If you are looking for a way to get rid of stubborn fat that does not respond to diet and exercise, you may have heard of a revolutionary freeze fat treatment called fat freezing. Fat freezing, also known as cryolipolysis, is a non-surgical procedure that uses cold temperature to reduce fat deposits in certain areas of the body. It is not intended for people with obesity, but for those who want to improve the shape and contour of their body. In this article, we will explain what fat freezing is, how it works, what are the benefits and risks, and what you can expect from the treatment.

video by Pulse Light Clinic London

What is fat freezing?

Fat freezing is the brand name for a fat-reducing method that uses a device called CoolSculpting™. The device holds the part of your body that you want to treat between two paddles that cool down the freezing fat cells to a temperature that destroys them. The fat cells are then gradually eliminated by your body’s natural processes over a period of several weeks or months. The freeze fat treatment can target various areas of the body, such as the chin, arms, thighs, abdomen, flanks, back, and buttocks. The treatment is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has been used by millions of people worldwide.

How does fat freezing work?

The technique is based on the finding that fat cells are more sensitive to cold than other cells, such as skin cells. When the fat cells are exposed to a certain temperature, they undergo a process called apoptosis, which means programmed cell death. The dead fat cells are then recognized by the immune system and cleared out by the lymphatic system. The result is a reduction in the thickness and volume of the fat layer in the treated area.

What are the benefits of fat freezing?

Fat freezing offers several advantages over other methods of fat reduction, such as:

• It is non-invasive and does not require any incisions, injections, or anesthesia. It is performed with a handheld device that glides over your skin, delivering controlled cooling to the fat cells.
• It is effective and consistent. Studies have shown that fat freezing can reduce the fat layer by 20% to 25% in the treated area after one session. The results are visible and lasting, as the fat cells are permanently destroyed and do not regenerate.
•  It is safe and comfortable. The device has built-in sensors that monitor the temperature and adjust the cooling accordingly to prevent skin damage or frostbite. The treatment is well-tolerated by most patients, who may feel some pulling, tugging, or mild cold sensation during the procedure, but no pain or discomfort afterward.
• It is convenient and practical. The treatment takes about 35 minutes to an hour per area, depending on the size and shape of the fat deposit. You can resume your normal activities immediately after the treatment, as there is no downtime or recovery time required.

What are the risks and side effects of fat freezing?

Fat freezing is generally safe and effective when done by a qualified professional. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, there are some potential risks and side effects that you should be aware of, such as:

• Pain or discomfort: You may feel some pain or discomfort during or after the treatment, depending on your pain tolerance and the type of device used. Your professional may apply a numbing cream or a cooling gel to reduce the sensation. You may also take some over-the-counter painkillers if needed.
• Redness or swelling: You may experience some redness or swelling in the treated area for a few hours or days after the treatment. This is normal and should subside on its own. You can apply some ice packs or soothing creams to ease the inflammation.
• Blistering or scarring: In rare cases, you may develop some blisters or scars in the treated area due to excessive cooling or infection. This can be prevented by following proper aftercare instructions and avoiding sun exposure. If you notice any signs of infection, such as pus, fever, or increased pain, contact your professional immediately.
•  Changes in skin color: You may notice some changes in your skin color after the treatment, such as darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation). This is more likely to occur if you have darker skin tones or if you expose your skin to the sun before or after the treatment. This can be minimized by using sunscreen and avoiding tanning products.
•  Paradoxical fat hyperplasia: In very rare cases, you may experience an increase in the number of fat cells in the treated area instead of a decrease. This is a condition called paradoxical fat hyperplasia, which occurs more often in men than in women. The cause of this condition is unknown, and it may require surgical intervention to correct.

How to prepare for fat freezing?

To prepare for your fat freezing treatment, you should follow these steps:

Consult with your professional: 

Before you book your appointment, you should consult with your professional about your medical history, skin type, hair color, and expectations. They will assess your suitability for the treatment and recommend the best type of device and treatment plan for you. They will also explain the treatment, the risks, and the aftercare instructions.

Avoid sun exposure: 

You should avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks before and after your treatment. Sun exposure can increase the risk of skin damage, pigmentation changes, and infection. You should also avoid tanning products, such as creams, sprays, or beds.

Shave your hair: 

You should shave your hair in the area to be treated 24 hours before your treatment. This will help the device target the fat cells more effectively and reduce the risk of burning or irritation. Do not wax, pluck, or bleach your hair, as this will remove the fat cells and make the treatment ineffective.

Clean your skin: 

You should clean your skin with mild soap and water before your treatment. This will remove any dirt, oil, or residue that may interfere with the device. Do not apply any deodorant, perfume, lotion, or makeup on your skin.

Wear comfortable clothing:

 You should wear loose-fitting and breathable clothing on the day of your treatment. This will help you feel more comfortable and prevent friction or irritation on your skin.

How to care for your skin after fat freezing?

To care for your skin after fat freezing, you should follow these tips:

Apply ice packs or cooling gels: 

You may apply ice packs or cooling gels to your skin as needed to reduce pain, swelling, or redness. Do not use hot compresses or heating pads, as this may worsen the inflammation.

Moisturize your skin: 

You may moisturize your skin with a gentle and fragrance-free lotion or cream to soothe and hydrate your skin. Do not use alcohol-based or harsh products, as this may dry out or irritate your skin.

Protect your skin from the sun: 

You should protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day. You should also avoid direct sun exposure for at least two weeks after your treatment. Sun exposure can cause skin damage, pigmentation changes, and infection.

Avoid shaving or waxing: 

You should avoid shaving or waxing your skin for at least two weeks after your treatment. Shaving or waxing can cause irritation, ingrown hairs, or infection. You may notice some hair shedding or falling out in the treated area; this is normal and part of the process.

Follow up with your professional: 

You should follow up with your professional as scheduled to monitor your progress and results. They will advise you on when to book your next session and how to maintain your smooth and clear skin.

Conclusion

Fat freezing is a revolutionary treatment that uses cold temperature to reduce fat deposits in certain areas of the body. It is a non-surgical procedure that is safe, effective, and convenient. It can help you improve the shape and contour of your body by eliminating stubborn fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. However, not all fat freezing treatments are the same. There are different types of devices that work in different ways and have different effects on the skin. To help you choose the best fat freezing treatment for your needs, we have explained what fat freezing is, how it works, what are the benefits and risks, and what you can expect from the treatment.