Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing
You exercise, eat well, and drink plenty of water. But you still have pockets of fat on your body that refuse to budge.
That’s why many people turn to cryolipolysis, also known as CoolSculpting, for fat reduction in problem areas. It’s a noninvasive, minimally invasive treatment that reduces stubborn fat cells without destroying surrounding tissues.
What is Cryolipolysis?
Cryolipolysis, which is also called CoolSculpting, is a noninvasive fat reduction procedure that uses freezing temperatures to destroy the fat cells in targeted areas. This can do away with fatty bulges that do not respond to diet and exercise alone, including the love handles, abdomen, thighs and back.
The idea for this treatment came from a curious phenomenon that scientists observed in children who ate lots of popsicles. Researchers discovered that the children developed dimples under their cheeks, indicating that the fat tissue was more sensitive to cold damage than the normal overlying skin. This led to the discovery that specific pockets of fat can be destroyed with cold temperatures while leaving other tissues unharmed.
Doctors use a device that holds the area to be treated between Layered Anti-aging two paddles and then cools it. The cooling process only targets the fat cells and leaves other types of tissue unharmed, so this treatment is a safe option for most people. However, this technique may not be appropriate for people with serious varicose veins or Raynaud’s disease (a condition that impedes blood flow to the fingers and toes). A patient who has these conditions should consult an experienced dermatologist before getting this treatment.
How Does Cryolipolysis Work?
Cryolipolysis combines a simple, proven concept with technology that has undergone extensive clinical and scientific testing. It leverages fat’s sensitivity to cold temperature, which destroys only fat cells while sparing surrounding tissue. In a clinical study conducted on Black Yucatan pigs, the CoolSculpting device reduced fat by up to 20% without damaging overlying skin or muscle.
Your doctor places the area you want to target between two paddles on a cooling applicator. The treatment can take from 30 to 60 minutes per session. Over time, your body naturally clears away the dead fat cells. Results usually begin to show within a few weeks. They will continue to improve as your immune system removes the dead cells and your doctor delivers additional treatments.
Keep in mind that cryolipolysis isn’t a weight loss procedure, but a way to reduce stubborn pockets of fat that haven’t responded to diet and exercise. If you don’t change your eating habits, the fat cells that remain will continue to pick up extra calories and store them as fat. This could lead to weight gain, which is why you’ll need to maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep your results.
What Are the Side Effects of Cryolipolysis?
Cryolipolysis is a safe and noninvasive procedure. It can be performed in your doctor’s office or medical spa and doesn’t require you to be sedated or anesthetized. During the treatment, you’ll feel pressure and intense Layered Anti-aging treatment cold, but these feelings quickly dissipate. Many patients read, watch TV, work on their laptop or take a nap during this time.
After the treatment, your doctor may massage the area to speed up the breakdown of fat cells and promote smoother skin. Your doctor will help you determine how many treatment sessions are needed for you to achieve your desired results.
Because this treatment is so new, long-term effects are unknown. However, studies have shown that it can be an effective and safe alternative to more invasive treatments like liposuction.
How Long Will Cryolipolysis Last?
Cryolipolysis can be used on many different parts of the body and is very effective for spot fat reduction. It is an excellent choice for those with stubborn pockets of fat that are unresponsive to diet and exercise. It is a non-invasive procedure that only targets the fat cells and does not damage the nerve fibers, blood vessels or skin in the treatment area.
Once the fat cells are killed by the freezing process they will be naturally removed by the body. It can take several months for the results to become visible, but it is a safe and reliable method of fat loss. It is important to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly in order to maintain your results.
If you have multiple areas of concern, we recommend undergoing several treatments in close succession to achieve optimal results. This will ensure that the dead cells are removed before new ones can form. It is also important to wait a few weeks before getting another treatment in the same area so that you are not simply re-freezing the same fat cells.
Are Cryolipolysis Treatments Safe?
Cryolipolysis treatments like CoolSculpting have been proven to be safe by multiple studies and reviews. However, it is important to note that this treatment only targets pinchable pockets of fat in the body and does not address visceral fat that builds up in your internal organs. Visceral fat can increase your risk for serious health conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, if you have visceral fat buildup that doesn’t respond to regular exercise and diet change, it is best to seek help from a wellness and nutrition expert before considering cryolipolysis.
A few complications can arise from this treatment, including something called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, which causes fat cells to grow in the areas treated by cryolipolysis. Other side effects include pain, tingling, or swelling in the area after a session, but they usually resolve on their own.
While these side effects are rare, you should discuss your risks with your doctor before undergoing any noninvasive fat reduction treatments. Cryolipolysis works best for people who are close to their ideal body weight and have stubborn pockets of fat that won’t go away with diet and exercise alone.