Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis is a non-surgical medical treatment designed to reduce localised fat deposits by means of the controlled application of cold.

Fat cells (adipocytes) are especially sensitive to low temperatures. When exposed to controlled cooling, they undergo a natural process of progressive elimination by the body, without damaging the skin or the neighbouring tissues.

Cryolipolysis is not a treatment to lose weight, but to improve the body contour in people with localised fat.

The applicator performs a suction of the adipose tissue and cools it in a controlled way for a set time. This cold induces a programmed cell death (apoptosis) of part of the adipocytes.

Subsequently, the body gradually eliminates these cells by means of the natural mechanisms of cleaning and repair, during the following weeks and months.

Once eliminated, the adipocytes do not regenerate again, although the remaining fat cells can increase in size if there is a significant increase in weight.

Cryolipolysis is indicated to reduce localised fat in people with a relatively stable weight. It can help to improve:

• Abdomen.
• Flanks (“love handles”).
• Waist.
• Back.
• Inner thighs.
• Outer thighs.
• Arms.
• Double chin, with equipment specifically designed for this area.

It is not indicated to treat obesity.

It may be indicated in people who:

• Present localised fat resistant to diet and exercise.
• Maintain a relatively stable weight.
• Seek to improve the body contour without surgery.
• Wish to avoid a liposuction.

The medical assessment will make it possible to confirm whether the tissue is adequate for this treatment.

Cryolipolysis may not be adequate in people with:

• Significant obesity.
• Hernias in the treatment area.
• Diseases related to cold sensitivity.
• Pregnancy.
• Active infections or skin lesions.
• Certain medical diseases that the specialist will assess during the consultation.

After marking the area to be treated, a protective membrane is placed on the skin and subsequently the applicator of the equipment.

The device performs a slight suction while progressively cooling the adipose tissue.

The session usually lasts between 35 and 70 minutes, depending on the equipment and the treated area. At the end, a massage of the area can be performed to favour the treatment.

It is frequent to present for a few days:

• Redness.
• Sensation of numbness.
• Mild inflammation.
• Local sensitivity.
• Small bruises from the suction.

These effects usually disappear spontaneously. Most patients can immediately resume their usual activity.

The elimination of the adipocytes is progressive.

The first changes are usually appreciated between 4 and 8 weeks, although the results continue to improve for approximately 2 to 3 months.

The eliminated adipocytes do not reappear.

However, maintaining the results depends on preserving healthy habits, since the remaining fat cells can increase in volume if weight is gained.

Cryolipolysis makes it possible to:

• Reduce localised fat.
• Improve the body contour.
• Avoid surgery.
• It does not require general anaesthesia.
• It does not need recovery time.
• It allows returning immediately to daily life.

Like any medical procedure, there may appear:

• Redness.
• Inflammation.
• Mild pain.
• Sensitivity.
• Bruises.
• Temporary numbness.

In very infrequent cases a paradoxical adipose hyperplasia may occur, a complication in which the fatty tissue increases in volume instead of decreasing and that may require surgical treatment. Although exceptional, the patient must be aware of this possibility before the procedure.

It is generally recommended to:

• Maintain adequate hydration.
• Continue a balanced diet.
• Perform physical activity regularly.
• Follow the medical recommendations.
• Attend the scheduled check-ups.

It usually does not require special care.

Yes. Cryolipolysis can be part of body remodelling programmes together with:

• Radiofrequency.
• High-intensity electromagnetic waves.
• Lymphatic drainage.
• Nutritional programmes.
• Supervised physical exercise.

The objective is to optimise the overall result.

It is advisable to request a medical assessment if:

• You have localised fat resistant to diet and exercise.
• You wish to improve the body contour.
• You seek a non-surgical alternative to liposuction.
• You want to know if this treatment is appropriate for your case.

• Myth: Cryolipolysis serves to lose weight. Fact: No. It is designed to reduce localised fat, not to treat the general excess of weight.
• Myth: The fat disappears immediately. Fact: The body needs several weeks to progressively eliminate the treated adipocytes.
• Myth: A single session is always enough. Fact: It depends on the volume of fat and the objectives. Some patients may benefit from additional sessions.
• Myth: Cryolipolysis avoids dieting or exercising. Fact: The best results are maintained when it is accompanied by healthy habits.
• Myth: The fat always reappears. Fact: The eliminated adipocytes disappear permanently, although a significant increase in weight can make the remaining fat cells grow.

• Cryolipolysis reduces localised fat by means of controlled cold.
• It is not a treatment to lose weight or to treat obesity.
• The results appear progressively over several weeks.
• Maintaining healthy habits helps to preserve the results in the long term.
• It can be combined with other body remodelling treatments.
• The medical assessment is fundamental to confirm that you are a good candidate.