Does applying heat after recent Coolsculpting affect the aptosis (die-off of chilled fat)? NOT about hyperpigmentation.

Heat from a tanning bed should not affect your CoolSculpting results, as the cell death from the cryolipolisis has already been set in motion. However, tanning beds are never a good idea, as they not only damage your skin and contribute to premature aging, they can also raise your risk of skin cancer. I understand wanting some color for your vacation, but in the future maybe think about looking into self-tanners instead!

Thank you for your question, saguaro68. You have not slowed or negated your treatment. I hope you have great results from CoolSculpting and, should you choose to do another laser fat treatment, consider SculpSure as it is more effective than all other laser treatments for fat. It vanquishes up to 25% of unwanted stubborn fat in a quick in-office treatment with no downtime at all. Please consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon. Best wishes,

Tanning beds are a great way to increase wrinkling of the skin and cause skin cancer; in the future, please look into self-tanners. Related to the coolsculpting, the fat cell death that occurs during coolsculpting is related to the tissue temperatures reached and vascularity of the tissue at the time of treatment.  Once the tissue has returned to normal, this process has begun and would not be altered by heating up the skin with uv lights.

No need to worry about effecting your results.  Once the process of cell death has started there's nothing you can do to bring them back to life.  Heating tissue by any means (tanning bed, stones, hot shower, etc) is fine, just be careful if you have any numbness (temporary) in the treated area not to burn your skin because the sensation is altered.  (we'll skip the tanning bed lecture for now ;) )  Enjoy your vacation.

Dear saguaro68:Once a fat cell has entered the terminal phase of the lifecycle known as apoptosis,  cell death is inevitable and cannot be reversed. While studies have not been done regarding the effect of heat or light on the skin after CoolSculpting, there is no physiologic reason  that such an exposure could rescue the fat cell.  The ultraviolet light in the tanning bed probably increased the warmth of your already inflamed skin. All the best,Dr. Clark