Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia of Submental Region After Cryolipolysis Treated With Deep-Plane Neck Lift: A Case Report.

Abstract

Cryolipolysis is a technique to reduce adipose tissue with localized cooling. Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) is a known risk of this procedure and presents with a voluminous swelling in the treated region, generally occurring 2 to 4 months after. Most cases of PAH are noted in the umbilical region, and it has been infrequently noted in the submental region. The researchers of previous reports have noted liposuction or excision as proposed treatments. In this study, the authors report on a case of PAH after 2 sessions of cryolipolysis to the submental region, which was treated with deep-plane neck lift (DPNL) for total correction. Intraoperative removal of sub- and supraplatysmal fibrotic fat, glandular material, and muscle was utilized for optimal results. The patient had total correction of the deformity and maintained results at several months postoperatively. This case would have been poorly treated with liposuction because of the dense structural material and fibrotic subplatysmal fat noted intraoperatively. Patients undergoing cryolipolysis for adipose reduction of the submental region should be counseled on the risk of PAH, and DPNL should be evaluated further as the standard for correction of this condition.

Level of evidence 5 therapeutic: