One of the latest developments in non-invasive body shaping technologies is cryogenic lipolysis, also known as cryolipolysis. Lipolysis is the process of the fat cell death and subsequent elimination from the body through the natural actions of the lymphatic system. Specifically cryolipolysis uses cold temperatures to achieve this.
Given that the other three predominant technologies in non-invasive fat reduction (RF, laser and ultrasound) all rely on heating the fat cells to induce the desired lipolysis, cryolipolysis is unique and a nearly polar opposite approach to these prevalent technologies in the field.
While RF, ultrasound and laser devices used in body shaping heat the fat cells to ultimately kill them, cryolipolysis brings the fat cell’s temperature down almost to freezing to illicit a similar response. Once the cells have been taken down to nearly freezing temperatures, many of them die. The dead fat cells are eliminated from the body naturally, and as a result the treated area will show a reduction in the volume of fat – translation: a slimmer waistline, belly, love handles, etc.
Like body shaping treatments using RF or laser energy-based devices, treatments using cold temperatures to create cryolipolysis must be repeated several times over a period of months to show the best results. This is because only a small amount of fat cells will be forced into lipolysis during each treatment, and also because the body’s natural process of eliminating the dead fat cells takes time to complete. Patient discomfort is along the same level as RF treatments – so less painful than similar ultrasound body shaping techniques. As with all such treatments, each patient’s body is unique and will react differently to the procedure, with more or less pain and more or less reduction in fat volume.