Cryolipolysis, also known as fat freezing, is a relatively new treatment, developed with the purpose of reducing stubborn areas of fat on the body. The treatment is suitable for most people, male and female, over the age of 18 and without any serious health conditions, specifically those related to the lymphatic system and sensitivities to cold temperatures.
Cryolipolysis was first approved as a treatment in the USA in 2010, after which it was quickly adopted across beauty and wellbeing clinics around the world.
How does it work?
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The science behind cryolipolysis is quite simple. Fat cells are weaker and more susceptible to freezing temperatures than other cells, so by freezing a specific area of the body to the right minus temperature, we can crystalise the fat cells and induce cell death, without causing damage to skin, blood and nerve cells.
This is done by placing large suction cups on the area the patient wants to treat. The cup gets placed tightly on the skin and sucks in the fatty area. How long the cup stays on the skin can vary between types of equipment and clinicians, however this generally ranges between 30 to 45 minutes.
Be aware, the initial suction can be quite painful. Each person responds differently, and different areas of the body may be more painful than others. Most people will feel that the intensity of the suction reduces quite quickly, and feel it becomes easily manageable after a minute or two. The second part of the treatment that can cause discomfort is the freezing itself. When the applicators drop to below minus degrees the patient can experience a feeling similar to extremities on a cold winters day walk. As with the suction, this discomfort won’t last long. The area will quickly go numb and although some dull discomfort remains, its easily manageable.
What results can you expect
The results will always vary person to person but are generally considered noticeable and significant even after a single session. After each session you can expect to see up to 40% fat loss in the treated area, however it is important to note that the results are not immediate. Most people who undergo cryolipolysis will likely see full results around 6 weeks following treatment, with some noting initial changes in the first 2 weeks. The exact significance of the results can be influenced by the patient through localised massaging, by drinking plenty of water and keeping generally healthy and active.
What risks should you be aware of
There are risks to cryolipolysis. Most people who are treated note bruising, tingling and numbness, hardened skin and discomfort for up to a week following treatment. All such side effects are common and are mostly gone within that first week. Much less common and completely avoidable is skin damage. This would only occur if the clinician doesn’t use the correct safety material, doesn’t follow manufacturer’s instructions, if the temperature used is too low or if the equipment used is faulty. Lastly there is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. This is a very rare condition caused by fat cells multiplying instead of dying. Research into paradoxical adipose hyperplasia could occur in between 1 in 4,000 and 1 in 20,000 patients. More research needs to be done into what causes this condition and what can be done to avoid this from occurring.
In summary…
Although there are some risks with cryolipolysis, long term negative impacts are rare. Most who undergo the treatment are happy with the results and many would recommend the treatment to friends and family. Costs differ clinic to clinic and country to country. Don’t shop around for the cheapest deals, find the clinic you feel most comfortable with.
