Cryolipolysis -----Nonsurgical Fat Reduction

What is cryolipolysis?

Cryolipolysis, commonly referred to as "CoolSculpting" by patients, uses cold temperature to break down fat cells. The fat cells are particularly susceptible to the effects of cold, unlike other types of cells. While the fat cells freeze, the skin and other structures are spared from injury.

This is one of the most popular nonsurgical fat reduction treatments, with over 450,000 procedures performed worldwide.

Reasons patients want cryoliplysis

Patients who wish to reduce a localized fat bulge that has persisted despite diet and exercise may be interested in cryolipolysis.

Treatment theory Cool Technology

Triglyceride in fats will be converted into solid in particular low temperatures. It uses advanced cooling technology to selectively target fat bulges and eliminate fat cells through a gradual process that does not harm the surrounding tissues and reduces unwanted fat. When fat cells are exposed to precise cooling, they trigger a process of natural removal that gradually reduces the thickness of the fat layer. And the fat cells in the treated area are gently eliminated through the body's normal metabolism process, to eliminate unwanted fat.

Who is not a candidate for cryolipolysis?

Patients with cold-related conditions, like cryoglobulinemia, cold urticaris and paroxysmal cold hemoglobulinuria should not have cryolipolysis. Patients with loose skin or poor tone may not be suitable candidates for the procedure.

What does cryolipolysis do?

The goal of cryolipolysis is to reduce the volume of fat in a fatty bulge. Some patients may opt to have more than one area treated or to retreat an area more than once.

Does cryolipolysis require anesthesia?

This procedure is done without anesthesia.

Cryolipolysis procedure

After an assessment of the dimensions and shape of the fatty bulge to be treated, an applicator of the appropriate size and curvature is chosen. The area of concern is marked to identify the site for applicator placement. A gel pad is placed to protect the skin. The applicator is applied and the bulge is vacuumed into the hollow of the applicator. The temperature inside the applicator drops, and as it does so, the area numbs. Patients sometimes experience discomfort from the vacuum's pull on their tissue, but this resolves within minutes, once the area is numb.

Patients typically watch TV, use their smart phone or read during the procedure. After the hour-long treatment, the vacuum turns off, the applicator is removed and the area is massaged, which may improve the final results.

What are the risks of cryolipolysis?

The complication rate is low and the satisfaction rate is high. There is a risk of surface irregularities and asymmetry. Patients may not get the result they'd hoped for. Rarely, in less than 1 percent, patients may have paradoxical fat hyperplasia, which is an unexpected increase in the number of fat cells. This is three times more likely in men than in women and is seen more in those of Hispanic or Latino descent.

Recovering from cryolipolysis

There are no activity restrictions. Patients sometimes feel sore, as if they had worked out. Rarely do patients experience pain. If that happens the patient should contact the plastic surgeon, who may prescribe medication for a few days.

What are the advantages of cryolipolysis?

There are many advantages to cryolipolysis:

• No surgical incision is required.
• It is a low risk procedure. There is no risk of infection.
• The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis.
• Patients do not need to be sedated or anesthetized before undergoing the procedure.
• More than one area of the body may be treated in a single session.
• Most people can resume their normal daily activities immediately after treatment.
• The procedure can be performed on people of all ages.
• There is no damage to nerve fibers, blood vessels, muscles, or lasting damaging to skin in the treatment area.
• Fat cells that have been damaged or destroyed are permanently removed from the body.
• Patients may experience an increase in self-esteem due to an improvement in their appearance.

What are the results of cryolipolysis?

The injured fat cells are gradually eliminated by the body over four to six months. During that time the fatty bulge decreases in size, with an average fat reduction of about 20 percent.