Cryolipolysis is the non-invasive cooling of adipose tissue to induce lipolysis (breaking down fat cells) without damage to other tissues. The result over two to four months is a noticeable, natural-looking reduction in fat.

Cryolipolysis is based on the principle that fat cells are more vulnerable to energy extraction (cooling) than surrounding tissues.A non-invasive applicator is attached to the targeted procedure area to extract energy from the underlying fat tissue, while protecting the skin, nerves, muscles and other tissue. The cooled fat cells undergo apoptosis (controlled cell death) and are gradually eliminated, reducing the thickness of the fat layer.

Clinical studies demonstrate that the Cryolipolysis procedure provides noticeable, measurable fat reduction in properly selected patients over the course of two to four months after the procedure. Additional procedures may be administered two to four months after the initial procedure to achieve greater fat reduction.

Patients experiencing fat layer reduction show persistent results at least six months after the Cryolipolysis treatment.Longer-term studies have not yet been completed. It is known that the exposure to cooling causes the fat cells to begin a process of natural removal, which gradually reduces the thickness of the fat layer. The fat cells in the treated area are gently eliminated through the body’s normal metabolism process, like fat from food. The elimination of fat cells as a result of the Cryolipolysis Procedure is expected to last about as long as fat cells removed by invasive procedures such as liposuction.

The Cryolipolysis Procedure is completely non-invasive, which allows immediate return to normal activities such as work or exercise. Redness may appear in the treated area, and may last from a few minutes to a few hours. Some localized bruising or swelling may occur, which clears within a few weeks. Many patients experience a temporary dulling of sensation in the treated area, lasting one to eight weeks.

Ideal candidates for the Cryolipolysis Procedure are relatively fit, but have some modest-size fat bulges that are not easily reduced through diet and exercise. They are seeking spot reduction for specific areas of fat, but are not considering a surgical procedure. The Cryolipolysis Procedure is not intended for weight loss or obesity, and it is not a substitute for invasive methods such as liposuction.

The controlled cooling of the Cryolipolysis Procedure targets and eliminates only fat cells. Other treatment modalities,such as lasers, radiofrequency and focused ultrasound, affect fat cells and may affect other adjacent tissue in a way that is not comparable to the Cryolipolysis.