Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia treatment for men is a mouthful. For years, CoolSculpting has been a go-to non-surgical procedure for men in NYC who want to address fatty deposits (adipose tissue) using cryolipolysis (or fat freezing). But now there is the Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia Treatment. Though the results are overwhelmingly positive with coolscupting, some patients experience a rare condition known as Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH).
PAH occurs when men who undergo CoolSculpting experience unpredictable increases in fat deposits. In essence, these instances of CoolSculpting have the opposite effect. While PAH seldom happens, it is an undesirable outcome for patients who are seeking fat loss. PAH is a relatively new condition and is often difficult to navigate. However, board-certified surgeon Dr. Douglas Steinbrech specializes in Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia treatment for men in NYC.
What is Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH)?
As mentioned, Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia only occurs rarely, when a patient has a negative reaction to CoolSculpting. Here is a breakdown of the medical terminology:
Paradoxical: the tissues treated with CoolSculpting react to it by growing rather than decreasing – an unexpected, hence, paradoxical effect.
Adipose: refers to fatty tissues that contain adipose cells, which are more predominant under the skin, especially in areas like the abdomen, flanks (“love handles”), back, and thighs.
Hyperplasia: a term that refers to the growth of cells in the tissues which is typically stimulated by something.
Why Does PAH Occur and What Does it Look Like?
Just as CoolSculpting is a relatively new treatment, PAH is a new condition. Many medical experts are still learning about what exactly causes it. Though several studies have been conducted, its occurrence is still somewhat of a mystery. Modern surgeons such as Dr. Steinbrech are constantly revisiting this to identify which patients may be at risk for PAH.
What is known, however, is that PAH typically presents within half of a year following CoolSculpting. It’s also apparent that the undesirable increase in fat is hyper-focused on the section of the body in which the CoolSculpting device was applied. The tissue at the treatment site affected by PAH typically swells and can often be sensitive to the touch.
How Common is PAH?
PAH is considered to be extremely rare. With that said, it does still occur, albeit in about 0.005% of cases. Recent studies have shown Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia presents in 1 of every 500 to 5,000 CoolSculpting treatments.
Who Is at Risk of Developing PAH After CoolSculpting?
Age has not been shown to factor into the development of Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia. However, researchers have discovered that some patient indicators and risk factors include: the use of a large CoolSculpting applicator, male sex, Hispanic background, and abdominal location of treatment.
How Is PAH Treated?
Each case of PAH is unique. The course of action for most Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia treatments for men in NYC includes liposuction. This procedure is done once the affected area has softened in the months following the patient’s first CoolSculpting session. In some cases, it takes more than one liposuction procedure to correct the affected area completely. In rare cases, a tummy tuck may be used.
PAH Recovery Time
Following liposuction or a tummy tuck to treat PAH, recovery typically takes around 4 to 6 weeks. Recovery times do vary depending on the severity, however, results show by 6 weeks post-operation. During this period, Dr. Steinbrech advises patients to refrain from strenuous physical activity. In addition, patients will wear a mandatory abdominal binder until healing has been completed.
How to Determine if You Have Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia
In rare cases, the patient will notice increased fullness in the area where CoolSculpting was done. Specifically, this swelling will not improve in the weeks following CoolSculpting and present even greater than the amount of fat before the treatment itself. As mentioned, a telltale sign that a patient has developed PAH is the swelling is specific to the area in which the CoolSculpting applicator was applied.
Dr. Steinbrech schedules regular consultations for men in NYC who experience this condition. During this initial meeting, he can determine whether you have developed PAH. A plan for the best course of action can be determined.
Book Your Consultation
For more information about Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia treatment for men in NYC, contact us. Prospective patients may set up a consultation or speak with one of our patient advisors. Based on the findings from your consult with Dr. Steinbrech, the treatment options for PAH will be presented.
REFERENCES:
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- Kelly ME, Rodríguez-Feliz J, Torres C, Kelly E. Treatment of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia following cryo-lipolysis: a single-center experience. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2018 Jul;142(1):17e-22e.
- Keaney TC, Naga LI. Men at risk for paradoxical adipose hyperplasia after cryo-lipolysis. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2016 Dec;15(4):575-577.
Douglas S. Steinbrech, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon that specializes in male aesthetics. Dr. Steinbrech is certified by the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. 
