Cryolipolysis for Nonsurgical Reduction of Fat in the Lateral Chest Wall Post-Mastectomy.
BACKGROUND
Many patients that have undergone mastectomy surgery are left with residual lateral fat under the arm. While the fat may be associated with pain and cause undesirable bulges in clothing and skin irritation, most post-mastectomy patients are not interested in additional surgery.


OBJECTIVE
Cryolipolysis is a nonsurgical procedure for fat reduction. The procedure is typically performed for aesthetic improvement in the abdomen, thighs, and flanks, but cryolipolysis was explored in this study for reconstructive purposes. Efficacy was evaluated for nonsurgical reduction of lateral chest wall thickness post-mastectomy.


METHODS
A contoured cup vacuum applicator was used to treat 31 post-mastectomy patients under the arms. All subjects had undergone mastectomy but had never received cryolipolysis or any surgical procedures to reduce lateral chest wall fat. Treatments were evaluated by independent photo review and patient surveys.


RESULTS
Three blinded, independent physicians correctly identified 84% of the baseline photographs, demonstrating treatment efficacy. The surveys also found that 87% of subjects reported that cryolipolysis met their expectations; 84% noticed reduction in undesirable tissue; 85% reported better bra fit; and 74% noted that clothing fit more comfortably. Patient questionnaires reveal quality of life improvements post-treatment. While 61% of subjects reported pain in the lateral wall prior to the study, when queried post-treatment, only 13% reported pain; the remaining 87% reported no lateral wall pain.


CONCLUSIONS
Results from this study indicate that cryolipolysis nonsurgically reduces unwanted fat and may reduce discomfort from residual lateral chest wall fat in post-mastectomy patients.


METHODS
Dr Harrington is a plastic surgeon in private practice in Plymouth, MN.
Jennifer L
JL
Harrington
Dr Capizzi is a plastic surgeon in private practice in Charlotte, NC.
Peter J
PJ
Capizzi
D050154:Adiposity; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017679:Cryotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015187:Lipectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota; D009657:North Carolina; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010781:Photography; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D050151:Subcutaneous Fat / Q000473:pathology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035441:Thoracic Wall / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity