Everything you need to know about cryolipolysis, cold fat treatment
Dieting, sport, intermittent youth ... You've tried everything, but you just can't seem to get rid of those last little rolls of fat? Aesthetic medicine has seen some major innovations, and since 2012, the trend has been towards cryolipolysis . In the space of just a few years, this technique has won over many patients.
Losing fat without going under the knife couldn't be better for feeling better about yourself. But what does this new method involve, how does it work and what are the risks? We explain it all to you!
Cryolipolysis: Cold slimming
Cryolipolysis comes from 3 Greek words: Cryo for "cold", lipo for "fat" and lyse meaning "destruction". Literally, it translates as the destruction of fat by extreme temperatures.
This is a crystallization-based slimming method that acts directly on fat cells or adipocytes. These are killed by very low temperatures, and then evacuated by the lymphatic system. After the treatment, the fat layer becomes thinner and the skin smoother.
The treatment is carried out using a special machine called Déléo's Crystal Pro. Equipped with suction cup applicators and temperature measurement instruments, it can go down to -12°C, to destroy fat cells without risk of burns.
Cryolypolysis acts in a localized way, as it is performed only in specific areas.
Who can benefit from cryolypolysis?
The procedure is aimed at all those who wish to eliminate their bulges, or reshape their figure without undergoing surgery. Cryolipolysis is aimed at both men and women who have tried everything to get rid of stubborn fat cells, but have been unable to do so. Here, the destruction of fat by gel can be an excellent alternative to liposuction or other major surgical procedures.
However, if you're considering cryolipolysis, don't expect to magically lose all your kilos using this method. While it may help reduce the unsightly appearance of your bulges, it's no substitute for a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
The areas concerned
All areas with excess fat can be targeted with cryolipolysis. The most frequently treated areas are :
The belly
Love handles
Thighs
Saddlebags
Knees
The double chin
The hips
Size
Note also that it is possible to target several layers of fat in a single session. In this case, the practitioner will apply his or her fee on the basis of the number of areas treated.
The first consultation
A first appointment is always essential before proceeding with the treatment. The purpose of this interview is to carry out a clinical examination, which will determine whether or not the patient is eligible for cryolipolysis. If the aesthetic physician identifies any contraindications, the patient will be informed, and can no longer proceed.
After a series of examinations, and once these have proved conclusive, the practitioner moves on to a decisive stage: inspection of the fat to be removed. The doctor will determine whether or not the fatty mass can be aspirated by the applicator. He will also take this opportunity to provide the patient with further information about the procedure, any side effects and the results obtained. If necessary, the healthcare professional can suggest a specialized nutrition program to complement the effects of cryolipolysis.
How does a session work?
The cryolipolysis session can begin as early as the second appointment with the aesthetic physician. It generally lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the area to be treated, and is carried out in a few simple steps.
To begin with, the doctor will take pre-treatment measurements and photos of you and your weight. A protective gel is then applied to the area to be treated, to optimize patient comfort and facilitate the suction process afterwards. Once this is done, the practitioner will place one or more applicators on the affected areas. These are then gradually lowered to -10° Celsius, to crystallize and destroy the fat cells. In some cases, the applicators can emit temperatures as low as -12°. If necessary, the practitioner will perform a two-minute massage to break up the cooled layer of fat, allowing it to evacuate more rapidly. However, this step is not mandatory.
It's important to remember that the effects are not immediate, as the destroyed cells are eliminated over the course of several weeks. The visible effects of cryolipolysis can be seen just a few weeks after the session.
Post-procedure follow-up
Pain
Contrary to what one might imagine, a cryolipolysis session is painless, as the patient is naturally anesthetized by the cooling process. However, a few cases have been reported during cryolipolysis sessions. Itching, tingling, sensitivity to touch and numbness may indeed occur in some people, but this remains very rare.
What results can you expect?
Cryolipolysis removes 30% of fat thickness, with satisfactory but less radical results than liposuction. In the space of a few months, patients can lose many centimetres, refine their silhouette, eliminate bulges and reduce cellulite, all without cosmetic surgery!
As the weeks go by, the patient will see his or her figure evolve, and will gradually rid themselves of excess fat. A definitive result is obtained in 3 months, and a further session can be performed if necessary to eliminate the remaining fat cells.
How much does treatment cost?
The price of the treatment depends not only on the area to be treated, but also on the aesthetic practice chosen. As a general rule, cryolipolysis costs around €500, bearing in mind that it is possible to treat several areas in a single session. It's also worth noting that this treatment is not reimbursed by Social Security, as it is purely an aesthetic procedure.
Risks and contraindications:
Although non-invasive, this method is not for everyone. As with any procedure that may involve danger to mother and child, this practice should absolutely be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Similarly, minors are not eligible for cryolipolysis. Finally, some people with certain medical conditions should not undergo the procedure. These include people with Raynaud's syndrome. Those suffering from hernias, skin lesions or individuals who have had recent surgery on the area concerned are not eligible for cryolipolysis.
Common side effects
Slight sensations of discomfort, even aches and pains, may occur after a session. Edema, accompanied by redness, may also appear on the affected area. However, these discomforts disappear after a few days.
Other rarer side effects
In rarer cases, the patient may experience other complications such as erythema, ecchymosis, frostbite, paradoxical hyperplasia or burns. In any case, these side effects are rare.
To conclude
Cryolipolysis is becoming increasingly popular in France, thanks to its non-invasive nature and highly satisfactory results. Using temperatures below -10° to lose localized fat, it is a good alternative to liposuction, since it produces the same effects without the need for anesthesia or incisions. A session lasts an average of 60 minutes, and is painless, making it ideal for those looking for a fast, effective way to eliminate rolls, love handles and excess fat.
It should be pointed out, however, that this method has contraindications, and must be closely monitored to avoid the risk of more or less serious side effects. Finally, cryolipolysis is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, but rather a complement to a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Origin
The practice was born of a simple observation made by doctors on children suffering from toothache. The story began in 1970, when health professionals noticed that children who were advised to eat ice cream to relieve toothache were developing increasingly deep dimples. Doctors began to question the possible link between low temperatures and fat. Ten years later, further studies were carried out by researcher Rox Anderson and Dr. Manstein, both working at Harvard University. After a great deal of research, the two scientists were able to identify a real interaction between fat cells and temperature, and thus this revolutionary practice was born! Since then, aesthetic doctors and beauty salons have had their eyes on this non-surgical practice.
What are the differences with whole-body cryotherapy?
Both are used in the medical field, but the two processes are very different. While cryoolypolysis aims to refine and eliminate fatty deposits, cryotherapy is used to treat muscular pain. Today, cryotherapy is mainly used by top-level athletes who have suffered injuries as a result of intensive training. Recently, cryotherapy has also been used to accelerate weight loss. Although this is not the primary objective of the process, exposing the body to extreme temperatures forces it to draw on its fat reserves to warm up. In this way, cryotherapy can be used to shed a few unwanted kilos on the basis of an operation that acts across the board.