Cryolipolysis offers a non-surgical alternative to liposuction to reduce localised fat. Using a vacuum to suction fatty tissue into the applicator cup where the fat is frozen via cooling panels. This process induces cold ischemic injury resulting in the crystallisation of fat cells. Once temperatures are reduced sufficiently, the cups are removed, and a massage is performed to speed up and promote fat cell breakdown.  

The most common areas to treat are the chin, inner thighs, hip rolls/flanks, and abdomen. An average fat reduction of 15% to 30% can be seen a few months after initial treatment. Due to the latency of results, you may only need one treatment. However, if further treatments are required, these can be done after a 6-8 week rest period.

Post-treatment, it is common to experience redness, swelling, and bruising to the area, which may be accompanied by pains or aches and sensitivity, lasting between one to 4 weeks post-treatment. Cryolipolysis is considered a safe and low-risk, effective treatment with minimal downtime. It is also suitable for all Fitzpatrick skin types.

Further reading and references;

Ingargiola et al. (2015) ‘Cryolipolysis for Fat Reduction and Body Contouring: Safety and Efficacy of Current Treatment Paradigms’, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Available at: doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000001236

Kilmer et al. (2015) ‘Safety and efficacy of cryolipolysis for non-invasive reduction of submental fat’,  Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. Available at: doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22440

Mazzoni et al. (2019) ‘Review of non-invasive body contouring devices for fat reduction, skin tightening and muscle definition’, Australasian Journal of Dermatology. Available at: doi: 10.1111/ajd.13090

Wanitphakdeedecha et al. (2015) ‘The efficacy of cryolipolysis treatment on arms and inner thighs’, Lasers in Medical Science. Available at: doi.org/10.1007/s10103-015-1781-y