Cryolipolysis, (fat freezing), is a nonsurgical fat reduction procedure that uses cold temperature to reduce fat deposits in certain areas of the body.
The procedure reduces localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise.
It is not for people who are obese or significantly overweight.
It is approved by the FDA to treat fat deposits beneath the chin, upper arms, inner and outer thighs, abdomen, hip/flank, upper back, lower back, and underneath the buttocks.
An applicator is used to freeze the layer of fat cells underneath the skin.
A gel pad is placed in the area to protect the skin.
The fat layer is gradually cooled to the target temperature of between 30.2 and 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit, taking up to one hour to treat an area.
The fat cells are more susceptible to damage from cold temperatures than other cells, such as skin cells.
Fat cells injury to the cold triggers an inflammatory response, resulting in adipocyte cell death.
Macrophages, rid the dead fat cells and debris from the body.
The average fat reduction of between 15 and 28 percent at around 4 months after initial treatment.
However, patients may begin to notice changes as early as 3 weeks after treatment.
Dramatic improvement is noticed after about 2 months.
It is a low risk outpatient procedure, with no risk of infection.
There is no need for sedation or anesthesia when undergoing the procedure.
Multiple sites may be treated in a single session, and most people can resume their normal daily activities immediately after treatment.
Fat freezing can be performed on people of all ages.
The process does not damage nerve fibers, blood vessels, muscles, or lasting damaging to skin in the treatment area.
Fat cells that are damaged or destroyed are permanently removed from the body.
The procedure is not recommended for people who are significantly overweight or obese.
More than one session may be needed to achieve a person’s desired results: a subsequent session can’t be performed until 6 to 8 weeks after the first session for damaged fat cells to be eliminated from the body.
It can take 3 to 6 months to achieve optimal results.
Rarely, adipose hyperplasia can occur after the procedure, when the size of fat cells increases after cryolipolysis.
Fat deposits may occur in other areas of the body,and weight gain is possible.
Men and people of Hispanic ethnicity are more likely to develop fat deposits.
Cryolipolysis should not be performed on patients who are significantly overweight, have areas of skin that are cut or injured, contain severe varicose veins, dermatitis, or other skin lesions.
Patients with abnormal cold sensitivity or cold intolerance are not suitable candidates for this procedure.
Cryolipolysis is not recommended for patients with: who have the following conditions:
Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Cryoglobulinemia.
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria.
Cold urticaria.
Cold agglutinin disease.
Pregnancy or breast-feeding
Nerve disorders, such as diabetic neuropathy
Inflammatory skin disorders
Temporary local side effects from treatment include:
Pain or aches
Stinging or tingling of the skin
Redness
Swelling
Skin discoloration or bruising
Skin sensitivity or numbness
Side effects may persist for a few days to a few weeks after treatment.