Complications from fat freezing procedures may be more common than thought, suggests paper

Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), a hardened area of localised fat developing after cryolipolysis, may be more common than previously thought, according to a paper in the July issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 

While PAH can be treated successfully with liposuction, patients must wait a few months before treatment, according to the study, led by ASPS Member Surgeons Michael E. Kelly, MD, and Jose Rodríguez-Feliz, MD, of Miami Plastic Surgery. 

Based on data from the manufacturer of the cryolipolysis equipment, PAH has been estimated to occur in one out of every 4,000 treatment cycles, for an incidence of 0.025%. However, the authors note that their experience of 15 PAH events in six patients represents a much higher incidence: 0.72%, or about one out of every 138 cryolipolysis treatments. 

PAH was successfully treated in all cases however. Most patients needed liposuction only; one patient had liposuction combined with an abdominoplasty procedure. Dr Rodríguez-Feliz recommended the use of a power-assisted liposuction technique. All patients achieved good cosmetic results and were very satisfied with their final appearance.