The Method Cryolipolysis: What Is It And What Is It For?
The cryolipolysis method is a procedure to remove localized fat from the body when diet and exercise are not enough to achieve this. It is especially indicated for those who have fat but do not show a high level of obesity.
Cryolipolysis is currently one of the most widely used methods of shaping the body. It stands out because it is a non-invasive procedure that only uses cold and a vacuum system to achieve its purposes. Also, it is remarkably effective.
This procedure must be performed in a specialized center and with highly qualified personnel. Although it does not involve any risk or have any side effects, it does require knowledge and expertise to be done properly.
What is the method cryolipolysis?
The cryolipolysis method is a non-invasive procedure to remove excess fat by applying cold. It has been shown to be very effective in reducing fat layers, and it does not damage either the skin or the surrounding tissue.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University in Boston (USA) developed this method. The goal of this treatment is to destroy fat cells or adipocytes by lowering the temperature until they are broken down and eliminated.
Cryolipolysis was created as an alternative method of liposuction and laser lipolysis. It has similar effects, but is much safer. The method is not effective in sedentary people or those who have an unhealthy diet.
How does the cryolipolysis method work?
Fat cells have a large number of fatty acids, and this makes them very sensitive to cold. When frozen, they become virtually crystallized or “dead”. Then they are gradually broken down and your body eliminates them through the urine.
If you maintain a proper diet and exercise regularly, fat will not accumulate in the treated area again since adipocytes are not reproduced spontaneously. Therefore, this method is very effective as long as you meet these conditions.
The treatment is painless since the cold numbs the treatment area. Researchers estimate that between 15 and 40% of the treated area can be removed in a single session.
You begin to notice the first changes three weeks after the first session. Doctors can only treat one area at a time and the number of sessions depends on body to body.
The cryolipolysis procedure
Before performing cryolipolysis , a specialist must determine if the treatment is appropriate for each person’s particular case. During the assessment, they will measure the fat build-up to determine the temperature range they will use.
Each cryolipolysis session lasts between one and two hours. You do not need anesthesia and you can sit while it is going on. You also do not have to sit still while performing the procedure.
- First, they put a multi-layer piece of cloth on the treatment area, as a kind of protection.
- Then they place the machine in the same area and they begin the suction process while freezing the adipocytes.
- When they are done with that part, the specialist must massage the area to dissolve the frozen fat crystals which are then eliminated by the body.
The procedure usually takes between one to three sessions, with one month intervals between each session.
Benefits and contraindications
Cryolipolysis has great advantages over other procedures, where the first is that it does not require anesthesia and does not involve incisions or the use of needles. In the same way, it does not damage the skin and allows you to recover quickly after each session. Furthermore, the results are permanent (with proper care).
The side effects of this procedure are minimal. Basically, they include redness of the skin in the treated area and a feeling of tight skin after finishing the session. Only in a few cases do bruising, tingling, numbness or cramps appear .
As we mentioned above, this procedure is not suitable for overweight people or those with large fat accumulations. Doctors also do not recommend it to pregnant or breastfeeding women, patients with chronic conditions or minors.
Finally, experts recommend that one should not perform this procedure during menstruation.
