Fat freezing side effects
The possible side effects of fat freezing treatment
Cryolipolysis/ fat freezing is proven to be a very safe and popular treatment for stubborn fat areas on the body and chin, but some fat freezing side effects could occur.
Most people who choose fat freezing only experience minimum side effects such as discomfort and bruising. However, as with every treatment some side effects and risks should be considered.
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Below is an overview of all side effects to be aware of when it comes to fat freezing. We will go through these with you at your first appointment too, so you fully understand what you can expect.
What fat freezing side effects you could expect
During and following your fat freezing treatment you may experience some side effects.
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During the treatment you may experience:
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A pulling, tugging and mild pinching feeling in the area where the applicator is applied
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Cold, tingling or aching of the area that is being cooled
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We take our time and make adjustments to make any discomfort during the treatment as minimal as possible. However, for some fat freezing does hurt. You may notice that some areas are more uncomfortable than others, as this is the case for most of my fat freezing clients.
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Common side effects of fat freezing
In the hours and weeks following the treatment you may see or feel the following common fat freezing side effects:
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General tenderness
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Skin sensitivity
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Redness
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Firmness
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Tingling or numbness
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Bruising or swelling
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Some people will feel the treated areas have gone back to almost normal by the time they leave the clinic, others may feel discomfort for a number of weeks after. Everyone is different, and everyone will experience side effects in different severities. If you are worried about any side effects you experience then please contact us as soon as possible.
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Less common side effects
Less common side effects of fat freezing include:
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Dizziness or nausea during or directly following treatment
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Light-headedness (this is why I always ask you to take your time when getting up from the bed after the treatment)
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Abdominal cramping and some bloating if the stomach was treated
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A hard/solid feeling of the area that was treated
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Rare side effects
These are the most rare side effects of fat freezing:
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Significant pain for which pain killers are required
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Undulations, nodules, bumps or an uneven surface
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Tissue irregularities, such as lumps or indentations.
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Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH), enlargement of the area
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Blistering
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Ice burns and frostbite
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At our Manchester clinic we always ensure that we follow best treatment practice and take all possible precautions to ensure your experience is comfortable and without negative fat freezing side effects.
We will adjust the treatment to your body, your experience and discomfort and your desired outcomes, and we will always carry out a thorough medical history check with you before your treatment to ensure the treatment is safe and suitable for you.
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If you are worried about the side effects of fat freezing and would like to understand your risks you can contact us through the contact form in the footer or book a consultation.
Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH)
Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia, also referred to as PAH, the stick-of-butter effect or simply hyperplasia, is a very rare side effect that has been observed as a result of fat freezing with an incidence of 0.0051%, or 1 in 20,000. Where PAH occurs the area that was treated enlarges instead of reduces and creates the appearance of a stick of butter.
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At Fat Freezing Manchester we have had no cases of PAH, and to our knowledge no cases of PAH have ever been reported following the use of the Quattro Pro equipment that is used at our clinic and around the world..
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In the highly unlikely case that paradoxical adipose hyperplasia occurs the recommended treatment to resolve the issue is liposuction.
The positive effects from fat freezing
Of course, there are also the positive effects from fat freezing treatment.
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Fat freezing treatment reduces the amount of fat cells in the target area, and therefore reducing the amount of fat stored. This leads to a reduction in fat and a more toned physique. Because the fat cells that are treated are gone, the fat loss results from fat freezing are permanent.
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Fat freezing is especially recommended on areas where there is stubborn fat that is hard to lose through exercise and diet.
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It takes approximately six weeks to see the full results of fat freezing treatment, as fat isn't removed from the body during the treatment. Freezing fat triggers cell death in fat cells (and no other cells). The fat cells die, break down and the cellular debris is eliminated from the body through the body's natural processes.
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Fat freezing is highly effective in permanently reducing stubborn fat in areas such as the arms, the stomach, the back, the thighs and the calves.
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How to minimise fat freezing side effects
After fat freezing you can resume your day-to-day activities immediately. You can go to the gym, eat, drink, shower and have a bath without issues.
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Sometimes the skin can be a bit sensitive following treatment. Wearing loose clothes can help to avoid skin irritation from rubbing and it can be more comfortable during the treatment too.
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Drinking plenty of water and massaging the skin in the treated area regularly can help the sensations of the skin return to normal faster. Arnica oil can be used during massage to reduce bruising.
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