Cryolipolysis, also known as CoolSculpting, is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that helps with reducing fat cells in the body. This is done by introducing cold temperatures to problem areas. This procedure was allegedly discovered after kids who ate ice lollies were seen to have less fat in their cheeks.
Fat is temperature sensitive, which is why cryolipolysis works quite well to reduce the amount of fat in an area. This treatment is a great alternative to liposuction as it requires no downtime, is non-invasive and more affordable. It was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2010, which spiked its popularity. It can also be used to make loose skin look more firm.
What’s the essence of this medical procedure?
By freezing fat cells, they die in a process that is scientifically known as apoptosis which means cell death. The dying cells then go through your body’s biological processes and are eliminated through the liver. As fat cells have a higher sensitivity to temperature than skin cells, this leaves the surrounding skin undamaged, an advantage that fat freezing has over invasive treatments like liposuction. The exact number of sessions varies from patient to patient. In general, 1 to 3 sessions per area is recommended, at 1-month intervals. Once the fat cells are destroyed, the chances of those fat cells returning are slim to none.
How is it done?
The procedure starts off with the aesthetician marking your desired “problem area” for precise placement of the device. After getting the specific area, the aesthetician will apply gel pads on the cooling pads of the device/desired area followed by clamping your “problem area” in between the two cooling plates and start the procedure. The gel pads are there to protect your skin as the cooling plates lower the temperature to -5 to -10 degrees celcius to kill fat cells while leaving other tissues like skin, blood vessels and nerves unharmed. Not to worry, the temperature is constantly regulated to be cold enough to kill fat cells, and not harm the person!
Body regions where CoolSculpting is considered safe and effective for removing minor fat deposits include:
*Abdomen
*T-highs
*Under the chin or upper neck
*Flanks
*Under the armpit
*Back
*Buttocks and under the buttocks
There are many advantages to cryolipolysis such as:
*No surgical incision is required.
*It is a low risk procedure. There is no risk of infection.
*The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis.
*Patients do not need to be sedated or anesthetized before undergoing the procedure.
*More than one area of the body may be treated in a single session.
*Most people can resume their normal daily activities immediately after treatment.
*The procedure can be performed on people of all ages.
*There is no damage to nerve fibres, blood vessels, muscles, or lasting damaging to skin in the treatment area.
*Fat cells that have been damaged or destroyed are permanently removed from the body.
*Patients may experience an increase in self-esteem due to an improvement in their appearance.
Conditions that rule out the use of CoolSculpting include:
*Pregnancy, attempting to become pregnant, and breast-feeding.
*Cryoglobulinemia, a disorder where proteins that usually only increase in response to cold are in abnormally high concentrations.
*Cold agglutinin disease, an autoimmune condition where temperature change kills red blood cells.
*Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, a condition where red blood cells die in response to temperature change.
*Reduced circulation or skin sensation at the treatment area.
*Nerve conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy.
*Skin conditions related to the immune system, such as eczema and psoriasis.
*Inflammatory skin conditions, such as dermatitis and hives.
*A recent injury to the skin area being treated, including scar tissue.
*History of a hernia or a hernia in or near the treatment area.
*Chronic pain conditions.
*Severe anxiety disorders.
Consider getting the above procedure to deal with areas in your body that don’t lose fat easily. To find a cryolipolysis practitioner in your area, simply visit the HealthSpas website.
