Popsicle panniculitis became the inspiration for the non-surgical CoolSculpting procedure. This phenomenon was observed when excessive exposure to cold popsicles result in the reduction of fats in cheeks.

CoolSculpting usually works on patients who have fats in certain areas of their body that can be "pinched" by doctors. This procedure will not work with obese patients. It specifically targets fat cells and doesn't harm any muscle tissue or skin.

Patients undergoing this procedure often complain of discomfort, most often in the abdomen area, after the non-surgical treatment. Itching is associated with the body digesting the dead fat cells. A patient who has experienced such itchiness after the CoolSculpting noted that the doctor prescribed Neurontin to ease the discomfort felt while the nerves in the affected area are still recovering. Others also use compression garments or lightly massage the area to lessen the itch. Redness, bruising, and swelling may also develop for some patients but these are only temporary.

One patient took Motrin every five hours to treat the pain and inflammation in the area. With CoolSculpting, patients' level of discomfort is lower compared to those performed after a tummy tuck or liposuction. There are even patients who immediately go back to work the day after the non-surgical treatment, claiming that the discomfort they feel is tolerable.

Most patients are actually looking forward to the results and wouldn't mind the little discomfort. It is very important for those who administer CoolSculpting procedures to assess whether a patient can have this treatment. Also, they must be briefed and informed about the after-effects of the procedure and the discomforts they might feel.

Popsicle Panniculitis?

"Popsicle Panniculitis" can be caused by a number of conditions, most often exposure to cold that affects some infants 6 to 72 hours after they suck on a popsicle or ice cube. Popsicle panniculitis causes swelling and redness in the cheeks near the corners of the mouth. It's a rare condition that usually only affects infants and young children, possibly because infants have a higher concentration of fatty acids in their subcutaneous tissue than adults do. The only treatment required for popsicle panniculitis is to remove the source of cold or limit the child's exposure to cold.