Cryolipolysis/Fat Freezing

Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing)

Cryolipolysis commonly known as fat freezing is a popular way to shift stubborn fat without the surgery and without the downtime. Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive alternative treatment to liposuction and laser lipo. Fat freezing is a treatment that involves a localised application of a low temperature devise to destroy subcutaneous fat cells. These are the fat calls that sit directly under the skin. Alternatives to fat freezing such as liposuction or laser lipo can have harsh, long lasting side effects. Cryolipolysis can be carried out safely and quickly in a session normally lasting 45 minutes per area and will not do damage to the surrounding skin. Patients with sensitive skin may get slight bruising or a slight ‘love-bite’ type mark after the treatment, however this should go away within a couple of days.

Fat Freezing does not involve any incisions or damage to the skin. Where laser lipo uses heat to get fat cells to swell up and burst, cryolipolysis uses lower temperatures between -6C and -10C breaking down he structure causing it to wither and die. The dead fat cells are then naturally removed through your bodies lymphatic system and liver, the same way your body would get rid of any waste.

During the fat freezing procedure, a pair of hand pieces are placed directly onto the skin above the fatty area that you would like to target. Once the machine is switched on, you will feel a strong vacuum effect and you will feel the temperature drop in the area being treated. You will then lie attached to the cryolipolysis machine for 45 minutes while the ‘freezing’ effect takes place. After the session is when your body begins to naturally remove the crystalized fate cells, causing them to initially shrink with the procedure and then break down before being completely absorbed over a period of 2 to 4 months.

Fat freezing can be done on most parts of the body where fatty deposits can sit. The most commonly treated areas are the stomach, flanks, thighs, upper arms and lower back. Other areas that can be treated using cryolipolysis are the chin, upper back, knees and buttocks. Because of the localised treatment procedure, results are also generally localised to the area although some patients have reported their fat shift in more areas other than just the area treated.

Some patients see a slight improvement straight after the initial fat freezing appointment, but the best results are 12 weeks after the procedure where you should go back to see your therapist to assess results. It is highly recommended to not rely solely on fat freezing to shift excess fat, but to also include a healthy eating programme as well as some exercise. Destroying fat cells will not prevent new fat cells from appearing.

Fat freezing can be done on most parts of the body where fatty deposits can sit. The most commonly treated areas are the stomach, flanks, thighs, upper arms and lower back. Other areas that can be treated using cryolipolysis are the chin, upper back, knees and buttocks.