and has nothing to do with fat dissolving or coolsculpting.  Please have the proper wound care so that you don't have more injury to your skin and surrounding tissue. Best, Dr. Green

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Does frost bite kill fat cells? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Frostbite from DIY fat loss with ice

Answer: Frostbite from DIY fat loss with ice

Answer: Frost bite

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Everything you need to know about CoolSculpting

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