Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis (commonly referred to as "fat freezing") is a non-invasive procedure for fat removal that uses extreme cold to freeze subcutaneous adipose tissue in specific areas of the body. This process aims to reduce localized fat deposits.[1][2][3]

Cryolipolysis is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating several areas, including the submental area, jawline, arms, lumbar rolls, flanks, abdomen, thighs, and under the buttocks.[1]

The term "cryolipolysis" is often used interchangeably with brand names like CoolSculpting, which is one of the most well-known implementations of this technology.[4][2]

Effectiveness

Studies have shown that cryolipolysis is modestly effective in reducing localized fat. A 2015 systematic review of 19 studies found average reductions in skinfold thickness ranging from 10.3% to 28.5%, with high levels of patient satisfaction.[5] A 2023 review of 18 studies reported average reductions in fat thickness of 2.0 to 5.1 mm as measured by ultrasound, concluding that the procedure is safe and modestly effective, though the quality of available data was considered low.[2]

Adverse Effects

Common side effects include redness (erythema), numbness, swelling, bruising, and mild pain, typically resolving within weeks.[2][5] Rare but more serious complications include paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), a reaction where fat in the treated area enlarges instead of reducing.[6] PAH occurs in a small percentage of cases, with rates reported between 0.12% and 1.0% depending on the study.[2][7] Treatment options for PAH include surgical liposuction or abdominoplasty.[6]

Development

Cryolipolysis technology was developed and introduced in the United States in 2010 by Zeltiq Aesthetics, later acquired by Allergan Aesthetics in 2017.[8][9]

References

1. Kania B, Goldberg DJ (November 2023). "Cryolipolysis: A promising nonsurgical technique for localized fat reduction". J Cosmet Dermatol. 22 (Suppl 3): 1–7. doi:10.1111/jocd.16039. PMID 37988716.
2. Hetzel J, Awad N, Bhupalam V, Nestor M (November 2023). "Cryolipolysis in the United States-Review of the clinical data". J Cosmet Dermatol. 22 (Suppl 3): 8–14. doi:10.1111/jocd.16029. PMID 37988714.
3. "Cryolipolysis is the process of freezing fat". www.uclahealth.org. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
4. Derrick CD, Shridharani SM, Broyles JM (September 2015). "The Safety and Efficacy of Cryolipolysis: A Systematic Review of Available Literature". Aesthet Surg J. 35 (7): 830–6. doi:10.1093/asj/sjv039. PMID 26038367.
5. Ingargiola MJ, Motakef S, Chung MT, Vasconez HC, Sasaki GH (June 2015). "Cryolipolysis for fat reduction and body contouring: safety and efficacy of current treatment paradigms". Plast Reconstr Surg. 135 (6): 1581–1590. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000001236. PMC 4444424. PMID 26017594.
6. Cox EA, Nichols DS, Riklan JE, Pomputius A, Mehta SD, Mast BA, Furnas H, Canales F, Sorice-Virk S (December 2022). "Characteristics and Treatment of Patients Diagnosed With Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia After Cryolipolysis: A Case Series and Scoping Review". Aesthet Surg J. 42 (12): NP763 – NP774. doi:10.1093/asj/sjac219. PMID 35961054.
7. Stroumza N, Gauthier N, Senet P, Moguelet P, Nail Barthelemy R, Atlan M (March 2018). "Paradoxical Adipose Hypertrophy (PAH) After Cryolipolysis". Aesthet Surg J. 38 (4): 411–417. doi:10.1093/asj/sjx159. PMID 29145587.
8. Krueger N, Mai SV, Luebberding S, Sadick NS (2014). "Cryolipolysis for noninvasive body contouring: clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction". Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 7: 201–5. doi:10.2147/CCID.S44371. PMC 4107833. PMID 25061326.
9. "Allergan completes acquisition of ZELTIQ Aesthetics, CoolSculpting". Healio. 2017-04-28.