A botched Hi-Def Liposuction can impact the patient's well-being & mental health. Here are the common complications to look out for & what to do about it.
December 10, 2024
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Lately, we've been fiercely swamped with advertisements promoting fat freezing to tackle enlarged male chests, clinically known as gynecomastia, which affects nearly 60% to 70% of males. And it got us thinking... "Is it possible to treat a medical condition with fat freezing?"
Let's dive deep, separate the real deal from the fakes, and uncover the facts you need to know before you waste your money.
Male Chest Fat: Know the difference between Gynecomastia and Pseudogynecomastia
Gynecomastia is characterised by the enlargement of breast tissues in males. It can affect one or both breasts and is commonly caused by hormonal imbalances. Physical characteristics and changes associated with gynecomastia include increased breast size from mild to significant. The breasts may feel swollen and tender, causing discomfort and sensitivity. Nipples may appear protruded more than usual or puffy. Although rare, in some cases, nipple discharge may also occur.
Often confused with gynecomastia due to the similarities in physical appearance is pseudogynecomastia, clinically known as lipomastia, where breast enlargement is primarily due to an increase in FATTY tissue without glandular tissue involvement.
Dr Ivan Puah shares, “Fat freezing, a non-invasive fat reduction treatment may be used to “freeze” away fat cells, however, you will need to have a realistic expectation as Fat Freezing, in most optimal circumstances may reduce only up to 20-25% of fat tissues. In the worst case scenario, there may be no reduction and some patients can end up with PAH. Breast liposuction, ideally, is a more ideal option for reducing and removing pseudogynecomastia.”
Find out more:
- Guide To Gynecomastia: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Common Questions in Singapore
- Gynecomastia Vs Pseudogynecomastia
How Fat Freeze (Cryolipolysis) Works
Fat freezing (cryolipolysis) is a non-invasive fat reduction treatment that primarily reduces subcutaneous fat beneath the skin. Before considering fat freezing for enlarged male breasts or chest fat, gaining a deeper understanding of the procedure and its potential effectiveness is essential.
The treatment area is cleansed before the treatment, and a protective membrane (gel pad) is applied. A cooling applicator is then placed on the targeted site, sucking the skin and underlying fat, gradually lowering the temperature of the fat cells, and triggering apoptosis (cell death).
How Are Fat Cells Removed?
Following the fat freezing treatment, the crystallised fat cells will be naturally eliminated by the body's lymphatic system and expelled as waste in the subsequent weeks.
What Areas of the Body Are Best Suited for Cryolipolysis?
Fat freezing can be used to treat areas such as the abdomen, thighs, flanks, and under the chin. However, it's important to note that the areas to be treated are limited by the size of the applicator head.
There are two types of applicators available:
- Curve-shaped suction applicator for substantial fat pockets
- Fat, broad applicator designed to target larger surface areas where fat cannot be pinched
Some fat freezing machines offer dual applicators, which allow patients to treat more than one area at a time. This can reduce the time spent in the clinic for fat freezing treatment.
In some practices, they take on a time-efficient approach involving four small applicators to treat the entire abdomen – two for the upper abdomen and two for the lower belly.
How long is each fat freezing session?
Depending on the treatment area, the duration can vary but typically between 35 to 60 minutes per area. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal fat reduction results.
Fat freezing (cryolipolysis) is not specifically designed to target or reduce glandular tissue in cases of gynecomastia as the medical condition involves proliferation of breast tissues, and DO NOT respond to Fat Freezing.
Are there any people for whom cryolipolysis is not recommended?
Fat freezing is not recommended for those with sagging skin, cold sensitivity, or intolerance, severe varicose veins, etc. Pregnant women and obese individuals should also avoid fat freezing.
Understanding fat freezing’s efficacy to treat gynecomastia, enlarged male breast tissue
It is crucial to understand the limitations of fat freezing and consider other treatment options to achieve satisfactory results for gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia.
Gynecomastia surgery has been clinically proven to be the optimal treatment to successfully address this medical condition, mainly where glandular tissue is the primary objective. Liposuction will be performed to remove the excess chest fat.
Dr Ivan Puah further explains that “90-95% of the patients with ‘man-boobs’ that I see have some degrees of breast tissue enlargement, with and without associated fat tissues. These patients will not respond well to fat freezing or fat reduction alone. Just reducing the fat tissue alone may lead to unsightly results such as puffy nipples, asymmetry, etc.
It is crucial to have the correct diagnosis before subjecting patients with male breast enlargement for Fat Freezing treatment. Only a small percentage of the patients will truly benefit from it.”
Side Effects of Fat Freezing are More Common Than You Think!
Aside from its limitations, cryolipolysis also comes with some disadvantaged and common side effects. Among the disadvantages are:
- Fat freezing is not suitable for obese individuals
- The treatment may result in skin surface irregularities
- More than one treatment session may be needed to achieve results
- There is a wait out period of SIX to EIGHT weeks in between sessions to allow the fat cells to be eliminated before resuming treatment
- It can take THREE to SIX months for results to materialise as fat cells loss is a gradual process
Common side effects of the treatment includes:
Pain or aching
Pain, stinging sensation or aching at the treatment site. These may last between THREE to ELEVEN days.
Temporary irritation
Skin sensitivity and. the patient may also experience swelling, bruising and/or temporary skin discolouration. These typically resolves on their own within weeks
Perhaps the most concerning side effect of Cryolipolysis is Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH).
Fat Freeze Side Effect: Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH)
Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) is a permanent side effect where a hardened fat area (visualise a stick of butter!) develops after cryolipolysis. PAH occurs when individuals experience unexpected growth in fat instead of fat reduction, which is a frustrating result for those seeking fat loss. The exact causes of PAH are still being studied, which makes it difficult to predict or prevent.
Recent studies have indicated a higher occurrence rate of PAH (1 in 138 treatments) than previously reported by manufacturers (1 in 4,000 treatments). It is crucial to be aware of this increased risk. Several factors have been identified as potential risk factors for developing PAH, including using a large applicator during treatment, being male, having a Hispanic background, and treating the abdominal area.
Understanding these risk factors allows individuals to make informed decisions and evaluate the suitability of fat freezing for their specific circumstances.
Inconsistency
Fat freezing treatments can yield inconsistent results. Each person's body shape and fat composition are unique, and a standardised approach may not produce the desired outcome for everyone. It is important to acknowledge that fat freezing is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Factors such as fat distribution, the thickness of the fat layer, skin laxity and the body's response can influence the effectiveness of the treatment.
User Reviews: Separate fact from fiction
Please approach endorsements and recommendations from social media influencers or celebrities with caution. Many influencers or celebrities promoting certain treatments are sponsored to promote specific brands, salon providers or medical spas, which can create an inaccurate perception of the treatment's effectiveness. It is advisable to seek genuine reviews and experiences from real people who have undergone the treatment.
By listening to unbiased accounts, individuals can better understand the benefits, limitations, and potential risks associated with fat freezing.
Correct PAH with Corrective Liposuction Surgery
Dr Ivan Puah, an MOH-accredited liposuction doctor and the Lipo Peer Review Committee Chairman in Singapore, has nearly two decades of experience performing liposuction and corrective surgeries. Dr Puah emphasises the importance of managing patient expectations, as while some areas can be improved, more severe complications may only see partial improvement at best.
Corrective liposuction surgery is a procedure to address PAH and botched or poorly done liposuction. Performed by Dr Ivan Puah, corrective surgery can help correct problems such as PAH, leftover fat, lumpiness, indentations, skin rippling, scarring, and asymmetry.
Dr Puah shares, "Typically, the fat removed in patients with PAH differs from other fat, which is harder to remove. I will use my MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo technique during the corrective surgery to correct PAH. Stands for Multi-Dimensional Contouring; this liposuction technique increases the efficacy of fat removal."
Corrective Liposuction Surgery at Amaris B Clinic Singapore
At Amaris B Clinic in Singapore, corrective liposuction surgery is performed in an accredited Day Surgery Center. A panel of experienced anaesthesiologists ensures your comfort and safety during the surgery. Comprehensive postoperative care is also provided, with a dedicated team attending to your needs after the procedure.
Dr Ivan Puah has undergone dedicated training in gynecomastia surgery in San Francisco and advanced liposuction training in Argentina, Italy and Colorado. He has developed proprietary surgical approaches - the 360°GTD® technique for gynecomastia and the MDC-Sculpt® Lipo technique for liposuction.
If you have experienced PAH, taking appropriate action to address the physical and psychological impact is crucial. Patients who have undergone unsuccessful procedures often suffer from lower self-esteem, social anxiety, and depression, in addition to the physical discomfort they may experience!
Contact us now in the form below to make a private consultation with Dr Ivan Puah.
