Cryogenic burn by cryolipolysis. Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive method for the selective reduction of fat cells with controlled, localized cooling. The procedure has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for fat reduction in the flanks (2010) and abdomen (2012). Cryolipolysis appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for reduction of excess adipose tissue. In the literature there is no clinical or histological evidence of damage to the overlying epidermis or dermis, including the adnexal structures, induced by the device. Consistent with this, only local side effects, such as transient erythema and temporary numbness have been reported while no major side effects, like burns or irritative contact dermatitis, have been documented. We present the case of a 53 year-old patient who developed first-second degree burns (involving epidermis and superficial dermis) 24 hours after treatment with cryolipolysis performed in a beauty center. In the present report, Italian legislation regarding beauti-cians' activities are discussed and the authors underline the lack of legislation on cryolipolysis. Competence in both physiopathologic cryolipolysis-induced events and management of possible side effects should be guaranteed by beauticians. The possible occurrence of side effects, even severe as in the case reported, suggests that cryolipolysis should be performed by experienced beauticians, ideally by physicians.

Un caso di severa ustione da criolipolisi è descritto