Side Effects

Patients will often feel quite warm during the treatment. Some patients may become uncomfortably warm and perspire heavily, as if exercising vigorously. Often there is a mild increase in both blood pressure and pulse as a normal physiological response to heat. However, at the end of treatment, tissue temperature, blood pressure and pulse return quickly to normal levels.

The most significant side effect is an actual thermal burn on the skin or subcutaneous tissue of a one-inch or less area, which may be first, second or third degree. This may occur in approximately 5% of patients.