There has been a revolutionary non-invasive body contouring treatment so far in the cosmetic field. This is cryolipolysis or fat freezing to give it a name. It’s a very promising technique for someone who has stubborn pockets of fat that resist diet and exercise. Let’s take a closer look into the science behind this fascinating fat-loss technique, as well as its possible advantages and limitations.
Fat Freezing Origins
Fat freezing originated from a curious medical observation. In the 1970s, doctors discovered that children who frequently gobbled popsicles usually developed dimples in their cheeks. The phenomenon was called “popsicle panniculitis,” demonstrating how exposure to cold can lead to selective effects on fat cells while sparing adjacent tissues.
This a discovery on which researchers built a method for controlled cooling to selectively remove unwanted fat. Hence, the resulting technology uses the cold to reshape the contour of the body without the need for surgery or downtime.
How Fat Freezing Works
The Science of Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis is the scientific name for the freezing process of fat, from the Greek words “cryo” (cold), “lipo” (fat), and “lysis” (destruction). This is simply because fat cells were found to be much more susceptible to the adverse effects of cold temperatures than any other type of cell in the body.
A specialized applicator is used for fat freezing and placed on the selected body site. This is so uniform cooling can be applied to the fat layer underneath with a temperature drop ranging mostly from -5°C to -10°C (about 23°F to 14°F) below freezing point. Fat cells start to crystallize at apoptosis; programmed cell death occurs as fat cells undergo this process and rupture.
Normal Reaction from the Body
Fat adsorption has happened, and then the immune system says it’s damaged, so it starts a natural elimination process, or what’s considered apoptosis. An example of this process is macrophages, a certain kind of blood cell type, that takes weeks, then months, to fully digest and expel the dead fat cells via the lymphatic drainage system.
This process is slow, thereby ensuring metabolism is lessened due to being less strain on the liver as well as other organs. Eventually, after this process is over, the fat layer will reduce such that the area appears more contoured after the treatment.
Treatment Process
Each typical fat-freezing session can last anywhere between 35 to 60 minutes, depending on the area treated. Sensations of extreme cold, tugging, and mild discomfort may be experienced by patients, but usually disappear quickly as the area becomes numb.
One of the highlights of this treatment is that it is non-invasive – so there are no incisions, needles, or anesthesia involved – and patients are generally able to resume normal activities right after the procedure.
Effectiveness and Results
Measurable fat Reduction
Clinical fat-freezing efforts recorded evidence supporting their effectiveness. The one-session fat treatment reduced patients’ fat levels by up to 25% in the treated area. Individual results vary, and multiple treatments may prove necessary for some patients.
Gradual Improvement
Unlike surgical fat removal procedures, the results for fat freezing do not happen overnight. The body will naturally process and excrete the damaged fat cells, and noticeable changes may begin becoming obvious 3 to 4 weeks after treatment. Full effects are usually evident after about 2 to 3 months.
Effects Lasting Over Time
Furthermore, its attractive feature lies in the expected durability of results after the elimination of fat cells, which the body does not regenerate. However, keep in mind that lifestyle is relevant to prevent remaining fat cells from expanding.
Target Areas and Indications
Areas in which fat freezing will likely find FDA clearance are:
- Abdomen
- Love handles (flanks)
- Upper thighs
- Upper arms
- Back
- Submental area (double chin)
Localized fat deposits that have resisted diet and exercise are the best indications for fat freezing. As such, fat freezing is not a weight loss treatment but rather a cosmetic procedure meant to contour certain areas or pockets of stubborn fat.
Safety and Side Effects
Fat freezing, as clinical experimental studies signify, is a safe procedure with very few side effects when performed by trained professionals. The technology for controlled cooling uses selective self-targeting of fat cells and leaves surrounding tissues unharmed.
Common effects are mostly mild and transient. Among them are:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tingling or numbness in the area treated
These effects typically resolve after a few days to weeks post-treatment.
In very rare instances, there has been the reported phenomenon of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, where fat volume in the treated area increases rather than decreases. All the same, this happens less than in 1% of cases and is a rare complication considered to have occurred.
The Future of Fat Freezing
As fat freezing becomes more popular, researchers are looking for more ways to make it more effective and to expand its applications. Some of the topics currently under research and development include the following:
Combination Therapies
Researchers are investigating whether fat freezing could be combined with other methods of noninvasive body contouring such as radiofrequency or ultrasound technologies to improve results further.
Injector Designs Refinement
Manufacturers continue to improve the design of fat-freezing applicators to make treatments even more efficient and comfortable for patients. That would include applicators designed to cover larger areas much more quickly or specifically target certain areas of the body.
Alternative Treatment Zones
Researchers are examining fat freezing for possible treatments in other regions, which would encompass further applicability of this technology8, though it is currently approved for use in several anatomy sites.
Limitations and Considerations
Although fat freezing is a relatively appealing non-surgical alternative for fat reduction, it has shortcomings too:
- It is not a weight-reduction technique; thus, it is more suitable for applications in people close to their ideal body weight.
- Results are always patient-dependent, meaning that some will have better results than others on fat freezing.
- For larger treatment areas, expect to need multiple treatments for desirable results15.
- This procedure will not tighten loose skin, hence, those patients with significant sagging may not get effective results.
Conclusion
Fat-freezing technology marks a paradigm shift in non-invasive body contouring. By using cold temperatures to target and selectively destroy fat cells, this cutting-edge alternative offers a safe and effective solution to surgical fat removal procedures.
Every potential cosmetic treatment, such as fat freezing, should begin with an extensive consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. A thorough assessment of your individual needs will be done, and together you will decide if you are a candidate for this procedure, as well as develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your body-contouring goals.
While fat freezing does not work like magic for weight loss, it can greatly help in addressing stubborn fat deposits that seemingly do not budge with regular diet and exercise. With continuing research advancements, we may expect refinements, possibly expanding applications for this interesting fat reduction avenue in the upcoming years.
