Should we freeze fat in areas that do not reduce despite exercise? (Cryolipolysis)

You diet and exercise well, but there are some areas of your body that you just can't seem to get rid of, no matter how hard you try? For example, the fat deposits on your stomach, waist (love handles), upper arms, and under your chin. Today, we're talking about a method that can target fat in these hard-to-remove areas and remove it without surgery. This is called Cryolipolysis, or fat freezing.

What is Cryolipolysis?

Simply put, Cryolipolysis is a non-surgical fat reduction treatment. It uses extremely cold temperatures to reduce fat deposits in selected areas of the body. Keep in mind, this is not a treatment for obesity . It is designed to remove localized fat deposits that have not responded to exercise and diet. This technology is patented under the name CoolSculpting™.

How is this treatment performed?

This is a simple procedure that can be done in a doctor's office or outpatient clinic. You don't need to be sedated or anesthetized . It's done while you're fully conscious.

1. Preparation: First, the size and shape of the fat layer in the area to be treated are examined. Then, the area is marked with a skin marking pencil.

2. Application of the device: Next, a gel pad is placed over the area to protect your skin. Then, using a handheld device called an applicator , the layer of fat cells (`adipocytes`) beneath the skin is frozen. This device sucks in your fat layer like a vacuum.

3. Sensations: You may feel a pulling sensation as the fat is being sucked out by the device. Along with this, you may also feel extreme cold, numbness, tingling, and aching for the first 5-10 minutes. However, after a while, these sensations will disappear as the area becomes numb to the cold.

4. Treatment time: In this way, the fat layer is gradually cooled to the desired temperature (between -1°C and 4°C). It takes about an hour to treat one area.

5. After the treatment: Once the treatment is complete, remove the device and gently massage the area for 2-3 minutes. This will help break down the fat cells.

How are fat cells destroyed?

This technology is based on a very interesting scientific discovery: that fat cells are more sensitive to cold and more easily damaged than other cells, such as our skin cells .

At this time, cells called `Macrophages`, a type of white blood cell in our body's immune system, like garbage trucks, come to the site of damage and remove dead fat cells and other waste from the body.

How are the results? How long does it take?

Studies have shown that you can expect to see an average of 15% to 28% fat loss within 4 months of your first treatment. However, you may start to see results in as little as 3 weeks. It may take about 2 months to see full results.

Who should not have this treatment?

This is very important. Cryolipolysis is not suitable for everyone. If you are considering this treatment, you should definitely talk to your doctor about whether you have any of the conditions below.

This treatment is not suitable for the following people:

• For those with obesity .
• If the skin in the area to be treated is cut, injured , or has severe varicose veins .
• For pregnant or nursing mothers.
• For those who are hypersensitive to cold or cannot tolerate cold (cold intolerance) .

Conditions to be especially concerned about:

This treatment is very risky if you have the following medical conditions:

• `Raynaud's phenomenon`: A condition in which blood flow to the fingers is impaired when exposed to cold.
• Cryoglobulinemia: A condition in which abnormal proteins in the blood thicken in cold temperatures, blocking blood vessels.
• Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria: A rare autoimmune disease in which red blood cells are destroyed when exposed to cold.
• Cold urticaria: A condition in which red, itchy welts (hives) appear on the skin when exposed to cold.
• Cold agglutinin disease: A condition in which the body's immune system destroys its own red blood cells.
• Neurological diseases such as diabetes-related neuropathy.
• Skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis.

Possible side effects after treatment

After treatment, you can temporarily expect the following in the treated area:

• Pain or aches
• Numbness or tingling sensation of the skin
• Skin redness
• Swelling
• Skin discoloration or bruising
• Skin numbness or decreased sensitivity

These side effects can last from a few days to a few weeks. If you have pain, talk to your doctor about medications you can take.

More things to know

• Number of Treatments: If you have one problem area, you may be able to get it done in one treatment session. However, if you have multiple areas or need more treatments for the same area, you may need to have multiple sessions. You should work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan based on your goals.
• Cost: Since this is a cosmetic treatment, insurance coverage is not usually available. Costs vary depending on your goals and the number of areas treated.
• Professional Qualification: This is very important. This treatment should only be performed by a plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, or licensed dermatologist.