Cryolipolysis
(Fat Freezing)
What is it?
A method to remove fat by freezing. The method involves controlled application of cooling within the temperature range of -11 to +5 °C for the non-invasive, localized reduction of fat deposits, intending to reshape the contours of the body. The degree of exposure to cooling causes cell death of subcutaneous fat tissue, without apparent damage to the overlying skin. It appears primarily applicable to limited discrete fat bulges. Adverse effects include transient local redness, bruising and numbness of the skin are common side effects of the treatment and are expected to subside. Typically sensory deficits will subside within a month. The effect on peripheral nerves was investigated and failed to show permanent detrimental results.
Based on the premise that fat cells are more easily damaged by cooling than skin cells (such as popsicle panniculitis), cryolipolysis was developed to apply low temperatures to tissue via thermal conduction. In order to avoid frostbite, a specific temperature level and exposure are determined, such as 45 minutes at −10 °C (14 °F). While the process is not fully understood, it appears that fatty tissue that is cooled below body temperature, but above freezing, undergoes localized cell death ("apoptosis") followed by a local inflammatory response that gradually over the course of several months results in a reduction of the fatty tissue layer.
In the U.S., usage for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental area, thigh, abdomen and flank, along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks, and upper arm.
Benefits
The main benefits are the elimination of localized fats and also the reduction of measures. Machine manufacturers claim that the treatment is able to eliminate localized fats that even exercises and diets could not eliminate.
Since there are no drawbacks in the various sources of information about the advantages of cryolipolysis are listed:
• Few treatments needed for a quick result
• Desired zones can be treated separately (and simultaneously)
• No pain during treatment
• Fast recovery or virtually no recovery required
• A positive effect on the skin
• No surgery and anesthesia needed
Risk
Just after the treatment, there is a visual side effect on the spot where the cold ‘attacked’ the fat cells, such as redness, something insensitive or a bruise. No other side effects have been observed so far. Within the trend of freezing fat, competition is no stranger. Manufacturers of new devices attribute certain side effects to ‘older’ devices, such as blistering. There is no scientific basis for this. Several clinics offering the treatment warn that two liters of water is needed after the treatment per day. In this way, the waste can leave the body. It is not known what happens if a person does not get two liters a day