Fat freezing (cryolipolysis): Everything you need to know

coolsculpting

Fat freezing, scientifically known as cryolipolysis, has become one of the most popular non-invasive methods for fat reduction. The innovative technique uses controlled cooling to eliminate fat cells and reduce fat in target areas, all without the need for surgery, needles, or special diets.

Understanding fat freezing: the basics

Fat freezing treatments, such as CoolSculpting Elite, work by freezing fat cells in specific areas, which eventually leads to their natural death. Over time, the body naturally metabolises and removes these dead cells, leading to reduced fat in the targeted region.

Once fat has been naturally removed by the body, the fat cells are gone for good. So, providing you continue to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle, the results of fat freezing can last for years to come.

Where does fat freezing work best?

Cryolipolysis allows for targeted fat reduction, meaning that it can be used to treat specific areas. With state-of-the-art treatments like CoolSculpting Elite, the curved applicator is designed to contour the body’s natural curves and is able to emit fat freezing technology in a range of areas.

Most commonly, fat freezing works best on the abdomen and flanks (belly fat), thighs, back, bra area, underneath the buttocks, upper arms, hips, and chin.

The fat freezing procedure

During the procedure, a practitioner will move an applicator over the area of fatty tissue which emits fat freezing technology and cools the fat cells. This isn’t usually painful, but some people may feel a slight pressure or cold sensation in the first few minutes, which tends to subside. Most people are able to relax during treatment.

The duration of each treatment can vary depending on the size of the area being treated, but generally each treatment lasts about an hour.

How many sessions of fat freezing are needed?

Some people may need one or two sessions per treatment area, whereas others might need more. It all depends on the size and areas being treated.

What aftercare is involved with fat freezing?

Because of the non-invasive nature of the procedure, fat freezing requires minimal downtime, unlike traditional fat reduction methods like liposuction or a tummy tuck. Most people can return to normal activities right after treatment.

Some people have some minor side effects such as bruising, tingling, or numbness on the treated area but this is temporary and will settle completely.

When will the results become visible?

As the body begins to break fat cells down and naturally flush them out of your system, results will begin to show. The most dramatic results – up to a 25% fat reduction – tend to be seen around three to six months after treatment.

The pros and cons of fat freezing

Like every cosmetic treatment, there are a range of pros and cons to consider with fat freezing:

Cons

Pros

So, does fat freezing actually work?

Using the most advanced fat freezing technology, CoolSculpting Elite, we are able to offer up to a 25% reduction in fat cells per treatment. Some people also go on to have a further fat freezing treatment in the same area, which can produce a further 25% fat reduction.

But don’t just take our word for it, see what a recent patient of ours has to say:

“I started to get frustrated with how my contour was changing after losing a significant amount of weight. My back suffered from dreaded bra-overhanging and I started to opt for larger clothes, which isn’t what I wanted. I exercise regularly but those little pockets of fat wouldn’t shift, so I turned to CoolSculpting.

“I was nervous, but knew that CoolSculpting was FDA approved and has great results. I’ve also had procedures at Health & Aesthetics before and had every confidence they would get the very best results.

“The treatment itself was surprisingly comfortable and relaxing. It wasn’t painful – just cold for the first 5 minutes. It lasted for 35 minutes each cycle and I had a total of 6 cycles to give me tailored results. With the modern CoolSculpting Elite machines, I could have two cycles done at once making it much quicker too.”

The results

“The next day it felt a touch bruised and swollen, but this only lasted for about 4 weeks or so. A month after treatment I was already starting to get some results and felt completely back to normal. Twelve weeks after treatment I was thrilled when I saw my final photos. My back looked much more contoured and had significantly diminished in size. I’m so pleased that I’ve now decided to get my stomach treated!”

Ready to learn more about fat freezing?

At Health & Aesthetics, we are proud to offer CoolSculpting Elite, an FDA approved and advanced form of fat freezing. Our team of practitioners are experienced and highly skilled in cryolipolysis and maintain the highest industry standards in terms of patient care, safety, and satisfaction.

We’re here to answer any questions you may have and get you started on your fat reduction journey. Learn more about CoolSculpting Elite and book a consultation with our team today!

Dr Rekha Tailor

Dr. Rekha Tailor, founder and Medical Director of Health & Aesthetics, is an esteemed Medical Aesthetic Practitioner and General Practitioner, educated at Manchester Medical School. With a career spanning NHS hospitals and general practice, she shifted to full-time aesthetic medicine in 2005. Known for her natural results and gentle approach, she is a member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine and the Royal College of General Practitioners. Her dedication to excellence is reflected in numerous awards, highlighting her clinic as a leader in aesthetic treatments​​.