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Delayed Onset Pain Associated With Cryolipolysis Treatment: A Retrospective Study With Treatment Recommendations
Terrence C Keaney1, Amber Tario Gudas, Tina S Alster
1Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, DC.
Background:
Cryolipolysis has become a popular treatment for noninvasive destruction of unwanted subcutaneous fat. It is a generally well-tolerated treatment with mild transient side effects. Delayed posttreatment pain has been sporadically reported, but its incidence, etiology, and treatment have not been elucidated in a large series of patients.
Methods:
A retrospective review of 125 patients who received 554 cryolipolysis procedures over a 1-year period was conducted. Demographic data were obtained to determine specific variables that influenced development of delayed posttreatment pain.
Results:
Young women (mean age, 39 years) undergoing abdominal cryolipolysis were at greatest risk of experiencing delayed posttreatment pain. The pain was self-limited (duration, 3-11 days) and resolved completely without long-term sequelae. The number of treatment cycles did not impact the development of this side effect.
Conclusion:
Delayed posttreatment pain is a not uncommon adverse effect after cryolipolysis. Patients should be counseled on the possibility of its occurrence, and timely intervention should be instituted to reduce its impact.
