When CoolSculpting® first hit the market in 2010, it revolutionized the way body contouring procedures were performed. CoolSculpting is a nonsurgical treatment that freezes stubborn fat deposits with very little downtime. Almost a decade later, plastic surgeons still recommend CoolSculpting for wonderful results and outcomes.
As you research “CoolSculpting near me,” you may read about a condition called Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH). So, what is Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia? While PAH cannot be treated with diet or exercise, there are ways to address this rare condition. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz educates patients about this side effect of CoolSculpting in Beverly Hills, CA.
WHAT IS PARADOXICAL ADIPOSE HYPERPLASIA?
CoolSculpting uses an advanced technology called cryolipolysis to freeze and break down fat, so it is naturally expelled by the body. Most patients have mild side effects, such as temporary tingling and numbness, which only last a few days.
So, what is Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia? After CoolSculpting in Beverly Hills, a small percentage of cases cause the targeted fat to expand and harden into a lump. Here is how the term is broken down into plain language:
- Paradoxical: The treated tissues grow instead of shrink, causing an unexpected, or paradoxical effect
- Adipose: Fatty tissues just under the skin contain adipose cells, especially in areas like the abdomen and thighs
- Hyperplasia: Refers to the abnormal increase in cells
WHAT PAH LOOKS AND FEELS LIKE
PAH presents as a firm, rectangular soft tissue protrusion that mirrors the applicator shape. Many patients describe it as a stick of butter under the skin. The affected area feels like hardened fat rather than soft adipose tissue. A gradual enlargement can be seen over weeks as paradoxical adipose hyperplasia develops in the treatment area.
PAH occurs only in the treated area. The surrounding tissue usually feels normal. Visible fat bulges appear more localized than standard weight gain and may resist typical fat reduction strategies.
WHY PAH HAPPENS
Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia is a rare response to the CoolSculpting procedure. It involves hypertrophy and hyperplasia of treated fat cells within subcutaneous fat. The treated fat cells can increase in fat volume rather than break down. The precise mechanism is still being studied in lasers surg med and other journals.
Risk factors may include male sex, higher baseline fat volume, larger applicators, higher suction, and a genetic tendency to store fat in certain body areas.
CoolSculpting complications such as PAH are reported in less than one percent of cases. Most patients never experience this side effect.
IS PARADOXICAL ADIPOSE HYPERPLASIA CURABLE?
Yes. Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia is treatable and correctable. While hyperplasia is a rare outcome, treating PAH requires a surgical procedure in most cases. Corrective treatment aims to reduce fat deposits and restore smooth body contouring results.
TREATING PAH WITH LIPOSUCTION
Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia is not a life-threatening condition and can be treated with liposuction. However, patients with PAH must wait for a period of 6 – 9 months before getting the procedure. This is necessary so the fat can soften over time, making liposuction safer and more effective for you. While we understand that waiting can be difficult, liposuction is usually successful in giving patients their desired cosmetic results. In his office, Dr. Schwartz can review how to prepare for treatment.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SURGEON
Seek a qualified plastic surgeon who routinely manages developed PAH cases.
Experience in treating PAH, energy-assisted liposuction, and abdominoplasty matters. Ask about patient safety protocols, expected results by treatment area, and how they plan to protect critical structures while they reduce fat.
SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL BODY SCULPTING IN BEVERLY HILLS
Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia PAH is a side effect of CoolSculpting that is rare. It presents as a firm, localized enlargement that looks like a stick of butter in the treated area.
PAH after CoolSculpting is correctable. Treating PAH usually requires a surgical procedure such as tumescent liposuction. Laser lipolysis can help with hardened fat. A tummy tuck can be added to remove excess skin if needed.
Work with a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in treating paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. Proper planning for each treatment area helps destroy fat cells efficiently and safely, restore contour, and reduce fat deposits where needed.
Are you interested in safe body sculpting that does not leave you with the side effects of CoolSculpting? Everybody deserves to love their body, and we offer a plethora of services that can help you get there. With the possible risks and complications of cryolipolysis, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz is happy to provide insights and resources for patients who have questions about Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia and other options to eliminate fat.
To schedule an appointment for treatment of Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia AKA cryolipolysis in Beverly Hills, CA, reach out to our office today. We can review your treatment options.