Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive method that aims to destroy adipose tissue cells, in order to reduce local thickness in specific areas of the body by 20% – 40% per session. This treatment achieves this with the cooling mechanism, where the fat cells freeze at temperatures close to -9οC, which leads to their destruction. The body then removes the fat cells that have been destroyed by urination, within a period of 3-4 months, where the process of destruction and apoptosis of fat cells is completed.
In which areas is Cryolipolysis applied?
The cryolipolysis machine consists of 5 heads that are applied to different areas of the body where there is a problem of local fat, such as the sides of the abdomen, buttocks, abdomen, knees and the outer surface of the thighs. In cases of generalized fat deposition in multiple areas (in obese or overweight people), however, cryolipolysis is not so effective, because the area to be treated by the cryolipolysis machine should ideally fit in the “suction cup” on each head, to make effective cooling of the area.
The advantages of Cryolipolysis
Apart from being a bloodless method of treating localized fat (no surgery required), it is also a procedure with minimal risks and zero risk of infection. The treatment also does not require anesthesia or significant recovery time – the person can return almost immediately to their daily activities. Finally, the following also applies:
Cryolipolysis can be applied to adults regardless of age and gender.
- The treatment does not cause damage to blood vessels, nerve cells, skin, or muscles in the target area.
- Can be applied to more than one area in a session.
- The destruction and removal of fat cells from the body is permanent.
- The appearance of the person doing the treatment improves dramatically, with the results being visible in about 2 months after the first session.
What you need to know about Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis is, in general, a tolerable treatment and does not cause much discomfort or pain, especially after the machine freezes the target area.
- After the treatment, it would be good to massage the area on which the machine acted to remove the numbness caused by the treatment due to cooling.
Any symptom (eg, nausea, redness, discoloration of the targeted area) and if the person doing the cryolipolysis is felt, it goes away completely after a few minutes (it may take a few hours in the most sensitive organisms).
Each session lasts about 60 minutes, with two (usually) heads acting simultaneously in two areas of the body (so as not to alter the symmetry of the body).
- More than one session may be required, depending on the lipodystrophy problem being treated.
When Cryolipolysis is not recommended
As mentioned before, cryolipolysis is not a technique for treating generalized fat deposition. Also, if the skin in the area where the cryolipolysis will be applied has any damage (eg, dermatitis, varicose veins, eczema, psoriasis, etc.) or injury, this method is not recommended.
In addition, cryolipolysis is not recommended for people with urticaria, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, cryoglobulinemia, Raynaud’s disease, cold sores – all rare conditions that are affected (and usually exacerbated) by low temperatures. Finally, people with diabetic neuropathy and other neurological disorders, as well as women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, are not ideal candidates for cryolipolysis.