Cosmetic clinics are always looking to find the latest, greatest, and most efficient methods in skin rejuvenation and body contouring procedures to achieve the look their patients seek. One such state-of-the-art procedure is cryolipolysis.
About cryolipolysis Often referred to as fat freezing, this is a medical treatment with the purpose of destroying fat cells. It is called fat freezing for a reason because temperatures reach sub-zero when applied topically to a specific part of the body. A far freezing treatment can occur just about anywhere: on the arms, legs, stomach, and back.
The FDA approved this technique, which was invented by Zeltiq Aesthetics in California, in 2010. Although slow to catch on to the general public, those who seek the procedure are satisfied with their results.
Procedure details: This non-invasive procedure has the ability to reshape the body, with result appearing in just two to four months. For these results to appear, the exposure to the freezing causes fat cells to die. What is so unique and ingenious about this technique is that the freezing apparently does not damage the dermal layer of skin cells — it just targets the subcutaneous fat.
Alternative method: Cryolipolysis is the non-invasive form of liposuction. Liposuction requires patients to undergo surgery and it can often be very expensive and the healing process is much more lengthy. The only requirements for post-cryolipolysis treatment (also known as a coolsculpting) are that the treated areas need to be massaged for roughly two minutes following the less than an hour long procedure which includes a local anesthetic for comfort purposes.
Side effects: As with any cosmetic procedure there may be some side effects in the coolsculpting areas. Some of these include local redness and swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness due to such freezing temperatures. All documented side effects have been subtle and fleeting. Liposuction’s side effects, on the other hand, may include infection, excessive bleeding, and burning of the skin.
Is a coolsculpting experience worth it? In a recent study involving cryolipolysis patients, nearly 86% of those treated saw improvements in body image. During a single treatment, subjects can see up to a 20% reduction in fat cells in the area after just two months, and a 25% decrease at the six month mark.