Beauty Safety Advocate Warns of Tumor Risks Linked to CoolSculpting Procedure

A US-based lawyer is urging caution against the trendy fat-reduction treatment CoolSculpting, warning it can lead to a disfiguring side effect. Dr. Whitney Ray Di Bona (JD), the owner of Beauty Justice, claims the procedure has a “terrifying” risk of causing non-cancerous tumors made of hardened fat, often requiring surgery for correction on a podcast with Alex Clark.

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting, or cryolipolysis, is a fat-freezing treatment designed to reduce stubborn fat in targeted areas such as the stomach, arms, thighs, and chin. Approved by the FDA in 2010, this non-invasive method eliminates fat cells by inducing cold-induced apoptosis (fat cell death) without damaging the skin or surrounding tissues.

The concept of cryolipolysis originated from studies on frostbite, revealing that fat freezes at a higher temperature than skin. By leveraging this property, CoolSculpting devices lower the temperature of fat cells to destroy them while keeping other tissues intact.

How Does CoolSculpting Work?

CoolSculpting, also known as cryolipolysis, is a non-surgical fat-reduction treatment that uses targeted cooling to eliminate fat cells. During the procedure, the doctor applies a device to the desired area, such as the stomach, arms, thighs, or chin. The device holds the targeted body part between two cooling paddles that rapidly lower the temperature.

The process usually takes 35 to 60 minutes. Cold exposure destroys approximately 20-25% of the fat cells in the treated area without harming the surrounding skin or tissues.

After the procedure, the body’s immune system gradually eliminates the dead fat cells over time. While some patients notice changes within a few weeks, the final results typically become visible after several months.

What Makes It Risky?

Dr. Di Bona highlights a rare but significant side effect called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), where instead of shrinking, the fat cells expand and form lumps. These hardened fat deposits often grow in the shape of the CoolSculpting applicator, creating noticeable disfigurement. PAH can appear immediately or up to six months post-treatment.

Though Allergan Aesthetics, the company behind CoolSculpting, estimates PAH occurs in just 1 out of 3,000 cases (0.033%), Dr. Di Bona suggests the risk might be understated. She also criticized the lack of sufficient warnings about this possibility, sharing her personal experience of undergoing CoolSculpting years ago without being informed of such risks.

Other Possible Side Effects
While the procedure is non-surgical, patients may experience temporary and less severe side effects, including:

• Redness or swelling

• Tingling or stinging sensations

• Bruising or tenderness

• Numbness in the treated area

• Cramps or itchiness

• A feeling of fullness in the throat after chin treatments

In 2022, supermodel Linda Evangelista revealed her experience with paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), explaining to fans that they hadn’t seen her for some time because she had been in hiding due to this condition.

Linda then filed a lawsuit against Zeltiq Aesthetics, a part of Allergan Aesthetics, the makers of CoolSculpt, seeking $50 million and eventually settling for an undisclosed amount.

Linda's lawsuit against Zeltiq Aesthetics prompted a significant rise in reports to the FDA regarding complications associated with CoolSculpt. In 2021, there were 1,100 reports, which was more than the total from the previous ten years combined. This uptick continued in 2022, with the number of reports increasing to 1,900.

Reference:

1. Stern, Carly. "Beauty Lawyer Warns about 'Horrific Side Effect' of Popular Cosmetic Procedure That Can Turn Your Fat into a Tumor." New York Post, December 6, 2024. Accessed December 8, 2024. https://nypost.com/2024/12/06/lifestyle/cosmetic-procedure-side-effect-can-turn-your-fat-into-a-tumor/.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Josna Lewis/MSM)