What is cryolipolysis?
Cryolipolysis, commonly referred to as “CoolSculpting” by patients, uses cold temperature to break down fat cells. The fat cells are particularly susceptible to the effects of cold, unlike other types of cells. While the fat cells freeze, the skin and other structures are spared from injury.
This is one of the most popular nonsurgical fat reduction treatments, with over 450,000 procedures performed worldwide.
Patients who wish to reduce a localized fat bulge that has persisted despite diet and exercise may be interested in cryolipolysis.
Patients with cold-related conditions, like cryoglobulinemia, cold urticaris and paroxysmal cold hemoglobulinuria should not have cryolipolysis. Patients with loose skin or poor tone may not be suitable candidates for the procedure.
The goal of cryolipolysis is to reduce the volume of fat in a fatty bulge. Some patients may opt to have more than one area treated or to retreat an area more than once.
This procedure is done without anesthesia.