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Berkshire Aesthetics is a CQC-registered medical aesthetic clinic in Maidenhead. All treatments begin with a consultation to assess suitability, medical history, risks and realistic outcomes.
Is CoolSculpting safe?
Yes, for suitable adults CoolSculpting is a low-risk, non-surgical treatment. It has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration for fat reduction since 2010, and its common side effects (redness, bruising, numbness and tenderness) usually settle on their own within a few weeks. The serious complication to know about is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), a rare enlargement of the treated area that needs medical assessment and sometimes surgical correction. At Berkshire Aesthetics, treatment is overseen by Dr Selena Langdon, a CoolSculpting Complications Expert and member of the CoolSculpting Global Advisory Board, who also assesses PAH in patients referred from other clinics. Outcomes vary by individual.
Medically reviewed by Dr Selena Langdon (GMC 6159259) on 21 October 2026.
Book a consultationWhen this may help
- You have small, discrete pockets of pinchable subcutaneous fat that have not responded to diet and exercise.
- You want a non-surgical option and accept that outcomes vary by individual.
- You are comfortable with results developing gradually over 8 to 12 weeks.
- You want assessment by a doctor experienced in cryolipolysis and its complications.
When this may not be suitable
- You are looking for weight-loss treatment rather than localised fat reduction.
- You have a cold-related disorder such as cryoglobulinaemia, cold agglutinin disease or paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria.
- You have hernias, significant skin laxity or relevant inflammatory skin disease in the treatment area.
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding or have unrealistic expectations of immediate results.
Risks and limitations
- Temporary redness, bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness are common and usually self-limiting.
- Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) is a rare complication where the treated area enlarges rather than reduces.
- Late-onset pain, altered sensation or uneven contour can occur and need clinical review.
- Outcomes vary by individual and a course of cycles may be needed.
What we assess in consultation
- Whether your concern is suitable for cryolipolysis or another body contouring approach
- Medical history, including cold-sensitivity disorders and hernias
- Applicator choice, cycle planning and realistic expected reduction
- Discussion of PAH and other risks, aftercare and follow-up review
Related treatments
Useful starting points
Further Reading & Clinical References
The following external resources provide independent clinical and regulatory information.
- Safety & efficacy of cryolipolysis: systematic review (2015)— Aesthet Surg J, PMID 26038367
- Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia after cryolipolysis: review of 8658 cycles (2021)— Aesthet Surg J, PMID 33216910
- Cryolipolysis (fat freezing)— DermNet
Related questions
Is CoolSculpting an established treatment?
Yes. CoolSculpting cryolipolysis is a well-established treatment used on several body areas. UK use should still be assessed in a consultation against your individual case.
What makes Berkshire Aesthetics different for CoolSculpting?
Treatment is overseen by Dr Selena Langdon, a CoolSculpting Complications Expert and a member of the CoolSculpting Global Advisory Board, with structured assessment and complication management.
How common is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia?
PAH is a recognised but rare cryolipolysis complication. It is discussed during consultation and managed by your doctor, who may refer for liposuction correction where appropriate.
Start With a Medical Consultation
Every treatment begins with a face-to-face assessment with our clinical team.