Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing

Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing

Fat freezing, also known as CoolSculpting, is an effective way to reduce stubborn pockets of fat that resist diet and exercise. It is not a weight loss treatment but can help you achieve your desired body shape by killing unwanted fat cells.

Scientists developed the cryolipolysis treatment by observing what happened when kids ate popsicles and left dimples in their skin. They discovered that fat cells are less resilient to cold temperatures than other tissue.

How Does It Work?

Cryolipolysis, better known as CoolSculpting, is FDA-cleared and uses freezing temperatures to help safely target diet-and-exercise resistant fat cells. It is a noninvasive treatment that can reduce stubborn pockets of fat in the stomach, hips, flanks, arms and under the chin.

The process works by placing an applicator on the area with fatty tissue and allowing it to cool the area down to a level that kills the cells. The dead cells are subsequently eliminated by the body over time. Over four to six months, the fatty bulge shrinks and the body looks slimmer.

During the treatment, patients feel a pulling or tugging sensation on the skin while the area freezes. Afterward, the treated area is red and can swell slightly. A few patients can experience pain, which is usually mild to moderate and resolves quickly.

While it isn’t a weight loss solution, the treatment can help people get rid of stubborn pockets of fat in problem areas, helping them feel more confident. It’s a great option for anyone who’s tried to lose weight through diet and exercise but hasn’t been successful.

The underlying idea behind cryolipolysis is that fat cells are more sensitive to cold than other cells, so they die more readily in the process. This concept grew out of the clinical observation of a condition called popsicle panniculitis, which was first observed in infants sucking on a popsicle and is similar to fat necrosis.

What Are the Side Effects?

Cryolipolysis is similar to liposuction, but it doesn’t require an incision or injection of a substance that destroys fat cells. Instead, doctors use an applicator that isolates a fat bulge and exposes it to controlled temperatures. These are cold enough to kill the fat cells but not so cold as to damage other types of tissue.

After the treatment, the injured fat cells gradually leave the body cryolipolysis fat freezing over several months. The procedure can reduce the volume of a fatty bulge by 20 percent on average. But it’s not a weight-loss solution, as it doesn’t reduce the number of fat cells in the body or address underlying issues that might prevent long-term weight loss.

You might experience slight pain, tingling or itching in the treatment area immediately after the procedure due to the intense cold temperature used in the treatment. However, these symptoms are short-lived and usually resolve on their own within weeks. People with Raynaud’s phenomenon, a condition in which the blood vessels in the hands and feet swell when exposed to cold temperatures, may experience a more severe reaction to the cryolipolysis treatment.

Although it’s safe for most adults, cryolipolysis is not intended for those who are obese or have health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. It’s also not effective for those who want to lose a significant amount of weight or those with stubborn pockets of fat that aren’t responding to diet and exercise.

How Long Will the Results Last?

Cryolipolysis fat freezing, also known as CoolSculpting, is a noninvasive procedure that permanently destroys targeted fat cells. As a result, you can expect to see significant results from one treatment session. However, multiple sessions may be recommended to achieve your ideal body shape.

The concept behind cryolipolysis stems from the clinical observation of cold-induced panniculitis. This condition, first noted in infants who licked their popsicle cheeks, demonstrated that lipid-rich cells are more sensitive to injury by cold temperatures than the surrounding tissue. This insight led to the development of cryolipolysis, which uses precise temperature control to target and destroy fat cells without damaging the overlying skin.

Once damaged, the fat cells are naturally eliminated by your body over a period of months. During this time, the fatty bulge decreases in size, with an average fat reduction of about 20 percent.

Unlike liposuction, which can leave noticeable scarring and unevenness, cryolipolysis results are natural-looking. The treated area will gradually return to its pre-treatment shape. Because of this, it is important to maintain a healthy weight after undergoing cryolipolysis, as fat cells can still grow in the area if you gain weight.

The only negative side effect associated with cryolipolysis is that the treated area can become sore, similar to what happens when you work out for a few days. However, this is a minor inconvenience and should resolve quickly. In addition, patients who suffer from Raynaud’s phenomenon (a condition in which cold temperatures can impede blood flow to the fingers and toes) should not undergo this procedure.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Cryolipolysis?

For those with stubborn fat pockets that have resisted hours at the gym and strict diet plans, cryolipolysis offers an effective, non-invasive solution. The FDA-cleared procedure works to reduce fat cells in problem areas like the abdomen, flanks (“love handles”), thighs, back, and arms. Once the frozen fat cells die, the body naturally metabolizes and eliminates them. This leaves you with a slimmer, more defined body. The process is quick and easy, and requires no downtime. cryolipolysis treatment You can go right back to work, running errands, exercising, and all your other favorite activities while the frozen cells are slowly eliminated.

To be a good candidate for CoolSculpting, you must have localized pockets of fat that are resistant to exercise and dieting. A good test is to pinch the area and see if you can feel the fatty tissue. Patients with loose skin may not be suitable candidates, and should discuss alternative solutions with a clinician. It is important to know that cryolipolysis only treats the fatty tissue, and not the loose skin.

Visceral fat is essential for the proper functioning of your organs, but excess levels can lead to insulin resistance and increase your risk for serious health conditions. Cryolipolysis at Wellos supports behavior transformation by helping you make manageable tweaks to your regular weight-health routine. Our wellness and nutrition experts will help you develop a lifestyle that supports your goals, so you can achieve the body you’ve always wanted.