Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

04:36
Innovative Adipose Tissue Fractionation for Transforming Fat into Specialized Components
Published on: July 11, 2025
1.3K
Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia after cryolipolysis
H Ray Jalian1, Mathew M Avram2, Lilit Garibyan2
1Division of Dermatology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles2Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
JAMA Dermatology
|January 3, 2014
Summary
A rare side effect of cryolipolysis (cryolipolysis) called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, an enlargement of fat tissue, has been identified. This condition, observed in 0.0051% of cases, appears more common in men and requires further study.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Aesthetic Medicine
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Cryolipolysis is a widely used non-invasive procedure for localized fat reduction.
- Over 650,000 cryolipolysis treatment cycles have been performed globally.
- Understanding adverse effects is crucial for patient safety and procedural refinement.
Observation:
- A previously unreported adverse effect, paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), following cryolipolysis is presented.
- A male patient in his 40s developed a tender, enlarged subcutaneous mass in the treated abdominal area three months post-procedure.
- Imaging confirmed adipose tissue accumulation within the cryolipolysis treatment zone.
Findings:
- Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia is a rare adverse effect of cryolipolysis, with an incidence of 0.0051%.
- No specific risk factor has been identified, but the condition appears more prevalent in males.
- Currently, there is no evidence of spontaneous resolution for PAH.
Implications:
- This finding highlights a rare but significant adverse event associated with cryolipolysis.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate the pathogenesis and histological characteristics of PAH.
- Clinicians should be aware of this potential complication for accurate diagnosis and patient counseling.

