Paradoxical Adipose Hypertrophy (PAH) After Cryolipolysis

Abstract

Background

Cryolipolysis is a minimally invasive technique used to decrease local adipose tissue by thermal cooling. Paradoxical adipose hypertrophy (PAH) is a rare complication of cryolipolysis with important aesthetic consequences.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to describe four cases of PAH after a cryolipolysis treatment.

Methods

Between January 2014 and January 2017, all patients who had undergone a cryolipolysis treatment in a single center were reviewed. The device used was a CoolSculpting device and the same operator performed all the cryolipolysis treatments. We retrospectively included all patients who had a suspicion of PAH.

Results

In our study, 398 patients underwent a session of cryolipolysis. Four patients presented with a voluminous painless swelling in the treated area, between 2 and 4 months after the cryolipolysis session. One patient was treated with liposuction. Histological analysis of the adipose tissue in this patient revealed a nonspecific panniculitis. The other three patients did not receive any additional treatment, and their symptoms stabilized after several months.

Conclusions

Although cryolipolysis generally yields good results, it can be complicated with PAH, which tends to occur a few months after the cryolipolysis treatment. Patients should be informed of the possibility of developing this complication and encouraged to attend regular follow up for at least 6 months, so that this condition can be readily detected. Surgical treatment should be offered if there is no spontaneous improvement of the symptoms.

Level of Evidence: 5