Do you have stubborn excess fat that refuses to go away no matter how much you diet or exercise?
Rather than to ramp up your efforts, perhaps there is a better way.
Otherwise known as cryolipolysis, which literally translates into cold (cryo) fat (lipo) destruction (lysis), fat freeze is a powerful procedure that utilizes cold temperatures to reduce fat deposits in various areas of the body.
It is an FDA-approved procedure that can be used to treat under the chin, upper arms, inner and outer thighs, stomach, love handles, back and under the buttocks.
As compared to liposuction–which until recently has been the go-to procedure for those who want to see dramatic fat loss, fat freezing is a much safer, minimally-invasive and effective technique to target your “problem areas”
With many of us staying at home and being less active than before, you might realize that your jeans may not fit as well as they used to–causing a dip in confidence levels.
But before you book your appointment, here is what you need to know about fat freezing.
The science behind fat freezing
It is important to understand that not all fat is created equal.
There are two main types of cells in our body: subcutaneous fat and visceral fat, and cryolipolysis mainly targets the subcutaneous fat.
We are all born with a certain amount of fat cells and fat distribution which shrink and grow when we lose or gain weight. However, we will always have the same amount of fat cells, which could explain why some people find it difficult to lose weight in certain areas.
To get rid of fat deposits for good, the best option is to undergo fat freezing. can only really permanently remove them with procedures such as fat freezing.
Cryolipolysis was initially discovered by observing what happens when kids eat ice popsicles. It was discovered that something called “cold-induced fat necrosis” occurs, resulting in more fat degradation in the cheeks of the children who ate a lot of ice pops.
Using this same concept, a cooling device was then tested on pigs and the results were promising. By 2010, the technology was cleared by the FDA for use in patients.
A 2015 review published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery analyzed 19 studies on fat freezing and discovered that people lost an average of 14.67–28.5% of fat in treated areas. This is compared to a 10.3–25.5% reduction when using other fat reduction methods such as ultrasound.
Studies have shown that fat freezing reduces subcutaneous fat at the treatment area by up to 25% after one treatment, with improvements seen in 86% of patients.
Given that fat cells are more susceptible to damage from cold temperatures, freezing them triggers an inflammatory response in the body that results in them crystallizing and dying.
It is proven that fat cells are more susceptible to damage from cold temperatures, specifically within the range of -11 to +5 °C. The fat cells that are exposed to such temperatures become injured and triggers an inflammatory response in the body, resulting in them crystallizing and dying.
Within a few weeks of treatment, the dead fat cells are then naturally broken by the body and flushed out via the lymphatic system.
Here are 6 most asked questions about fat freeze treatment.
#1: Will I lose weight with fat freezing?
There is a huge misconception that fat freezing will result in weight loss. This is not true.
It is important to note that fat freezing is ultimately a fat loss NOT weight loss procedure.
The weight of the fat cells that are destroyed may not add up to much on the weighing scale, but you will be able to notice physical changes in your body to achieve a more streamlined figure.
#2: What does the procedure entail?
The main goal of cryolipolysis is to freeze the areas that you want to destroy fat cells.
During your treatment, our doctor will first assess the size and shape of your fat deposits. A special handheld device is then used to suck and draw in the fatty tissues to start the freezing process.
You might feel a tugging or pulling sensation as the device is applied to the skin that the majority of patients are able to tolerate well. At the end of your treatment, our doctor will also perform a quick massage to help with the numbness and mild swelling.
The results of each patient will vary depending on the size of your fat cells, lifestyle habits and how your body naturally responds to the treatment.
This treatment is an out-patient procedure and no anaesthesia is required, meaning to say that you can go about your daily activities as per normal. The device that we use at our clinic also allows us to treat multiple areas at the same time, and it roughly takes 35–60 minutes to complete the entire treatment.
Studies and clinical trials have shown that 9 out of 10 people saw a reduction in the treatment area 12 weeks after they underwent the cryolipolysis process.
The majority of our patients will see results within 8–12 weeks post-treatment and depending on the size of your fat cells and the number of areas you want to treat, you may require anywhere from 2–3 treatment sessions to reach your goals.
#3: Are there any side effects of the procedure?
It is normal to experience localized redness, bruising, swelling and numbness at the treatment site. This can last for a few days or up to two weeks and is likely due to the intense cold temperatures that your skin is being exposed to.
However, we would like to assure you that fat freezing is a completely safe treatment and there is nothing to worry about. Researchers from the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery publication have indicated that are no major health risks associated with the procedure. Because fat cells are more temperature-sensitive than your skin, this treatment will also not harm the surrounding tissues.
There is a rare side effect of fat freezing known as paradoxical adipose hyperplasia–a phenomenon that occurs when the fat cells in the treatment area grow larger rather than smaller.
Although doctors aren’t sure why this occurs, it is as we said, a rare occurrence (less than 1% of cases)
#4: Who is the perfect candidate for fat freezing?
Cryolipolysis is ideal for those who have pockets of body fat that are stubborn–this includes anyone with a BMI of 30 or below and those who are already close to their ideal body weight but with pinchable areas of fat that are difficult to get rid of with diet and exercise alone.
Fat freezing is not ideal for patients who are obese, suffer from skin problems, currently pregnant or have poor skin elasticity. If you are looking for faster and more dramatic results in one session, liposuction may be the right option for you.
Otherwise, fat freezing is safe for both men and women of all skin types.
#5: What can I do to maximize my results?
It is highly recommended that you do your best to maintain your weight by eating a healthy and nutritious diet and staying physically active. Ensuring that you are well-hydrated also helps flush out the fat cells.
Especially during the first 8 weeks after your treatment, it is important to maintain a healthy weight to prevent new fat cells from returning to the treatment area.
At the end of the day, fat freezing is NOT a magical treatment and NOT a substitute for a healthy diet or regular exercise.
However, it is a great starting point for those who are willing to put in the effort to manage your weight to maintain your results in the long run. Seeing results may also help motivate and push you to continue living a healthier lifestyle.
We also highly recommend complementing your treatment with skin tightening solutions such as radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasound treatments, both of which we offer at our clinic. In contrast to cryolipolysis, these treatments use controlled heat energy to stimulate collagen and tighten loose and saggy skin.
#6: Is fat freezing permanent?
Yes, your results are meant to be permanent. This is because unlike other traditional weight loss methods, the fat cells are completely destroyed, rather than shrunk down.
Some patients may decide to come for multiple follow-up sessions after 6–8 weeks of the first treatment to further boost their results.
Z-Lipo
We use the Z-lipo technology and device that comes in three sizes to treat multiple areas. The device uses a pulsating action to increase the positive effect on lymphatic drainage and metabolism before the actual freezing even begins.
A non-invasive, effective and reliable treatment to reduce fat cells by up to 25% in one session, the unique difference of Z-lipo lies in its unique applicators that allows multiple areas to be treated at the same time!
Our doctors can also help assess your body fat and weight to recommend a weight management program and treatment plan that promises results in every visit!
Ultimately, it is important to work with a doctor with great fat freeze reviews and years of experience working with a wide range of patients. Our doctors have over 40 years of combined experience in the aesthetics industry that includes acne scar treatment and stretch mark removal as well!
It’s time to leave behind the stress of achieving your ideal body and battle the bulge once and for all–contact us to book an appointment today!