Abstract
Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive body contouring procedure that aims to achieve focal clearance of subcutaneous fat by means of confined areas of cold exposure. Cryolipolysis is currently gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional liposuction due to its high efficacy and low incidence and duration of side effects. Common side effects include erythema, bruising, oedema, pain and diminished sensation, all of which are usually transient. Frostbite injuries following cryolipolysis are exceedingly rare. We report a case of severe frostbite following a cryolipolysis session that required surgical intervention with resultant permanent scarring.
Highlights
Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive body contouring procedure that aims to achieve focal clearance of subcutaneous fat by means of confined areas of cold exposure
It was shown that the precise application of cold temperatures selectively triggered apoptosis in adipocytes with sparing of the overlying skin
Two days post-treatment, a neutrophil and monocyte infiltrate was noted in the subcutaneous fat, which intensified with time as the adipocytes reduced in size in association with an increase in lipid-laden mononuclear inflammatory cells.[3,4,5]
Summary
Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive body contouring procedure that aims to achieve focal clearance of subcutaneous fat by means of confined areas of cold exposure. The observation that adipose tissue is preferentially susceptible to cold injury compared to skin was first recognised by Hochinsinger in 1902.1 A review article in 2013 identified further cases reported by several authors since the 1940s.2. It was not until 2008 that the idea of applying this concept for aesthetic purposes was reported in the porcine model.[2,3] It was shown that the precise application of cold temperatures selectively triggered apoptosis in adipocytes with sparing of the overlying skin. The incident, left the patient with two oval scars with a slight contour deformity on the medial aspect of the left knee (Figure 3), as well as significant psychological trauma
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