CoolSculpting Lawsuit

You have probably seen advertisements for the “non-surgical” and “no downtime” fat-freezing procedure called CoolSculpting that promises to reduce your fat “up to 20-25% in a single session.” Many medical spas and doctors’ offices are offering this seemingly miraculous procedure to get rid of that last bit of “stubborn fat” that will not go away with regular exercise and a healthy diet.

As alluring as this fat freezing procedure appears, it has very serious side effects that not many people may not know about. One of the most serious adverse effects of CoolSculpting is a condition called Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (also knowns as PAH or PH). According to the CoolSculpting medical device manufacturer, other side effects may include: late-onset pain that can last for weeks, development of a new or worsened preexisting hernia, hyperpigmentation, and frostbite or freeze burn just to name a few.

We began investigating CoolSculpting after one of our clients was diagnosed with a condition called Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (also knowns as PAH or PH) after undergoing CoolSculpting at a local medspa. Since then, we have spoken to many CoolSculpting patients that developed the permanently deforming condition, CoolSculpting providers, and plastic surgeons that have tried to treat the condition. Our investigation revealed that the so-called “rare side effect” is not rare at all and that the manufacturer of CoolSculpting did not adequately warn physicians about the severity, permanency, and frequency of this very serious adverse effect.

The biggest problem with CoolSculpting is that many medical providers operating the medical device do not have an adequate understanding of this very serious adverse effect of CoolSculpting and do not know the accurate incidence rate of Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia. Therefore, important information does not reach  CoolSculpting patients about their risk of developing deformities after CoolSculpting.  As with any medical device, medical professionals using the CoolSculpting device must understand all aspects of the device, including any risks that the device poses for their patients. 

What is PAH?

Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH), also referred to as Paradoxical Hyperplasia (PH) is a condition in which the tissue treated by CoolSculpting is damaged, resulting in the opposite effect of what CoolSculpting seeks to achieve -an increase of the targeted fat bulges. A person suffering from PAH may find that the treated area has grown three to four times its pre-treatment size (for example if a man had his chest area treated and developed PAH, he would experience enlarged breasts). Or, an even more disturbing presentation of PAH is a large, hard mass that develops in various shapes, sometimes in the form of the machine’s applicator.

Is PAH from CoolSculpting permanent?

Yes, once a person develops Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia, it will not go away on its own. The only known way to remove it is through plastic surgery. This is especially frustrating to people undergoing CoolSculpting because their reason for doing the fat freezing procedure is to avoid invasive surgical procedures. Based on reports from people that developed PAH and plastic surgeons that have attempted to remove it, multiple surgeries may be required and include but are not limited to abdominoplasty, excision, power-assisted liposuction (multiple), and liposculpture. In some cases, PAH affected tissue cannot be completely removed.

I got PAH from CoolSculpting, who is liable for my injuries?

There may be multiple parties liable for the injuries you sustained from CoolSculpting. Each case is fact-specific and will depend on your particular circumstances. If you are suffering from Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia after CoolSculpting or have had to get plastic surgery to resolve the condition, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced attorney represents clients injured by cosmetic procedures and will be glad to meet with you to discuss your CoolSculpting experience.

Is there a Class Action lawsuit currently pending in regard to PAH after CoolSculpting?

No. Although there was a pending class-action lawsuit filed in the Northern District of California seeking to obtain compensation for persons affected by PAH after CoolSculpting, the decision was made that the class action should not be pursued at this time. But, each person injured by CoolSculping has an independent right to pursue their individual claims against the at-fault parties. If you believe you have suffered an injury from CoolSculpting, you should consult with an attorney about your individual case.

What should I do if I suffered an injury from a cosmetic procedure? 

If you have developed Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH or PH) or any other adverse side effect from CoolSculpting, fill out the CoolSculpting Inquiry Form with as much detail as possible. We will review your information and contact you with additional information. 

Is there a Support Group I can join for people affected by PAH after CoolSculpting?

You can join the PAH After CoolSculpting Support Group on Facebook to share your story, get access to important information about the condition, and get support from a community of people dealing with PAH after CoolScultping. 

Have you suffered a CoolSculpting injury?

Fill out the CoolSculpting Inquiry Form by clicking on the button below.