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Cryolipolysis
What is cryolipolysis?
Cryolipolysis, commonly referred to as fat freezing, is a nonsurgical fat reduction procedure that uses cold temperature to reduce fat deposits in certain areas of the body. The procedure is designed to reduce localized fat deposits or bulges that do not respond to diet and exercise. It is not intended for people who are obese or significantly overweight. The technique has been patented under the name CoolSculpting™.
What areas of the body are best suited for cryolipolysis?
The Food and Drug Administration has approved cryolipolysis to treat fat deposits beneath the chin, upper arms, inner and outer thighs, abdomen, hip/flank (“love handles”), upper back (“brassiere rolls”), lower back, and underneath the buttocks.
PROCEDURE DETAILS
How is cryolipolysis performed?
The procedure can be done in our outpatient clinic. The size and shape of the fatty deposit is assessed and the area to be treated is outlined with a skin-marking pencil. Patients are awake during the procedure.
Unlike liposuction, which can require anesthesia and comes with risks of bleeding or serious infection, cryolipolysis is a relatively safe in-office procedure, with minimal pain and no downtime.
The treatment itself takes 35 minutes per application, and multiple applications may be needed to cover an area. For instance, four or more applications may be needed to ensure even fat removal from the entire front of the belly.
The most common side effects of treatment include redness, bruising, swelling, tingling, numbness, or darkening of the treated area. Most of these side effects, if present, will resolve within several months after treatment. Perhaps the most significant, albeit relatively rare, side effect of cryolipolysis is, paradoxically, increased fat growth at the treatment site. The exact incidence of this side effect is unknown; however, it appears to occur less than 1% of the time.
Results can be seen as soon as three weeks, with maximum benefit seen at approximately three months. Average reduction in fat ranges from about 10% to 25% per round of treatment, and there is no evidence of any body-wide side effects. A second round of treatment may be needed after several months, depending on the desired results.
How are fat cells destroyed?
The technique is based on the finding that fat cells are more susceptible to damage from cold temperatures than other cells, such as skin cells. The cold temperature injures the fat cells. The injury triggers an inflammatory response by the body, which results in the death of the fat cells. The dead fat cells are then naturally processed and eliminated by the body’s lymphatic system.
How much localized fat can one expect to lose from cryolipolysis and when will I start to notice results?
Studies have shown an average fat reduction of between 15 and 28 percent at around 4 months after initial treatment. However, you may begin to notice changes as early as 3 weeks after treatment. Dramatic improvement is noticed after about 3 months.
RISKS / BENEFITS
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.
RISKS / BENEFITS
What are the disadvantages of cryolipolysis?
Disadvantages of cryolipolysis include:
The procedure is recommended only for people who are in good general health with no neurologic or orthopaedic problems and who are looking for “spot” fat reduction in specific areas on the body. Cryolipolysis is not recommended for people who are significantly overweight or obese.
There is a risk that the skin surface may be irregular/not smooth after healing.
More than one session may be needed to achieve a person’s desired results.
If more than one treatment session is needed, the next session can’t be performed until 6 to 8 weeks after the first session. This is because it can take this long for damaged fat cells to be eliminated from the body.
Results are not evident immediately. Since fat cells are removed gradually from the body, it can take 3 to 6 months to achieve optimal results.
One rare side effect that may occur is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. In this rare condition, the size of fat cells increases after cryolipolysis. Men and people of Hispanic ethnicity are more likely to experience it.
Weight gain is possible after undergoing cryolipolysis. Fat may be deposited in other areas of the body.
Are there any people for whom cryolipolysis is not recommended?
Cryolipolysis should not be performed on patients who are obese or significantly overweight. Also, it should not be performed on areas of skin that are cut or injured, contain severe varicose veins, dermatitis, or other skin lesions. A consultation is required before any commitment to treat an area is made.
People who have abnormal cold sensitivity or cold intolerance are not suitable candidates. The procedure is not recommended for people who have the following conditions:
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria.
Cold urticaria.
Cold agglutinin disease.
Other conditions that pose a risk include :
Nerve disorders, such as diabetic neuropathy
Inflammatory skin disorders
Skin conditions caused by immune system disorders, such as eczema or psoriasis
RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK
What side effects are to be expected immediately after cryolipolysis?
Temporary side effects for the areas that are treated may include:
Pain or aches
Stinging or tingling of the skin
Redness
Swelling
Skin discoloration or bruising
Skin sensitivity or numbness
Side effects may persist for a few days to a few weeks after treatment. It may be recommended that you take an analgesic medication to relieve pain or other discomfort.
How many cryolipolysis treatment sessions are typically needed?
You may have only one problematic area that may require only one to two treatment sessions. You may have more than one problem area that may require treatment or may need more than one treatment in a specific area to achieve your desired goal. You will work with our consultant to design a plan – and the number of treatment sessions – that will best meet your desired goals.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
How much does cryolipolysis cost?
Total cost will depend on what goals you’d like to achieve. On average, the cost of a typical treatment plan ranges between $2,000 and $4,000, except at My Ultrasound Health Center, we can provide this service at a fraction of the cost!
Will my insurance cover the cost of cryolipolysis?
Insurance usually does not cover the cost of elective cosmetic surgery and procedures.
What are other considerations or concerns regarding cryolipolysis?
The procedure should only be performed by a plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, or other licensed skin healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns before undergoing the procedure.
Reposted; some original content by: Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/25/2019.