Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing

Cryolipolysis fat freezing is one of the most popular non-surgical options to reduce stubborn pockets of fat that resist diet and exercise. This treatment is ideal for anyone who wants to look slimmer.

Fat freezing uses cold temperatures to target specific areas of the body and permanently kill fat cells. These cells are then naturally eliminated by the body through its lymphatic system.

What is Cryolipolysis?

Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive procedure that uses cold temperature to reduce localized fat deposits or bulges on the body. It is a patented technology that’s also known as Coolsculpting®. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it in 2010 for the flanks and in 2012 for the abdomen. The procedure is best for those who are near their ideal body weight but have stubborn pockets of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise.

The process of removing unwanted fat cells from the body by freezing them was inspired in part by watching kids eat popsicles. Researchers noticed that the indentations left by the frozen treat were only on the fatty layers under the skin, while the muscle underneath was unaffected. This discovery led researchers to investigate whether the cold could destroy only a specific type of fat cell without harming surrounding tissue or the skin.

During the cryolipolysis procedure, a cloth is placed on the skin to protect it, and an applicator is attached. The head of the applicator sucks in the targeted area and cools it to about -9 degrees Celsius. Patients can read, nap or even go to work during their treatment, which often takes place in their lunch break. Some people experience a slight discomfort, but the treatment isn’t painful. In rare cases, a skin reaction called panniculitis can occur in the treated area.

How Does Cryolipolysis Work?

Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive treatment that can help to reduce excess fat in the body. It works by freezing the subcutaneous fat tissue, which kills the cells and allows them to be ejected naturally through the body’s own processes. This is a modern alternative to more traditional forms of fat reduction, such as liposuction, which require surgery and a long recovery period.

This technique is FDA-approved under the name CoolSculpting and is one cryolipolysis fat freezing of the most popular methods of fat reduction for both men and women. During the treatment, your doctor will place an applicator on the area of unwanted fat and you may feel suction and coldness as it works. Afterwards, you will be free to go about your day and return to your normal activities.

The procedure is painless and does not damage the nerve fibers, blood vessels, or muscles in the treated area. The destroyed fat cells are eliminated by your body over time, and the results can be permanent.

However, some people can experience a rare side effect of cryolipolysis called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, which occurs when the frozen fat cells produce more cells instead of dying. This can lead to weight gain and fat buildup in other areas of the body. This condition is more common in men and people of Hispanic descent.

Is Cryolipolysis Safe?

Cryolipolysis, like CoolSculpting, is completely non-surgical and non-invasive, and most patients return to normal daily activities immediately after their treatment sessions. It does not damage the nerve fibers, blood vessels or muscle in the treatment area and destroys fat cells cryolipolysis fat freezing without damaging the surrounding skin. It is a great option for individuals who want to reduce localized fat deposits or bulges that don’t respond to diet and exercise.

The fat cells that are destroyed during a cryolipolysis session will not grow back. The body naturally eliminates the injured cells over a period of four to six months. However, it is important to note that if a person gains weight the remaining fat cells may get bigger.

Cryolipolysis was invented, in part, by observing what happened when children accidentally ate their popsicles. The cofounders realized that the kids experienced cold-induced fat necrosis, a process in which the fatty tissue dies but the normal overlying skin remains unaffected.

The FDA has approved cryolipolysis as a noninvasive alternative to liposuction to treat the abdomen, flank areas (love handles), upper arms, inner and outer thighs, brassiere rolls and chin. The technique is also effective on the neck and jawline. Patients with loose skin can experience some redness or bruising following treatment but these effects typically fade quickly. The device used in the procedure can be customized to target a patient’s specific needs.

What Are the Benefits of Cryolipolysis?

Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive and painless procedure that targets fat cells without damaging surrounding tissues. It’s an excellent option if you have pockets of excess fat in your abdomen, love handles, double chin or arms. It can also help sculpt your body shape.

The treatment is safe for most patients, including those who have a medical condition such as diabetes or are taking blood thinners. The procedure does not require sedation and can be performed at the doctor’s office. The applicator is placed on the targeted area and the skin and tissue are cooled to temperatures that are effective for fat cells but not other types of tissue.

After the treatment, the injured fat cells are removed naturally by the body over four to six months. This process can reduce localized fat in a targeted area by 20 percent or more. You can start to see results as early as three weeks after treatment.

Cryolipolysis isn’t a weight loss solution, but it can help reduce stubborn fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise. It’s best for people who have a healthy lifestyle but can’t seem to lose certain pockets of fat. If you’re considering cryolipolysis, consult a doctor to make sure it’s the right choice for you. They’ll be able to create a customized treatment plan for you, determining how many treatments you need to achieve your goals.