Nowadays, it is not just simple exercise and strict diets to possess a finely chiseled body. When stubborn fat bulges persist, assistance comes in the shape of advanced cosmetic treatments. One such popular and innovative option is cryolipolysis, which is commonly known as fat freezing. But is cryolipolysis worth it?
The non-surgical method has promised to erase unwanted fat bulges with controlled cold, needles-free, cuts-free, and time-free treatment. But prior to that, it would be beneficial to know its benefits, potential side effects, cost, and comparison of it with other fat-reduction technologies. In this comprehensive guide, we cover all that you want to know about cryolipolysis, starting from how it works and whom it is best for. By weighing the pros and cons, you can decide whether or not this fat-freezing treatment is for you. Are you ready to get on with it? Here we go.
What is Cryolipolysis?
Cryolipolysis is a novel, FDA-approved, office-based, non-surgical fat-reduction treatment that treats resistant fat bulges using controlled cooling. It is not performed using incisions, anesthesia, or downtime, making it a desirable procedure for those who want body contouring without surgery. The new therapy is based on the principle of freezing fat cells to a temperature level that leads to their natural death, which is naturally removed by the body after some time. Primarily known to address the midriff, legs, and love handles. Cryolipolysis is a new alternative to traditional fat-reduction procedures with less invasiveness and convenience. Cryolipolysis is optimal in individuals with diet and exercise-resistant focal fat deposits.
How Does Cryolipolysis Work?
Cryolipolysis achieves this through the process of freezing the fat cells of the skin to a temperature where they are destroyed and killed. The killed fat cells burst and are removed weeks and months later. Fat cells are very cold-sensitive in relation to other tissue and are therefore the ideal target for the treatment.
To treat a zone, the applicator is placed over the zone to be treated. The machine suctions in the zone to pull the fat and skin into the applicator and cooling begins. Cooling will burn initially but will typically cease after a few minutes once the zone begins to numb.
As they melt, ice crystals drop off frozen fat cells, melt, and are excreted from the body through the lymph system. It is a gradual process, and the gradual action usually takes effect within two to three months of therapy.
Is Cryolipolysis Worth It?
In terms of whether or not cryolipolysis is suitable for you, it is useful to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment.
Advantages of Cryolipolysis:
- Non-surgical: Cryolipolysis, unlike liposuction, does not entail the use of any incisions, needles, or anesthesia and is thus less invasive and safer for those who do not want to be operated on.
- Minimum Downtime: The majority of people can get back to normal immediately after treatment. There may be redness or temporary swelling of the site, but that will resolve within a few days.
- Gradual Outcome: Progressive fat loss over weeks and that creates a natural look. That’s one wonderful advantage for people who prefer not to have radical and obvious results.
- No Scarring: Since cutting is not done in the procedure, there are no chances of scarring at any point.
Disadvantages of Cryolipolysis:
- Cost: It is a costly treatment, and you might need to undergo several sessions so that you can use it to its maximum. We will talk about the cost in detail later on.
- Not a Quick Fix: Cryolipolysis is not a quick fix. It takes weeks, even months before the full effect can be observed, and that frustrates some people.
- Mixed Results: Most people lose a relatively high percentage of fat, but a few will have mixed results depending on their body and where on the body they were treated. Others do not observe dramatic results as hoped.
- Side Effects: Temporary redness, swelling, bruising, or numbness are common side effects. On very rare occasions, patients have a paradoxical adipose hyperplasia in which the fat grows instead of shrinking.
Cryolipolysis vs. Other Fat Reduction Treatments
Cryolipolysis differs from other fat reduction treatments – liposuction, CoolSculpting, a name given to cryolipolysis, and injectable treatments such as Kybella. Cryolipolysis differs in that it isn’t a surgery. Liposuction works well but is a procedure, anesthesia is required, and the recovery is long. Injectables such as Kybella work well but like to treat small areas and must be injected repeatedly, so they’re not best for large areas that must be treated. Cryolipolysis is a compromise—non-surgical, effective, with little or no recovery.
Cryolipolysis Costs
The most significant disadvantage of comparing the pros and cons of cryolipolysis is its cost. Cryolipolysis cost can be tremendously diverse depending on an unlimited number of variables such as the site to be treated, the number of visits, and the location of the clinic.
The price per session will range between $600 to $1,500 for cryolipolysis, depending on the area size. The larger the area, such as an abdomen or a thigh, the more you will pay in comparison to small areas such as a chin or arms. And if you need more than a single session in order for you to be pleased with the impact you desire, then the price will be increased.
Although the upfront cost is greater, you need to consider long-term value. Cryolipolysis kills fat cells for good, so you will never need repeat sessions or treatments to maintain your results. In comparison to the price of surgery or liposuction, cryolipolysis will be less expensive for most, given that there is no downtime or recovery charge with surgery.
How Many Sessions of Cryolipolysis Are Needed?
The number of cryolipolysis treatments needed depends on the area, number of fat, and the desired result. The average patient will need 1 to 3 treatments per area, separated by several weeks, to be best conditioned.
For example, if you are treating the stomach, you would perhaps require one or two treatments on either side so that you see a drastic reduction in fat. If you are treating recalcitrant or bigger areas, however, you will require more than that.
Also, notice here that cryolipolysis is not a weight loss procedure; it’s for a person who’s already at or very close to his/her ideal body weight but who still has little areas of fat that just won’t disappear despite how much they exercise and diet.
Who Makes a Good Cryolipolysis Candidate?
Cryolipolysis would be ideal for an otherwise healthy patient with minor to moderate-sized fat pads whom he/she would prefer to slim down. It isn’t for the obese or for a person who would desire to lose an enormous quantity of weight. One must have reasonable expectations too, cryolipolysis can create a significant loss of fat, but isn’t a cure-all and won’t always give the dramatic change that surgery might.
Post-Treatment Care: How to Get the Best Out of It?
The proper aftercare is performed for a cryolipolysis treatment in order to obtain the best out of it. Here are the necessary steps:
- Hydration
Water intake in higher quantities pushes the dead fat cells out of your body, which accelerates the natural elimination process.
- Gentle Massage
Massage over the treated region is done softly so that increased blood flow helps break down the fat cells further and is easily removed from the body.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Avoid taking hot showers, saunas, or ice packs on the treated area to avoid inflammation or irritation.
- Stay Away from Heavy Exercise
Avoid heavy exercise whenever possible for 2-3 days after the treatment to avoid bruising or swelling on the treated area.
Following these precautions after the treatment, you will attain optimal fat loss and smoother and more sculpted cryolipolysis results.
Cryolipolysis for Different Skin Types and Tones
Cryolipolysis is effective on all skin colors and skin types, with customized results. This is how it adapts:
- Light to Medium Skin Tones
Cryolipolysis is especially effective for people with light to medium-skinned skin because the treatment specifically attacks the fat cells without damaging the skin whatsoever.
- Darker Skin Tones
Dark-skinned patients are also capable of receiving light cryolipolysis, though modifications in the level of cooling can be performed so that the skin is not overly sensitive.
- Sensitive Skin Types
Sensitive skin patients are treated by specialists with additional safeguards, such as applying a gel pad, to avoid irritation but achieve great results.
Cryolipolysis is compatible with many types of skin and pigmentation, a safe and efficient means of fat reduction for most.
Cryolipolysis and Other Cosmetic Procedures
Mixing cryolipolysis with other procedures may enhance your result, providing a more comprehensive body reshaping option. Here is how:
- Botox or Dermal Fillers
With facial areas like the double chin, complementing cryolipolysis with Botox or fillers can better delineate the jawline, giving it streamlined and smooth contours.
- Radiofrequency Treatments
Radiofrequency can be combined with cryolipolysis to tighten skin following fat reduction, giving the treated area improved overall texture and tightness.
- Liposuction
In certain cases, cryolipolysis is used as a follow-up treatment for liposuction to treat resistant fat zones and improve results.
Combining treatments with cryolipolysis enables you to attain your best cosmetic goals for slimmer, more toned results.
Real Experiences and Reviews
Many have noted positive results with cryolipolysis, such as gradual fat loss and improved body contours. Patients often comment on the simplicity of the procedure, no downtime, and natural-looking results.
But not everyone has dramatic effects. Some individuals just get minimal changes, and some have side effects like temporary bruising or pain. The same as with any cosmetic surgery, outcomes will differ depending on the individual’s body and the expertise of the practitioner.
Conclusion: Is Cryolipolysis Really Worth It?
Ultimately, the decision is yours regarding whether or not cryolipolysis is worth it. Having realistic expectations and realizing that results differ based on one’s body type and individual wishes is very important.
When considering cryolipolysis, consider the price, sessions, and potential for unbalanced results. Visiting an experienced practitioner who can assess your body type and goals will help you decide if cryolipolysis is right for you.
If you have diet- and exercise-resistant fat and would like to learn more about cryolipolysis yourself, why not get started? Book a consultation with an experienced practitioner to talk through what you hope to achieve, learn about personalized treatments, and feel the sensation of how this exciting technology can enable you to now have the body you have always dreamed of.
Are you ready to try something new in body sculpting? Make an appointment today and discover the path to greater confidence in yourself! Book Now
