Cryolipolysis Treatment

Cryolipolysis is a great solution to remove stubborn fat from the stomach, flank areas (love handles), and upper arms. It is also effective in reducing the double chin area.

This FDA-approved non-invasive procedure kills fat cells without damaging nerve fibers, blood vessels and muscles. It is ideal for patients of all ages who are looking to reduce targeted areas of fat accumulation.

How It Works

Cryolipolysis, also known as fat freezing or CoolSculpting, is a nonsurgical procedure that reduces localized fat deposits or bulges. It is cryolipolysis treatment FDA-approved to treat the chin, upper arms, abdomen, hips/flank (“love handles”), back (brassiere rolls), and underneath the buttocks. The technique targets fat cells under the skin that do not respond to diet and exercise. It does not reduce overall body weight, so it is not an effective treatment for obesity.

The process is quick, noninvasive and relatively painless. The doctor holds the area between two paddles that cool it quickly. The procedure takes about an hour. Afterward, the dead fat cells are gradually eliminated by your immune system over several months. The results take a few months to show up, but they can be dramatic.

Some studies have found that cryolipolysis is an effective treatment for fatty areas, although results can vary. A 2021 study notes that the number of sessions needed to see the best results depends on the size of the area being treated, and a person’s age, gender, and health. In addition, a patient may have side effects like Raynaud’s disease or skin problems that can prevent the treatment from being effective. Another potential risk is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, where the procedure kills some fat cells but actually stimulates more to grow in the area, leading to an increase in fat.

Side Effects

Cryolipolysis, also known as CoolSculpting (the brand name for the device), doesn’t involve surgery and is painless. You’ll sit in a chair and relax as the applicator cups suction your skin into place and begin crystallizing fat cells. You’ll feel a slight pulling sensation followed by an intense coldness and numbness. Most patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure.

After the treatment, your body flushes out the dead fat cells, and you’ll see changes as early as three weeks after the session. You’ll see more dramatic results after two months, and the fat reduction should be permanent.

Although cryolipolysis is FDA-approved, there are some side effects to keep in mind. One possible side effect is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, which occurs when the cryolipolysis treatment actually stimulates growth of new fat cells in the treated area. This is an unusual side effect, and experts aren’t sure why it happens. If you develop PAH, your doctor will recommend liposuction to correct the problem.

The best part of cryolipolysis is that you don’t need to change your lifestyle after the treatment. If you maintain your weight and exercise regularly, the fat cells won’t reappear in the treated areas. Some people even find that their improved appearance motivates them to start exercising more, which can lead to long-term weight loss.

Recovery

Cryolipolysis treatment is a non-invasive and painless procedure that uses cold temperatures to destroy fat cells. It is also known as fat freezing or CoolSculpting and has become an increasingly popular option for people who want to reduce fatty pockets on their body. The treatment works best for people who have a healthy diet and exercise regimen but have reached what is called a plateau in their weight loss journey.

During the treatment, the device holds the area your doctor wants to treat between two paddles that look like the nozzles of a vacuum cleaner. The device will chill the area until it is numb, which takes between 35 and 1 hour.

After the treatment, your body will slowly eliminate the dead fat cells. This process may take up to six months before you see noticeable results. During this time, you will need to continue to maintain your regular diet and exercise routine to ensure that your results are long-lasting.

Some patients need multiple treatments to achieve their desired outcome. The number of treatments depends on each individual, but the average person will lose about 20 percent of the fat in their targeted area after their first session. A few more sessions will further improve the results and help you reach your ideal body shape. It is important to drink plenty of water after your treatment as this will help flush the dead fat cells from your body. It is also a good idea to avoid consuming any sugary drinks or alcohol following your treatment to ensure that the dead cells are eliminated quickly and efficiently.

Cost

Cryolipolysis is a nonsurgical, FDA-cleared procedure that uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat cells. Patients experience a noticeable reduction in unwanted fat bulges without the pain, downtime and complications associated with more invasive surgical procedures such as liposuction or a tummy tuck.

This non-invasive body sculpting treatment is an excellent choice for people who have reached what’s called a “plateau” in their weight loss journey and are struggling to lose that last bit of extra fat. Cryolipolysis can be used to reduce fatty deposits in the chin, arms, stomach, hips/flank (love handles), inner and outer thighs, and back.

The cost of cryolipolysis is dependent on the number of treatment sessions required to achieve your desired results, and can range from one to four treatments per area. Patients typically experience a dramatic decrease in the appearance of their unwanted fat within two to four months after their first treatment session.

During the hour-long treatment session, the applicator is placed over your unwanted fat, and it gently cryolipolysis treatment suctions the fatty tissue between its cooling panels. The applicator will shut off once the targeted area has been fully cooled, and you can return to your normal activities immediately after treatment.

You’ll likely feel a pulling or tugging sensation on the targeted areas as well as an intense cold feeling. You may also notice some bruising and swelling after the treatment, but these side effects are usually short-lived.