Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing
Cryolipolysis (more commonly known as CoolSculpting) is a noninvasive, nonsurgical procedure that reduces stubborn fat cells without damaging the surrounding skin and tissue. The treatment is most effective in reducing pockets of fat that persist despite a healthy diet and exercise.
During the treatment, you will feel pressure and cold, but this soon dissipates as the area becomes numb. Many patients read, watch a movie, or work on their laptop during the procedure.
What is Cryolipolysis?
Cryolipolysis fat freezing is a new form of noninvasive body contouring. It involves using an applicator to cool the target area to below freezing levels to help kill off the unwanted fat cells. The dead cells are then ejected by the body naturally.
The procedure is painless and requires no downtime. It is done in a clinic setting with the assistance of medically-trained staff to maximise patient safety. The treated area will be covered with a cryoprotection cloth to protect the skin. Then the ice-cold applicator cryolipolysis fat freezing will be placed on the stomach and sucked in by vacuum to -9degC. Patients often read, nap or catch up on a TV show during the treatment session which can last up to an hour.
The results from the treatment are gradual and can take a few weeks to fully show. Once the results do appear, they are considered permanent as long as an individual maintains a healthy lifestyle after treatment. This means keeping a balanced diet and exercise regime. It’s also recommended to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol as these substances can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
How Does Cryolipolysis Work?
Cryolipolysis, also known as CoolSculpting, uses cold temperatures to reduce localized fat bulges that don’t respond to diet and exercise. This noninvasive treatment is a more affordable and less painful alternative to liposuction.
The concept behind cryolipolysis stems from a strange phenomenon observed in children: toddlers who suck on popsicles develop dimples in the mouth where fat tissue is located. Researchers discovered that fat cells are more susceptible to extreme cold temperature than other types of cells. This led them to believe that by cooling fatty areas, they could kill the unwanted cells without harming surrounding tissue and skin.
Once the fat cells are dead, your body naturally eliminates them. You should see results over four to six months after a single session. Multiple sessions are recommended for maximum efficacy.
You can expect to have little to no pain during the hour-long treatment. Most patients watch TV, read or nap during their sessions. Some have described the experience as similar to a deep tissue massage. Occasionally, there is some surface redness or asymmetry, which can be remedied by massaging the treated area and following aftercare advice.
How Long Does Cryolipolysis Take?
Cryolipolysis, also known as CoolSculpting, takes between one to three treatment sessions to produce results. The exact amount of time it takes for you to see your full results depends on how many areas were treated and the amount of fat you had removed from those areas.
During a fat freezing session, the cooling paddle-like device will be applied to your problem area, such as your double chin, arms, inner or outer thighs, abdomen, hip/flank («love handles»), or upper back («brassiere rolls»). Since only fat cells are susceptible to cold temperatures, these cells freeze and die, while the surrounding skin and tissue remain unharmed.
After your fat freezing treatment, it may take a few months for the damaged fat cells to be naturally eliminated by the lymphatic system. However, your body can still grow new fat cells in the same area, so you should continue a healthy lifestyle to maintain your results. At Noom, we help you adopt healthy habits that can help you lose weight and keep it off for good! Contact us to learn more about our noninvasive fat removal services.
What Are the Side Effects of Cryolipolysis?
Cryolipolysis is a nonsurgical, noninvasive treatment with little downtime. You can return to your normal activities immediately after your session.
After the procedure, the damaged fat cells are eliminated by your body over a period of four to six months. Your doctor will work with you to determine the number of treatments needed for your desired results.
In addition, the fat-freezing process doesn’t affect the surrounding tissues such as the skin and muscle. In most cases, patients experience a 20% reduction in the targeted area after just one fat-freezing session.
The treated cells will not regrow, and the fat reduction is considered permanent. However, if you gain weight, the fat cells that were destroyed may reappear.
In rare cases, people have reported experiencing pain or numbness in the treated areas. However, these side effects typically go away within a few hours. The risk of complications is low, and many people find that the benefits of cryolipolysis far outweigh these minor side effects. This treatment is a great option for people who have isolated fat pockets that are resistant to dieting and exercise.
What Can I Expect from Cryolipolysis?
Cryolipolysis, or fat freezing, is a nonsurgical and safe way to permanently remove unwanted pockets of body fat. With the help of a device, like WellaFreeze or CoolSculpting, the fat cells in the targeted area are gently and carefully cooled to below freezing temperatures. This causes the fat cells to crystallize and die. The body naturally cryolipolysis fat freezing eliminates these dead cells over a period of 4-6 months, leaving you with less unwanted body fat.
If you are struggling to lose those last few pounds, cryolipolysis may be a great option for you. The procedure is very simple and can take up to 60 minutes for a single localised area. It is also a very low risk treatment, so you can return to your normal day-to-day activities straight after.
Typically, a single treatment of cryolipolysis can see you reduce your fatty bulge by about 20 percent. It can be used on a variety of areas of the body including the belly, inner and outer thighs, back and flanks (also known as love handles) and even the chin.