Paradoxial Adipose Hyperplasia – What is it?

Paradoxial Adipose Hyperplasia is receiving a lot of press recently so we thought it was best to answer the burning question…

What is it and am I at risk?

Paradoxial Adipose Hyperplasia, or PAH, is a condition that is a risk factor of Cryolipolysis or ‘Fat Freezing’. It is extremely rare, in fact only 0.0051% of (1/20000) cryolipolysis treatments have had this happen to them.

What happens is the area that is sucked up by the applicator, hardens and grows much bigger than it was before the treatment. Paradoxial Adipose Hyperplasia tends to happen 3 months after the fat freezing treatment.

There is no one risk that causes it, and unfortunately scientists and doctors can’t work out why it happens. The reason it’s called ‘paradoxial’ is because that means that there’s no rhyme or reason for it happening.

Paradoxial Adipose Hyperplasia is more common in males than females, but because it is so rare there isn’t a lot of scientific knowledge around it. However, what we do know is that it can be resolved through plastic surgery! The only way to resolve it is a treatment called liposuction. This is the preferred method of treatment, however in some cases, a tummy tuck may be necessary. Secondary treatments also might be needed for recurrence or persistent bulge.

Want to have a read of the study from 2014? Click here

We haven’t seen it happen in clinic for far and it seems to be less common when a newer machine is used. Our machine was built in 2021 and uses the best technology available, offering 360 cooling. That means we can get more fat cells in one session than our competitors! 

Interested in fat freezing and want to find out more? Book a free no-obligation consultation with one of our specialists today. You can book online, or alternatively, call 0161 533 0876.

We currently have 50% off all fat freezing treatments!