Less vacuum may reduce post–cryolipolysis adipose hyperplasia

KAUAI, HAWAII – Gentler vacuum pressure seems to reduce the risk of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia after cryolipolysis, according to Suzanne Kilmer, MD, director of the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Northern California, Sacramento.

She and her colleagues have noticed a reduction with the newer CoolAdvantage applicators from Zeltiq Aesthetics, the manufacturer of CoolSculpting equipment. CoolAdvantage runs colder and with less suction than earlier applicators. “It seems to work equally as well,” but with shorter treatment times, less bruising, and less discomfort. Although paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) “is incredibly rare, it is something we want to reduce, and we do see decreased incidence with these new applicators,” Dr. Kilmer said at the Hawaii Dermatology Seminar provided by Global Academy for Medical Education/Skin Disease Education Foundation.

^{M. Alexander Otto/Frontline Medical News}

Dr. Suzanne Kilmer

Typically, one CoolSculpting session will get rid of about 20%-25% of the fat sucked up into the cryolipolysis cup. There can be some discomfort, for instance, when ice crystals are massaged afterward. To ensure patient satisfaction, “you really need to be realistic about what they can expect. It’s likely to be more than one session,” she said.