Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis treatment, also known as CoolSculpting, is an innovative method of reducing body fat. It is a noninvasive procedure that destroys unwanted fat cells without damaging the surrounding tissue.
Kids have been freezing their popsicles for years, and this observation led scientists to discover that cold temperatures could kill fat cells without damaging muscle or skin. The treatment is ideal for people who are at a healthy weight but struggle with stubborn pockets of fat.
Reduced Fat
Cryolipolysis (often referred to as fat freezing and known by the brand name CoolSculpting) is a noninvasive treatment for eliminating unwanted pockets of fat. This procedure uses the principle of selective thermolysis, which is based on the cryolipolysis treatment observation that fatty cells are more sensitive to cold than other types of tissue. This allows the technician to freeze and destroy fatty cells in the treated area, while sparing other tissues like muscle.
During the procedure, a vacuum applicator is placed on the skin to bring it into contact with cooling panels. The applicator is then moved around the area to ensure the targeted fatty bulge is thoroughly covered. The treatment session can last up to an hour. During this time, patients can relax or read a book, watch TV, or use their smart phone. Some patients may feel a sensation of tingling, aching, or numbness during the procedure.
After the treatment session, the vacuum turns off and the applicator is removed. Some patients experience redness in the area for a few hours, which usually clears on its own. There is also a chance of localized bruising. This typically resolves in a matter of weeks.
The number of high-quality studies examining the effectiveness and safety of cryolipolysis is limited, so it is important to work with your doctor to determine how many treatment sessions you will need to achieve your desired results. A small percentage of patients may develop paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), which is an unexpected increase in the number of fatty cells at the site of the treatment. This occurs less than 1 percent of the time.
Improved Skin Appearance
Cryolipolysis, also known as fat freezing and CoolSculpting, reduces fat cells without damaging the surrounding tissue. The treatment uses a vacuum applicator to bring the skin into contact with cooling panels. The patients experience a cold sensation for a few minutes, which produces an anesthetic effect. The procedure takes only a few months to show results and does not require any downtime or surgery. In addition, the treatment does not cause damage to the nerve fibers or blood vessels in the target area. The damaged fat cells die off and are eliminated naturally by the body, resulting in a reduction of targeted areas by 10%-25%.
Unlike more invasive forms of fat removal, cryolipolysis treatment has few side effects and is safe to perform on people of all ages and sex. However, it is not a weight loss treatment and will not prevent future fat formation in the treated area. Additionally, the procedure may not be appropriate for those with certain health conditions, such as cryoglobulinemia or paroxysmal cold hemoglobulinuria.
The FDA has approved cryolipolysis as a nonsurgical method of reducing localized fat deposits in the abdomen, flanks (“love handles”), back, inner and outer thighs, upper arms, and the buttocks. Those who have stubborn pockets of fat that resist diet and exercise should consider this safe, effective, and convenient treatment option.
Reduced Stress
Cryolipolysis treatment is one of the most popular nonsurgical fat reduction procedures. It is effective for eliminating pockets of stubborn fat in the abdomen, flanks (love handles), thighs and arms. The procedure works on the principle of selectively targeting and destroying fat cells in the area treated, while sparing skin, nerves, and other tissues. The resulting injury to the fat cells causes them to die and is gradually eliminated by the body over four to six months.
During the CoolSculpting procedure, rounded paddles in one of four sizes are placed on your body and suctioned to reduce fat cells. This is a quick, comfortable procedure that requires no anesthesia or sedation.
After the procedure, you may experience some numbness and mild pain at the treatment site. This is due to the intense cold temperatures used during the procedure. The discomfort usually lasts for 3-11 days and will go away on its own. Your doctor can provide analgesic medications if necessary.
Although cryolipolysis is safe for most patients, it is not suitable for everyone. People with a history of Raynaud’s disease should cryolipolysis treatment avoid the procedure because it can impede blood flow to the fingers and toes. Additionally, it is not recommended for those with severe varicose veins or dermatitis. Also, people with a rare condition called paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria should not undergo this treatment.
Enhanced Self-Esteem
Cryolipolysis fat freezing treatments are a safe, non-invasive way to remove stubborn pockets of fat that resist diet and exercise. The treatment uses controlled cooling to freeze and crystallise the fat cells without damaging surrounding muscle tissue or nerve fibers. The frozen cells undergo a natural process of cell death called apoptosis and are then naturally eliminated by the body. The treatment can also reduce the appearance of cellulite.
The results of cryolipolysis are permanent, as the dead fat cells will never regenerate. However, you must keep in mind that the treatment does not treat obesity, and it is best suited for those who are close to their ideal body weight but struggle with specific areas of pinchable fat. The treatment is most effective for the chin, upper arms, abdomen, hip/flank (“love handles”), and inner or outer thighs.
The procedure is safe and painless, with no downtime required after treatment. The results are visible within a few weeks and can be dramatic in as little as two months after treatment. It is not a substitute for healthy eating and exercise, but it can be an excellent incentive to get in shape. The treatments are performed in clinics staffed by licensed medical professionals, such as doctors or nurses. You should not attempt to perform fat freezing at home using unauthorized devices.