Index
- What is cryolipolysis?
- Why is it performed?
- What is cryolipolysis?
- Preparation for cryolipolysis
- Care after the procedure
What is cryolipolysis?
Cryolipolysis is a minimally invasive treatment or procedure to eliminate body fat through the application of cold. The method is used with a plate-shaped device that is applied to the skin, cooling the adipocytes or fat cells and eliminating them through lipolysis, breaking their chemical bonds. It is a less invasive treatment than liposuction, as well as less risky for the patient.
It is a comfortable procedure for the patient, since no anesthesia or pain medication is necessary and while it is being performed, the patient can read or even sleep. It is usually performed on very localized fat areas such as the hips, abdomen, thighs, arms, jowls, flanks, buttocks, neck or knees.
In cryolipolysis, body fat is eliminated by applying cold
through the application of cold
Why is it performed?
Cryolipolysis is performed in those patients who want to reduce their body fat with visible and natural results, without having to undergo an invasive treatment. Specifically, it is especially recommended for patients who are not particularly obese, but who have localized fat in some parts of the body that is difficult to eliminate with diet or exercise.
It is important to emphasize that it is not a treatment to treat obesity and it is not an alternative to liposuction, although it does reduce localized fat significantly.
What does it consist of?
Fat cells are, by nature, more vulnerable to the effect of cold than other adjacent tissues, hence, when cold is applied, only adipocytes are affected. Thus, during the process, an external applicator (non-invasive) delivers cold in a controlled manner to the patient’s fat accumulation areas, eliminating the fat cells in a natural and completely painless way.
By applying cold to the adipocytes, the natural process of cell death is accelerated. Subsequently, the fat cells in the treated area are eliminated naturally by other cells (macrophages), which remove them definitively. In this way the fat layer is gradually reduced.
It is a treatment that usually lasts one hour in consultation, depending on the area to be treated and the needs of each patient, which will be assessed by the specialist. In most cases 1-3 sessions are enough.
The fat reduction starts to be noticed after 15 days and the maximum thickness loss will be achieved in the next 2 to 4 months. Approximately 5 to 7mm of fat thickness reduction per session.
Preparation for cryolipolysis
No special preparation is necessary for cryolipolysis, as it is a totally painless and non-invasive treatment for the patient.
Only in the case of treating the abdomen, it is advisable not to eat anything during the two hours prior to the session.
Care after the procedure
No special care is necessary after the intervention, so the patient can resume normal activity immediately after the treatment, including work and sports. It is also recommended to drink between 1.5-2 liters of water to help the body eliminate the destroyed fat cells, as well as it is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits such as a balanced diet and physical exercise per week.
After cryolipolysis the patient may experience redness, bruising, tightness and cramping or numbness in the areas that have been treated. Most symptoms usually disappear after a few hours.