The Negative Effects of CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting has become a popular body contouring treatment that promises to freeze and shrink stubborn fat without surgery. However, there is one major negative effect of CoolSculpting that many might not be aware of. While CoolSculpting can be safe and effective for many, others are unfortunate enough to experience the negative effects of treatment.

A reverse effect

CoolSculpting is meant to shrink your stubborn fat cells to re-contour your figure. But in some cases, CoolSculpting has the opposite effect! With a condition called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, the fat cells grow larger instead of smaller. The cause of this condition is not completely understood and although rare, the condition has not been shown to go away on its own.

Treatment with surgery

Most patients choose CoolSculpting because it promises fat reduction without surgery. The idea of slimming down without incisions, minimal discomfort, and no downtime is appealing. But those who develop paradoxical adipose hyperplasia will find themselves needing a surgical procedure after all. The condition can be treated with liposuction, a surgical procedure that uses tiny incisions to remove fat cells through a cannula. Liposuction is a highly popular body contouring method, but those who chose CoolSculpting to avoid it will likely be disappointed when they end up needing it anyway. Before being treated for paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, patients must wait a minimum of six months for the tissue to soften. This time can be very emotionally difficult for patients as they must live with their enlarged treatment area.

The alternative

While this side effect of CoolSculpting is rare, it is possible. So, if you want to avoid the time, money, and stress of needing a revision procedure, you might opt for a better treatment plan. Opting for liposuction right away can give you significant results in just one treatment, with no chance of your fat cells coming back!
If you do choose CoolSculpting and end up with a reverse effect, remember that it is treatable. Make sure you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon that can give you the body contouring you always wanted! To schedule your consultation with Dr. Berman, contact our office today.

Dr. Jonathan Ross Berman is a Boca Raton plastic surgeon who has been certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery with over 30 years of service experience specializing in Breast Augmentation, Rhinoplasty, Face Lift, Liposuction, and many other types of plastic surgery in Boca Raton, FL.

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