What is Cryolipolysis™?

Cryolipolysis™ is a noninvasive cosmetic procedure that is performed to help reduce body fat from select areas. The procedure involves the use of cold temperatures that are applied to selected areas of fat. This cold temperature is promoted as being able to damage fat cells and eliminate them, while still keeping the top layers of skin completely intact and undamaged.

"Lipolysis" is a term that refers to the process of fat cells breaking down and being permanently eliminated from the body. When fat cells are lost because a person begins to burn off more calories than he or she consumes, this is because the body begins to use fat for energy to perform bodily functions. The broken-down fat cells are then absorbed into the kidneys, liver, and other vital organs to be used for energy. The inventors of Cryolipolysis™ believe that placing cold temperature onto precise areas of accumulated fat cells can cause lipolysis and the breakdown of fat cells to occur without altering the levels of calorie intake or physical activity.

The process of a Cryolipolysis™ treatment typically begins with the use of a device containing cooling panels, which is applied directly to the area in which a person desires to lose body fat. The cooling device is generally left on the area for approximately one to two hours and is not usually considered to be uncomfortable enough to require any type of pain treatment. Once the treatment is over, the person can typically resume everyday activities without any recovery time. The results of the breakdown and loss of fat cells are often promoted as being able to be seen in about three weeks to a month, with the most noticeable results occurring by eight weeks.

Although Cryolipolysis™ is considered a noninvasive procedure and does not generally require any specified recovery time, it may still cause certain side effects. Common side effects after the procedure is performed include numbness, tingling, redness, and light bruising in the affected area of the body. These effects are not usually considered serious to warrant pain relief or medical attention and tend to subside on their own within the first week of treatment.

Cryolipolysis™ is promoted by the inventors as being a permanent solution to fat reduction in the area in which the treatment was performed; however, it does require certain maintenance by the person in order for the results to remain permanent. The cold temperatures are thought to damage and eliminate fat cells so that they are used for energy and flushed out of the body so they do not return, but the treatment cannot prevent new fat cells from forming in the same area. To keep the results of the treatment permanent, a person has to maintain his or her calorie intake and amounts of physical activity in order to maintain his or her weight and levels of body fat.