Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive medical treatment that targets subcutaneous fat by cooling fat cells to induce their selective destruction while sparing surrounding tissues such as skin, muscle, and nerves. The cooling causes adipocytes to crystallize and undergo apoptosis, after which the body's natural metabolic processes gradually remove the dead cells.

During a typical session, a clinician places applicators on the treatment area. The area is drawn into a vacuum and cooled with controlled temperatures for a period usually ranging from 35 to 60 minutes. Most patients do not require anesthesia, and the procedure is often described as tolerable, with some initial intense cooling or pulling sensation that diminishes over time.

Results are not immediate and are influenced by the treated area and individual response. Fat reduction in the treated region is usually most noticeable after several weeks to a few months, with some people seeing continued improvement for up to six months. Cryolipolysis is intended for localized fat reduction and is not a substitute for weight loss or a treatment for obesity.

Safety and side effects are generally mild and temporary. Common effects include redness, swelling, bruising, numbness, or a tingling sensation in the treated area, which typically resolves within days to weeks. Rare complications include paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, and frostbite or skin injury is possible if procedure guidelines are not followed. Contraindications include cold-related conditions (such as cryoglobulinemia or cold urticaria), pregnancy, breastfeeding, active infections in the area, and significant obesity.

Regulatory status varies, but many regimens have received regulatory clearance for specific body areas as devices designed for fat reduction. Alternatives include liposuction or energy-based non-invasive methods such as laser, radiofrequency, or ultrasound therapies.