Cryolipolysis, The Process of Fat Freezing
Cryolipolysis, or fat freezing, is a nonsurgical fat reduction procedure using freezing to reduce fat deposits in the body. This technique aims to reduce fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise. The procedure has been patented under the name CoolSculpting.
Which areas of the body are suited for cryolipolysis?
Cryolipolysis has been approved to treat fat deposits under the chin, upper arms, inner and outer thighs, abdomen, hip, upper back, lower back, and beneath the buttocks.
How is cryolipolysis carried out?
It can be carried out quite simply in a doctor’s office or outpatient clinic, and patients are awake throughout the procedure. The dimensions of the fatty deposit are first assessed, and the area is marked with a skin-marking pen. A handheld applicator is used to freeze the layer of fat cells underneath the skin in the affected area. A gel pad is initially positioned over this area to protect the skin. Next, the fat deposits are suctioned out and into the applicator’s hollow opening. This may feel like a tugging sensation as suction is applied. This sensation plus a feeling of intense cold and some tingling, stinging, aching, or cramping will decrease after a few minutes as the area gets numb during the cooling process. The fat deposits are gradually cooled to a target temperature of 30.2-39.2 Fahrenheit. The treatment takes around an hour. After the treatment has been completed, the applicator is removed. The area can then be massaged for a few minutes to help break down the fat cells.
How are fat cells destroyed?
The technique has been developed from the discovery that fat cells are more susceptible to damage from the cold than other cells, such as skin cells. Cold temperatures damage fat cells which trigger an inflammatory response in the body, resulting in the death of the fat cells. Macrophages, white blood cells which form part of the body’s immune system, work to remove the dead fat cells and other resulting debris from the body.
How quickly does cryolipolysis take effect?
Patients can expect a fat reduction of 15- 28% by around 4 months after their treatment. However, changes may begin to be noticed after as little as 3 weeks. Significant improvement will be evident after about 2 months.
What are the advantages of cryolipolysis?
- No surgical procedure or incision is needed.
- It is a low-risk procedure with no risk of infection.
- It can be carried out as an outpatient procedure.
- Patients do not need to take an anaesthetic.
- Multiple areas of the body can be treated in a session.
- Normally patients can resume regular daily activities immediately after treatment.
- The procedure can be carried out on patients of all ages.
- The procedure does no lasting damage to nerve fibres, blood vessels, muscles, or skin in the treatment area.
- Fat cells are destroyed and permanently removed from the body.
There may be only one area that requires only one treatment session. There may be several areas that require treatment to achieve your desired goals. Your doctor can help you design a plan.
Deepa Mahar is an independent blogger and admin of DeepAdvices who is exploring the beauty of the blog writing from a variety of subjects and books to health, science and others. She believes the blog would be helpful to the reader in the context of knowledge. She is post-graduated with a degree of Biotechnology.
