In non-invasive contouring, such as CoolSculpting, most people have no risk, but there is a serious side effect (even if it’s quite rare), called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH).
This article aims to provide an overview of a rare side effect of CoolSculpting, what PAH is, how common it is, and why it’s crucial to be aware of it.
Defining Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia
Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH), a rare but serious side effect of CoolSculpting is the response of the treated fat becoming denser or more protruding when it was supposed to be less after a procedure.
It usually develops from two to six months after treatment when the treated tissue feels harder or lumpy compared to the rest of the area. PAH is not dangerous, but it is visible and should be known.
Incidence Rates of PAH
Understanding Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) , a rare but serious side effect, shows reports that the incidence of this condition is relatively low.
The incidence rate was reported in the literature from 0.005 to 0.39, depending on the number of treatment sessions and device used.
This translates to 2,000 to 20,000 patients, based on the parameters involved and the current patient population.
Patients at Risk for PAH
PAH is still considered rare, but some evidence indicates that it may happen more often in men or with certain treatment areas, such as the abdomen.
The recent development of improved cooling technology has lowered the risk by about 75 percent compared with first-generation applicators.
Understanding Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH), a rare but serious side effect can help people to ask the right questions at their initial consultation.
Treatment Options for PAH
PAH will not go away on its own, but there are ways to correct it, typically with traditional body contouring methods like liposuction or excision.
The condition is usually corrected with help from experienced providers and most people are happy with the results.
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