Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing

Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing

Cryolipolysis fat freezing, also known as CoolSculpting, is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure that reduces stubborn pockets of fat by using a cooling method. This FDA-cleared procedure is an alternative to liposuction and is safe for most people.

The fat cells that die during the treatment are destroyed permanently, so your body will not grow those areas back. However, you will need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise to keep the results.

What is Cryolipolysis?

Cryolipolysis, also known as Coolsculpting, is a noninvasive fat reduction treatment that works by freezing the fat cells in targeted areas. Once the fat cells die, they are naturally eliminated by the body, leaving behind a slimmer shape. The treatment is most effective on stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.

The inspiration for the procedure came from the observation that children who sucked on ice pops had dimples in their cheeks, which led researchers to discover that lipid-rich tissue is more sensitive to cold than other types of cells. The discovery led to the development of cryolipolysis, which uses extreme cold to target and kill fat cells without affecting surrounding tissue or skin.

During the procedure, a gel pad is placed to protect the skin and an applicator is fitted over the fatty bulge. The area is vacuumed into the applicator, which then changes cryolipolysis fat freezing to a lower temperature and freezes the fat cells. After 35 minutes, the applicator is removed and the area is massaged intensively. The results from the treatment are gradual and may take a few weeks to appear.

Although visceral fat is an essential part of the body, too much can cause insulin resistance and lead to severe health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Cryolipolysis is a safe, effective treatment for reducing excess fat. However, since it only destroys a fraction of the existing fat cells, it is best used as a weight management tool for people who are within 20 pounds of their ideal body weight.

How Does Cryolipolysis Work?

Cryolipolysis is an alternative to traditional surgical methods for reducing unwanted fat bulges. It works by freezing and killing the fat cells in the target area, which are then eliminated naturally by the body. It’s also non-invasive, so you can return to your daily routine immediately after treatment.

During the cryolipolysis process, a doctor places an applicator on the target area of the body, which cools the skin and surrounding tissue to just below freezing temperatures. The treatment takes about an hour, during which you can read, watch TV or talk to a friend. Afterwards, the doctor removes the applicator and massages the area, which can improve your results.

Although the procedure is relatively new, many studies support its safety and efficacy in spot fat reduction. Most patients experience no pain or discomfort during treatment. Some people may have redness, bruising or swelling, but these side effects typically resolve quickly.

However, the FDA warns that this treatment isn’t safe for people with certain medical conditions. This includes Raynaud’s phenomenon, a condition in which cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict and make the fingers and toes feel numb. It’s also not recommended for those who are obese, have severe varicose veins, dermatitis or psoriasis. There’s also a rare side effect called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, in which the number of fat cells in the treated area increases instead of decreasing. This occurs in less than 1 percent of people and is more common in men and people of Hispanic ethnicity.

What are the Benefits of Cryolipolysis?

Cryolipolysis appears to be safe for most people. The complication rate is low and the satisfaction rate is high. Rarely, less than 1 percent of patients may experience paradoxical fat hyperplasia, which is an unexpected increase in the number of fat cells. This is three times more likely in men than women and is seen more often in people of Hispanic or Latino descent.

After a session of cryolipolysis, the damaged fat cells gradually break down and are eliminated by your body over 4 to 6 months. This causes the fatty bulge to cryolipolysis fat freezing shrink, giving you a slimmer shape. Unlike other fat reduction treatments, the process does not remove fat from other areas of the body or improve your overall body weight. It targets pockets of stubborn fat that don’t respond to diet or exercise and helps you look slimmer.

The procedure is painless and requires no downtime. You can watch TV, use your smart phone or read during the hour-long treatment. After the session, your provider will massage the area and your treatment is complete.

Cryolipolysis is a great option for men and women who have trouble losing fat through diet and exercise. It is also a good choice for people who have a lot of pockets of fat in the abdomen, flanks and back. However, it’s important to remember that the procedure is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and does not target visceral fat, which is associated with heart disease.

What are the Side Effects of Cryolipolysis?

Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive procedure for reducing localized fat deposits or “love handles” that don’t respond to diet and exercise. It’s also used to treat areas of the body that are resistant to liposuction surgery. It’s FDA-approved to reduce the chin, upper arms, inner and outer thighs, abdomen, bra fat (“breast fat”), back fat, and under the buttocks.

It was originally developed to test whether cold could selectively destroy fat cells without damaging overlying tissue, such as skin or muscle. Scientists discovered that when the fat cell membranes were exposed to cold, they ruptured, and the contents of the cells were absorbed by surrounding tissue. This left the adipose tissue behind, essentially “dead.”

When a doctor applies the cooling device to the fatty area, it works by placing the target between two paddles that cool quickly. The process typically lasts between 30 and 1 hour, depending on the size of the treatment area. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately afterward.

Cryolipolysis is safe for most people, including those who are overweight. However, it is not recommended for pregnant women or those with severe varicose veins, dermatitis, or a condition known as Raynaud’s phenomenon, which causes poor circulation in the fingers and toes. This complication occurs when exposure to cold temperatures impedes blood flow to the tissues in the hands and feet.