CoolSculpting Procedures: Potential Risks, Adverse Effects, and Outcomes
**Long-Term Effects and Potential Complications of CoolSculpting**
CoolSculpting, a popular non-surgical fat reduction procedure, utilises cryolipolysis to eliminate unwanted fat cells. While the immediate results can be noticeable within a few days to 4 months, it is essential to understand the long-term implications and potential complications.
The fat cells destroyed during the CoolSculpting process are permanently eliminated. However, it is crucial to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise to prevent the body from producing new fat cells and preserving the results [3][4].
Beyond the initial recovery period, there are some potential complications to consider:
1. **Fat Cell Hyperplasia**: This rare condition, more common in men, results in the production of new fat cells in the treated area, leading to a bulge [1].
2. **Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH)**: This condition, also known as fat cell hyperplasia, can occur months after treatment, though it is rare. It necessitates medical attention and, in some cases, surgical intervention [1].
3. **Permanent Numbness**: Although numbness is usually temporary, there have been reports of persistent numbness, albeit rare [3].
4. **Skin Discoloration**: Some individuals may experience skin discoloration in the treated area, which can be temporary or, in rare cases, persistent [5].
It is essential to note that most side effects of CoolSculpting are temporary and resolve within a few weeks. However, these rare complications highlight the importance of monitoring and follow-up care.
CoolSculpting should not be used as a form of weight loss or for the treatment of obesity. The cost per treatment area is approximately $1,000, and Zeltiq Aesthetics claims that CoolSculpting reduces the amount of fat cells in the treatment area by between 20 and 25 percent [6].
As with any medical procedure, it is crucial to discuss CoolSculpting with a healthcare professional to determine if it is the right option for you. People with certain medical conditions, such as weakened immune systems, pregnancy, or skin conditions related to the immune system, should avoid CoolSculpting [2].
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). CoolSculpting: What you need to know. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/coolsculpting/about/pac-20394620
[2] American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. (n.d.). CoolSculpting. [online] Available at: https://www.asds.net/public-education/procedures/coolsculpting
[3] WebMD. (2021). CoolSculpting: What to Know About the Procedure. [online] Available at: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/coolsculpting-what-to-know
[4] Healthline. (2021). CoolSculpting: What to Expect Before, During, and After. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/coolsculpting
[5] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). CoolSculpting: What to Expect. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17665-coolsculpting
[6] Zeltiq Aesthetics. (n.d.). CoolSculpting. [online] Available at: https://www.coolsculpting.com/how-it-works/results/
- In the context of health-and-wellness, maintaining a diet rich in nutrition and regular exercise is vital after CoolSculpting to prevent new fat cell production and preserve results.
- The AD of CoolSculpting, Zeltiq Aesthetics, asserts that the procedure reduces fat cells in the treatment area by between 20 and 25 percent, but it's not recommended for weight loss or treatment of obesity due to its cost and intended purpose.
- Science continues to evolve, and researchers are exploring the potential of CoolSculpting for therapies and treatments in skin-care and other areas, but its long-term effects and complications such as fat cell hyperplasia and paradoxical adipose hyperplasia require ongoing study.
- CoolSculpting's predictive results indicate a reduction in unwanted fat, but the potential for depression, in the form of dissatisfaction with body image, may emerge for some individuals who rely excessively on the procedure for self-perception and weight-management.
- MS patients should avoid CoolSculpting due to its potential interaction with their weakened immune systems, and people with certain skin conditions related to the immune system may also be at risk.
- AQ, or anxiety, might be experienced by some individuals undergoing CoolSculpting due to the possible side effects, such as numbness and skin discoloration, although most side effects are temporary and resolve within a few weeks.
