“Cryolipolysis — which literally translates into cold (cryo) fat (lipo) destruction (lysis) — was invented, in part, by observing what can happen when kids eat popsicles...The cofounders of this process were intrigued by something called “cold-induced fat necrosis” that was reported to occur after young children ate popsicles that were inadvertently left resting on the cheek for several minutes...it appeared that fat may be more sensitive to cold injury than other tissue types.” (Neera Nathan, 2020).
From popsicles to weight loss, Cryolipolysis or otherwise known as Fat Freezing helps to get rid of stubborn fats without damaging the surrounding tissues. Studies have shown that cryolipolysis is safe and effective, (Gardneer, 2020).
What is Fat Freezing?
Fat Freezing works by applying an applicator with 2 built-in cooling plates that target lipocytes (fat cells) in the subcutaneous fat layer at the targeted area/s for about an hour (depending on the treatment site) without damaging the surrounding tissues. The crystallized fats are then eliminated from the body as waste over the next 6 months.
PROs of Fat Freezing
1: Non-invasive alternative to liposuction
Liposuction, although an effective method to remove excess adipose tissue, possess the inherent risks associated with surgery. Thanks to the advancement of technology, new modalities have been developed and one such non-invasive alternative would be Fat Freezing.
2: The Quick “Lunch-time” Weight Loss secret
The procedure can be done in under an hour making it the perfect treatment to squeeze in during your lunchtime. Smaller areas such as underarms only require 20 minutes while larger areas like tummy or thighs would take about an hour.
3: Resume daily activities immediately post-treatment
The downtime is minimal and immediately after your treatment, you can resume your daily activities which makes the Fat Freeze treatment ideal for those with busy schedules.
CONs of Fat Freezing
1: Temporary Redness / Bruising / Swelling at the treated area
As the body is exposed to cold temperatures, one side effect would be temporary redness / bruising / swelling at the targeted area which will go away after a few hours to a few weeks. For those who worry about frost bites, rest assured that Fat Freezing does not cause frost bites as a cooling membrane is placed on the targeted area to protect the skin from the extreme cold.
2: Tugging sensation during the treatment
After the applicators are placed in position, you will feel a strong suction from the heads which "vacuums" / "sucks" the unwanted fats into the device. Some clients say it's tolerable while others say that they experienced no discomfort at all. The discomfort level will depend on your individual pain threshold but generally, most clients find the overall process rather comfortable.
3: Paradoxical Fat Hyperplasia
Losing weight is a journey which requires commitment and patience. In order to achieve optimal results from the fat freeze treatment, it is good to have a nutrition plan as well as a consistent fitness regime to reap the most benefits from the treatment.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT FAT FREEZE
What is Fat Freeze?
Fat Freezing improves body contour through the application of cooling plates on desired areas. The plates are pressed against the selected body area for about an hour with minimal to no discomfort. The area is cooled to a temperature that kills fat cells while leaving other tissues (skin, blood vessels and nerves) unharmed.
Fat Freezing uses this science to destroy fatty tissue while putting the body's metabolism to work. Research has shown that cold temperatures can reduce the thickness of the fat layer without having any adverse effects on other types of cells. The body then naturally digests and our immune system will then remove the dead fat cells.
Is it painful?
Clients experience a tugging / suction sensation during the treatment which has minimal discomfort.
What is the downtime?
Resume daily activities post treatment. Some clients experience some redness / bruising / swelling which is fairly common and will resolve on its own within a few hours to a few weeks.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of sessions needed will vary between individuals. Some may only require 1 session while others will need more to achieve the desired results.
When will I see results?
Results can be as quickly as 1 month post treatment with continued improvement of up to 6 months. After each session, you can expect up to 25% fat cell reduction.
Can I combine Fat Freeze with other treatments?
Of course! Fat Freezing can be combined with multiple slimming treatments such as V8 Lipomassage / Cryotherapy / Emshape to improve the overall results as the other treatments can help with things like firming, contouring and sculpting which the fat freezing technology is unable to do.
How would I know what treatment is suitable for me?
It is best to speak to a professional consultant who will be able to assess your body and understand your goals in order to come up with a treatment plan that will help to achieve your desired results.
Sources:
Neera Nathan, M. (2020, March 12). The skinny on freezing fat. Retrieved March 08, 2021, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-skinny-on-freezing-fat-2020031218990
Gardner, S. (2020, July 16). CoolSculpting: Risks, side effects, and does it really work? Retrieved March 08, 2021, from https://www.webmd.com/beauty/coolsculpting#2
Ingargiola, M. J., Motakef, S., Chung, M. T., Vasconez, H. C., & Sasaki, G. H. (2015, June). Cryolipolysis for fat reduction and body contouring: Safety and efficacy of current treatment paradigms. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 135(6), 1581–1590
Derrick, C. D., Shridharani, S. M., & Broyles, J. M. (2015, September 1). The safety and efficacy of cryolipolysis: A systematic review of available literature. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 35(7), 830–836 https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/35/7/830/2589179
Jalian, H. R., Avram, M. M., Garibyan, L., Mihm, M. C., & Anderson, R. R. (2014, September 23). Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia after cryolipolysis. JAMA Dermatology, 150(3), 317–319 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4171727/