Cryolipolysis ( Fat Freezing)
Cryolipolysis is a non- surgical, minimally invasive technique, wherein cooling of fat cells over a localized area causes the fat cells to freeze and then breakdown, resulting in potential permanent loss of the fat cells without causing any damage to the skin and surrounding tissues. It is one of the safest of all lipolysis techniques and has the following benefits:
- No needles
- No medicines injected
- No anesthesia or surgical incisions
- No damage to overlying skin and no metabolic changes
- Can go back to routine work soon after the treatment
- Quick and affordable
- Women and men benefit equally
- It has been documented to typically result in up to 20-25% fat reduction in the treated area for the majority of patients
‘Research has shown that exposure to cooling causes cell death of subcutaneous fat tissue, without apparent damage to the overlying skin
Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing) results in the breakdown of fat cells contributing to the contour improvement in the areas treated
In 1970, two dermatologists named Epstein and Oren observed that children sucking on popsicles developed a small area of redness on their cheek, where fat slowly decreased and a dimple formed. Research done by Manstein and his team in 2007 showed that fat based tissue (adipose layer) is more susceptible to temperature changes than tissue that was water based (skin and nerves). From this evidence, researchers deduced that when the temperature of fat cells are reduced, they crystallize and the cell enzymes stop functioning. Blood supply to the fat cells comes down, and the fat cells break down. In approximately four weeks, the body starts removing these broken fat cells and completes the process in three to four months. This procedure, therefore, takes about 12 weeks to complete effect. And in some cases, the fat cells are gone for good. Over many clinical trials, no permanent effect to the treated skin has been observed. The skin color, function, and sensitivity remain as before.
Our practice is offering Cryolipolysis using four different handles. There is the CryoMax handle for larger areas of fat like the tummy, the CryoMid handle for medium areas of localized fat like the tummy, love handles, “muffin tops”, “banana rolls” of the back of the thigh, and outer thighs, the CryoFlat handle for medium flatter areas of the inner thighs, outer thighs, and upper arms, and the CryoMini for the neck, upper bra fat, above the knee fat, and other smaller localized areas of fat. Almost any localized area of fat can be treated with the four different handle configurations.
Our Cryolipolysis machine uses a gentle but powerful vacuum to draw in the fatty tissue into the head where the freezing plates on each side cool down the fatty tissue while protecting the skin, which results in the natural breakdown of fat cells typically resulting in contour improvement for the treated areas.
A great advantage of the latest Fat Freezing technology is the ability to treat multiple areas of the body at the same time, saving our patients valuable time and money.
The latest CryoMini Handle is especially helpful to target smaller localized areas of fat like the double chin, knees, and upper lateral “bra fat”
Fat Freezing (Cryolipolysis) Results and Examples
Both men and women can respond to fat freezing (Cryolipolysis)
(Photos are meant to be representative and educational and no implicit guarantees can be given regarding similar results)
Common Fat Freezing Questions
During a Cryolipolysis treatment, you relax on a recliner type chair and/or bed. You could be sitting, lying down, or may have to lie on your side depending on the area involved in the procedure. Your skin will be gently cleaned, a protective anti-freezing membrane will be attached to your skin which will be covered with protective plastic wrap. The fat freezing handle will be gently applied to your tissue, vacuum is applied using a well-fitting suction cup that pulls the skin towards the cooling plate, sandwiching the skin between the plates. The strength of the vacuum and energy levels are controllable for each patient’s comfort. There will be a mild heating sensation for the first 3 minutes followed by a cooling sensation. During the treatment, you may feel some tugging or pain sensation. They are temporary and do not require any medication. Most patients find the procedure so comfortable that they can listen to music or read a book.
Are There Any Side Effects ? Side effects are minimal. Soon after the procedure, there may be some redness, bruising, swelling, stinging and numbness. These clear in few days for most patients, while a tiny group of patients have reported lingering symptoms for a few weeks.
Don’t expect permanent effects related either to skin or fat metabolism. Your skin color and texture remain same. There will be no blisters and no nerve damage. Repeated procedures are also safe.
True Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) is a rare reported delayed side effect of Cryolipolysis. The cases are relatively rare with estimates of it occurring in approximately 1 out of every 20,000 people, and usually becomes apparent 2-3 months post treatment, and for some reason is more common in men. True Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) typically does not improve, and in some cases, liposuction, a tummy tuck, and/or body contouring procedure may be a consideration.
Who Can Have Cryolipolysis?
Almost anybody can use Cryolipolysis, except people with:
- Cold induced conditions such as cryoglobulinemia, cold urticaria, and paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria
- Severe varicose veins and skin conditions over the selected area
- Severe dermatitis over the selected area
- Anybody not in reasonable physical, emotional and mental health
- Extreme obesity and/or skin laxity
A pre-treatment consultation is strongly recommended to see if Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing) is your best option. Other options for consideration include liposuction, a tummy tuck, “Mommy Makeover” surgery, body contouring procedures
What Happens After Treatment?
- A 2 to 5- minute massage is typically given following the procedure to enhance the fat loss
- Since the procedure is non-invasive, most people go back to their normal routine or even work.
- If redness or pain persists, you may need rest for a day or two
- For those who experience pain, medication may be prescribed
For redness and swelling, cold compress application may be recommended
Multiple Treatments? While single treatments may be successful for patients that have small areas of localized fat, most patients will benefit from 2-3 treatments spaced 30-45 days apart.