Fat freezing/ cryolipolysis is a process that uses cold temperatures to remove fat. This fat-freezing treatment is conducted by using a paneled or cupped device to transmit a temperature that is low enough to target only fat cells while not affecting the surrounding skin, muscles, and nerves. This freezing effect triggers the crystalisation and death of the fat cell which is subsequently digested by immune cells called macrophages and removed via the lymphatic system. This method has been used successfully in areas such as the chin, underarms, back (bra rolls), love handles, stomach, thighs, calves, and knees.

Fat freezing has been studied extensively in both animal and human models. The results have been excellent with visible and fast results. The effects can be visible in as little as 2-4 weeks after treatment with final results showing up to a 25% reduction in fat. This efficacy is seen with only 1-2 sessions, proving its superiority. Fat reduction is permanent during freezing because the cells are removed from the area, leading to a long-lasting solution to stubborn fat pockets and bulges. Patients are highly satisfied even after just one session of this therapy because of this effect.

A study by Krueger et al. (2014) quotes two additional studies and states, “The clinical efficacy and safety of cryolipolysis has been studied in both human and animal models. In two separate studies, animal models demonstrated a reduction of up to 1 cm or 40% of the total fat layer thickness after a single exposure without harming the overlying skin.” (Manstein et al., 2008 & Zelickson et al., 2009)

An additional reference included in this study - refers to the article by Coleman SR et al,   titled “Clinical efficacy of noninvasive cryolipolysis and its effects on peripheral nerves”  States that “in a study published in 2009 involving ten subjects reported a 20.4% and 25.5% reduction in the fat layer 2 months and 6 months after treatment, respectively

References:

Coleman, S. R., Sachdeva, K., Egbert, B. M., Preciado, J., & Allison, J. (2009). Clinical efficacy of noninvasive cryolipolysis and its effects on peripheral nerves. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 33(4), 482–448.

Krueger, N., Mai, S. V., Luebberding, S., & Sadick, N. S. (2014). Cryolipolysis for noninvasive body contouring: Clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 7, 201-205. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S44371

Manstein, D., Laubach, H., Watanabe, K., Farinelli, W., Zurakowski, D., & Anderson, R. R. (2008). Selective cryolysis: A novel method of non-invasive fat removal. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 40(9), 595–604. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.20719

Zelickson, B., Egbert, B. M., Preciado, J., et al. (2009). Cryolipolysis for noninvasive fat cell destruction: Initial results from a pig model. Dermatologic Surgery, 35(10), 1462–1470. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01259.x

Coolsculpting / fat freezing is proven to result in permanent fat loss with as little as 1 session. It is performed without general or local anaesthetic. 

There is often an initial feeling of tugging and pulling as the tissue is drawn into the vacuum handle and 5 - 7 minutes into treatment there is often a feeling of slight stinging (as the skin becomes numb). After treatment clients mention numbness and tingling due to the cold temperature however this usually resolves within a few days. 

The sessions may be repeated if the fat layer is thick or if the desired results are not met with the initial session. The delay from treatment time to seeing the full results at 12 weeks often is seen as a negative of fat freezing, however, most clients see a reduction occurring within 2-3 weeks.

 The 12 weeks is the total duration of expulsion of the fat cells via the lymphatic system. The faster and cleaner the client’s metabolism and circulation, the quicker the results will appear. 

Cryolipolysis is more expensive per session than other non-invasive treatments, but the need for fewer treatments while getting maximal benefits makes it an optimal choice. It’s not recommended for pregnant women and those with abnormal cold sensitivity like Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Pros:

• Proven to result in permanent fat loss with as little as 1 session

• Performed without general or local anesthetic

• Most clients see a reduction within 2-3 weeks

• Effective results at 12 weeks due to expulsion of fat cells via the lymphatic system

• Need for fewer treatments compared to other non-invasive treatments

Cons:

• Initial feeling of tugging and pulling during the procedure

• Slight stinging sensation 5-7 minutes into treatment as the skin becomes numb

• Post-treatment numbness and tingling due to the cold temperature, usually resolving within a few days

• Sessions may need to be repeated if the fat layer