Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia is a rare complication of CoolSculpting that gets its name from the unexpected, paradoxical result: overgrowth (hyperplasia) of fatty (adipose) tissue. This complication, which can appear 8 to 24 weeks post-procedure, is when the treated area becomes hardened and visibly enlarged.Sept 8, 2020
How do you know if you have paradoxical adipose hyperplasia?
- The treated area feels thicker and firmer.
- A mass or swelling may be felt under the skin and is often slightly painful to touch.
How do you fix paradoxical adipose hyperplasia?
Power-assisted liposuction is the preferred method of treatment, but in some cases, abdominoplasty may be necessary. Secondary treatments might be needed for recurrence or persistent bulge.
Who is at risk for PAH after CoolSculpting?
In summary, paradoxical adipose hyperplasia is a rare delayed side effect following cryolipolysis. The risk of PAH is approximately 1/20,000 and apparently higher in males. At this time, there is no evidence of spontaneous resolution of PAH. When necessary, treatment of PAH has relied on liposuction or abdominoplasty.
Can you fix paradoxical adipose hyperplasia?
Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia can often be completely treated or significantly improved by an expert plastic surgeon. Dr. Darren Smith has significant experience in treating paradoxical adipose hyperplasia from CoolSculpting procedures performed at other practices (Dr.
Who gets paradoxical adipose hyperplasia?
Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia is a rare, previously unreported side effect of cryolipolysis with an incidence of 0.0051%. No single unifying risk factor has been identified. The phenomenon seems to be more common in male patients undergoing cryolipolysis. At this time there is no evidence of spontaneous resolution.
What causes paradoxical fat hyperplasia?
PAH causes a gradual enlargement of the treated area. It occurs when the stimulus (the freezing of fat cells) activates a reactionary process in the fatty tissue that thickens and expands the fat cells rather than breaking them down and allowing the body to process and remove them.
How long after CoolSculpting does PAH occur?
PAH generally occurs long after cryolipolysis, often 2 to 3 months later, after an initial transient improvement; this was confirmed in our case series.
How do you get rid of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia?
Can paradoxical adipose hyperplasia be reversed? Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia does not go away on its own. Most affected people require corrective surgeries, such as excision or corrective liposuction.
Who is most likely to get paradoxical adipose hyperplasia?
Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia is a rare, previously unreported side effect of cryolipolysis with an incidence of 0.0051%. No single unifying risk factor has been identified. The phenomenon seems to be more common in male patients undergoing cryolipolysis.
How common is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia from CoolSculpting?
Based on manufacturer data, PAH has been estimated to occur in 1 out of every 4,000 CoolSculpting treatment cycles, which is an incidence rate of 0.025 percent.Sept 8, 2020