Adverse Events Associated With Cryolipolysis: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

BACKGROUND Cryolipolysis is a popular procedure for people seeking noninvasive body contouring. As with any novel therapy, it is critical for providers to familiarize themselves with related adverse events (AEs), to provide appropriate information to patients before treatment. OBJECTIVE To describe reported complications and AEs associated with cryolipolysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review was completed using the PubMed database and following search terms: “cryolipolysis” or “lipocryolysis” or “CoolSculpting.” Only randomized clinical trials, prospective cohort studies, retrospective studies, case series, and case reports describing AEs related to cryolipolysis as well as studies written in English were included for review. RESULTS Fifty-three articles were included in this review. The most common AEs associated with cryolipolysis were treatment site erythema, numbness/paresthesia, bruising, and edema. More serious complications of cryolipolysis include severe/persistent pain, dysesthesia, skin hyperpigmentation, motor neuropathy, and paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. CONCLUSION Cryolipolysis is a safe option for patients seeking noninvasive body contouring. Most reported AEs are minimal and resolve quickly. It is important that physicians are aware of serious, irreversible AEs and are prepared to counsel patients appropriately before treatment.

Safety of a 1064‐nm robotic laser system for noninvasive lipolysis of the flanks

“…In contrast, photobiomodulation requires numerous treatment sessions over several weeks 18 and the use of cryolipolysis and radiofrequency devices may also require repeated treatment sessions to achieve the desired results 19,20 . Cryolipolysis may be associated with persistent AEs such as pain, dysesthesia, and hyperpigmentation 21 and high‐intensity focused ultrasound has been associated with temporary treatment discomfort, edema, erythema, dysesthesia, and ecchymosis 22 . Although rare, paradoxical adipose hyperplasia has been reported following cryolipolysis and radiofrequency treatment 17,23 …”

Severe abdominal fat necrosis following complications of cryolipolysis: a case report

“…2 Current literature emphasises its overall safety and patient tolerability, with the majority of complications reported limited to erythema, swelling and minor discomfort to treated regions. [3][4][5] There are, however, isolated reports of frostbite-induced cutaneous ulceration from direct thermal injury. [6][7][8][9] These incidents were largely attributed to inexperienced service providers and faulty equipment, and are therefore relatively rare.…”

Combination non‐invasive radiofrequency and electrical muscle stimulation: A synergistic combination for body contouring

“…Non‐invasive body contouring has traditionally focused on adipose reduction with modest results and little to no secondary impact on skin laxity or muscle hypertrophy. Numerous noninvasive technologies have been used to improve lipodystrophy, with the most well‐known example including cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting, Allergan, Dublin, IE) 1–4 . While studies showed modest improvements in adiposity, there have been issues with secondary skin laxity and the poorly understood phenomenon of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia 5 …”

“…Numerous noninvasive technologies have been used to improve lipodystrophy, with the most well-known example including cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting, Allergan, Dublin, IE). [1][2][3][4] While studies showed modest improvements in adiposity, there have been issues with secondary skin laxity and the poorly understood phenomenon of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. 5 In the mid-2000 s, electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) gained popularity within aesthetics for muscle hypertrophy, despite its use in rehabilitation many years prior.…”