In the ever-expanding world of cosmetic treatments, the notion of freezing away your fat sounds too good to be true. Yet, fat freezing—or cryolipolysis—has found its place in clinics across the globe, attracting those hoping to reduce stubborn areas of fat without going under the knife. Promising to target fat that resists all efforts in the gym and kitchen, it has become a multimillion-dollar industry. But, does it deliver?
Let’s take a closer look at what this non-invasive treatment really entails, how it works, and whether it lives up to its growing reputation.
Fat Freezing: What Exactly Is It?
Fat freezing isn’t just an internet fad. First approved by the US FDA in 2010, it has been steadily gaining momentum as an alternative to liposuction. Known medically as cryolipolysis, the procedure involves cooling fat cells to a temperature low enough to destroy them. The body then naturally clears out these dead cells in the weeks following the procedure.
The treatment taps into a biological vulnerability: fat cells are more sensitive to cold than other types of tissue. The science behind it stems from the discovery that kids who ate a lot of ice lollies tended to develop dimples in their cheeks—a clue that freezing fat cells causes them to die off. When fat cells are frozen, they crystallize, break down, and are eventually removed by the body’s natural waste system.
The most popular brand of fat freezing is CoolSculpting, but there are numerous other brands and devices on the market today, all based on the same principle of cooling fat cells into oblivion.
How It Works
The fat-freezing procedure itself is surprisingly straightforward, though not without some discomfort. During the session, the practitioner applies a gel pad to the skin before placing a vacuum-like device over the area being treated. This machine suctions the fat into a cup, then cools it down to temperatures as low as -11°C. The process can last anywhere from 35 minutes to over an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area.
The patient feels a cold, tugging sensation for the first few minutes, but once the area goes numb, the rest of the session is relatively painless. There’s no need for anesthesia, and there’s typically no downtime required after the session. It’s often marketed as a “lunchtime treatment,” as you can theoretically return to work straight after.
What happens next is more of a waiting game. The results aren’t instant. Over the following weeks and months, the frozen fat cells are gradually broken down and removed from the body via the lymphatic system. Most people start to see visible changes after a few weeks, with the most noticeable effects happening around two to three months later.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
Fat freezing is best for targeting small to medium-sized pockets of fat, rather than large areas of weight loss. Some of the most commonly treated areas include:
- Abdomen: Fat freezing can help reduce that stubborn belly fat that clings on even after your crunches and sit-ups.
- Love Handles: The flanks, or love handles, are another popular area, especially for men.
- Thighs: Both the inner and outer thighs are prime candidates for fat freezing.
- Back and Bra Fat: Many women target the fat that bulges around the bra strap area.
- Chin: A double chin can also be treated with a smaller applicator designed for more precise areas.
While fat freezing can improve contours in these areas, it’s important to note that the treatment doesn’t address issues like loose skin or cellulite.
Who Is It For?
One crucial thing to understand about fat freezing is that it isn’t a weight-loss treatment. If you’re looking to shed a significant amount of weight, this isn’t the procedure for you. Cryolipolysis works best for individuals who are close to their ideal body weight but struggle with fat pockets that won’t budge, no matter how much they exercise or diet.
Ideal candidates are those with specific trouble spots—those annoying areas of fat that seem immune to all efforts. Think muffin tops, love handles, or upper arms that remain flabby even when the rest of your body is in shape. You’ll likely need to be within 10-15% of your target weight for the best results.
It’s also worth noting that fat freezing isn’t a solution for skin laxity. The procedure eliminates fat, but it doesn’t tighten loose skin, so if you’re dealing with sagging skin post-weight loss or from aging, you may need to consider other treatments or surgery.
The Benefits of Fat Freezing
Cryolipolysis has grown in popularity for a few good reasons:
- Non-Invasive: There’s no need for cuts, stitches, or anesthesia, making it a far less risky procedure than traditional fat removal techniques like liposuction.
- Minimal Downtime: After a session, you can typically get straight back to your normal activities. It’s one of the reasons this treatment is often marketed as a quick fix that fits into a lunch break.
- Targeted Fat Loss: Cryolipolysis allows for precision. You can focus on one area of concern, such as love handles or a double chin, and avoid affecting surrounding tissues.
- Gradual, Natural-Looking Results: The results develop over time as the body metabolizes the dead fat cells, making the process more discreet than surgery, where the change is often more dramatic and immediate.
- Long-Lasting Results: Once fat cells are destroyed, they don’t regenerate. The treated areas should stay slim, provided you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Risks and Side Effects
As with any cosmetic treatment, fat freezing isn’t without its downsides. While it’s generally considered safe, there are potential risks and side effects to consider.
The most common side effects are temporary and include redness, swelling, and bruising in the treated area. Some patients report numbness or tingling that can last for several weeks. The cold exposure can also cause discomfort during the procedure, but this usually subsides once the area goes numb.
There’s also a very rare but notable side effect called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH). In these cases, rather than shrinking, the fat cells in the treated area actually enlarge. While PAH isn’t harmful, it can be frustrating, and may require surgical correction like liposuction.
Does It Really Work?
The big question: does fat freezing actually live up to the hype?
The short answer is: it depends on your expectations. Fat freezing works, but it’s no miracle cure. Clinical studies show that the procedure can reduce fat in the treated area by 20-25%, which may sound modest. For many, the improvement is enough to make a visible difference in how clothes fit and how the body looks overall.
But fat freezing doesn’t provide the same drastic results as liposuction or other more invasive fat-removal methods. If you’re looking for a subtle refinement—chiselling away that last inch of belly fat—then cryolipolysis may be just what you need. However, if you expect to drop a dress size or two, you may be disappointed.
Results also vary from person to person. Some patients are thrilled after one session, while others may need two or more to achieve their desired outcome.
Fat Freezing vs. Other Treatments
Fat freezing is just one option in a growing field of non-invasive body contouring treatments. Here’s how it stacks up against others:
- Liposuction: Far more invasive but can yield dramatic, immediate results. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that requires downtime and comes with higher risks, but it may be a better option for those seeking significant fat reduction.
- Laser Fat Reduction: Similar to cryolipolysis but uses heat rather than cold to destroy fat cells. It’s effective for small areas but may not be as effective as fat freezing for larger, more stubborn areas.
- Ultrasound Cavitation: This technique uses ultrasound waves to break down fat cells. It’s less common but works well for people with mild fat deposits.
The Cost
Fat freezing isn’t cheap. A single session can range from £500 to over £1,000, depending on the area being treated and the clinic’s location. Larger areas like the abdomen are on the pricier end of the scale, while smaller areas like the chin may be more affordable. Many patients require more than one session, so costs can add up quickly.
Since it’s a cosmetic treatment, fat freezing isn’t covered by insurance, meaning patients are responsible for the full cost out of pocket. Some clinics offer payment plans to make it more accessible.
The Bottom Line
Fat freezing has carved out a niche in the world of body contouring treatments, offering a non-invasive alternative to liposuction that appeals to those looking to target stubborn fat without surgery. It’s particularly appealing to those who don’t have time for recovery and want a quick, in-office treatment that can provide noticeable—if subtle—results over time.
But like any cosmetic treatment, it’s important to manage expectations. Fat freezing won’t turn you into a model overnight, and the changes, while often significant for many, tend to be modest. Whether it’s worth the cost will depend on your goals, your budget, and how much patience you have for the gradual process of fat reduction.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether a few thousand pounds and some cold discomfort are worth trimming away those last, stubborn pockets of fat.
Also Read: Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck: Which Is Right for You
