2023-12-05 20:30:00
Cryolipolysis is an increasingly popular aesthetic technique to eliminate unwanted fatty deposits without resorting to surgery. Since it consists of permanently destroying fat cells by exposing them to relatively cold temperatures, people suffering from Raynaud’s syndrome often wonder: can they benefit from cryolipolysis sessions in complete safety ? Response from Dr Laurence Netter, aesthetic and medical dermatologist & teacher in the DIU of aesthetic dermatology at Saint-Louis hospital (Paris).
What is Raynaud’s syndrome?
Raynaud syndrome is a disorder that affects the small arteries that supply blood to the extremities of the body, like fingers and toes. “It is a vasomotor disorder linked to the vasoconstriction of the small diameter terminal arteries which temporarily deprives the extremities of blood and oxygen supply,” explains the expert. Signs do not lie : fingers and toes cool, turn white, tingle and lose sensitivity.
Most often, the attack is triggered by exposure to cold. But other factors can be at the origin: a sudden change in temperature, humidity, strong emotion, intense stress, etc. In fact, thedeliberate exposure to temperatures close to 0°C during cryolipolysis sessions worries people affected by this disorder… Rightly so!
Yes, it is possible to do cryolipolysis sessions when you have Raynaud’s syndrome!
As indicated at the beginning of the article, cryolipolysis allows you to eliminate stubborn subcutaneous fat. without going through the box liposuction. “Concretely, we expose the fat cells to relatively cold temperatures (4°C) using a dedicated machine that is placed on the patients’ stomachs. An applicator sucks the bulge and cools the fat cellswhich leads to their crystallization and natural self-destruction,” explains Dr. Netter.
And to emphasize: “This is a safe and non-invasive procedure which must be carried out – or at least supervised – by an experienced doctor”. The machines must be approved and benefit from CE marking to be able to treat: the stomach, love handles, back, inner thighs, inner arms, under-buttocks folds or even a double chin.
Under no circumstances should you place your extremities (fingers or toes) in the applicator!, insists Dr. Laurence Netter.
No risks or side effects for patients
You will have understood, contrary to what we can read in many articles, Raynaud’s syndrome is entirely compatible with cryolipolysis, insists Dr. Netter. “The work which enabled the main machines, Coolsculpting®, to obtain approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) included in particular people affected by Raynaud syndrome”, she specifies. In a report dating from July 2018, the High Authority of Health (HAS) also classifies Raynaud syndrome in the precautions for use and not in formal contraindications (source 1).
That said, people experiencing Raynaud’s syndrome may face same temporary side effects as the others following a cryolipolysis session: feeling of intense cold in the area concerned during the session, followed by a numbness and a tightness. Then, following the session, tenderness, tingling or pain which gradually disappear. A slight swelling and redness (or even bruising) may also appear briefly in the treated area.
“Burns, blisters, pigmentation changes or even paradoxical adipose hyperplasia are extremely rare side effects that occur when machines are misused,” warns the dermatologist. And to conclude: “It is essential to communicate transparently with your doctor regarding your illness to be able to make an informed decision!” Certain adjustments, such as modulating the temperature or duration of the procedure, may be necessary to minimize risks.
Reminder: what are the contraindications for cryolipolysis?
Contraindications to cryolipolysis sessions are as follows:
- a cryoglobulinemia ;
- a paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (HPF) ;
- a cold urticaria ;
- a hernia ;
- the wearing electronic devices.
Please note: a pregnancyand too much excess fatof the unrealistic expectationsa recent inflammation or a open and/or infected wound can also be temporary contraindications!
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