Cryolipolysis- An Overview.

Introduction

Cryolipolysis is also known as fat freezing. As the name suggests, cryo means cold, lipo means fat, and lysis means destroy used to reduce fat deposits under the chin, hip, arms, thighs, buttocks, and upper and lower back, targeting only adipocytes fat cells, sparing the blood vessels, muscles, and nerves. It was an approved treatment by the Food and Drug Administration for the reduction of fat in 2005.

How Does Cryolipolysis Work?

The suction pressure device with a cold temperature is applied above the fat tissue, it gives a pulling and contracted sensation gradually the site becomes numb after 5 to 10 minutes, slowly the temperature drops to 30 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit and is kept for 1 hour on the area to be treated. After 1 hour, when the device is removed, the area is massaged for 2 to 3 minutes to stimulate the breakdown of fat cells. The cold temperature destroys the fat cell, which leads to the inflammatory response to kill fat cells. The signs of fat reduction are visible from the third week. Studies have shown an average of 15 % to 28 % of fat reduction in 4 months.

What Is the Mechanism of Cryolipolysis?

The mechanism of fat reduction is still not known clearly, but the researchers believe that vacuum suction with regulated temperature helps in breaking down spotted adipose tissue. The temperature makes changes only on the dermis, and the epidermis does not change anything permanently. The cold temperature will stop the blood flow leading to cellular inflammation in the adipose tissue. Gradually macrophages help in removing the destroyed cells over a few weeks post the procedure. The treatment is useful for one who requires mild to moderate removal of fat in the targeted area. Studies have shown a rise in blood lipid levels and increased liver enzymes.

When Is the Cryolipolysis Done?

The body has two types of fat subcutaneous found on the waistband, arms, buttocks, inner and outer thigh, face, and visceral fat found on the lining of the heart, liver, and other organs. Cryolipolysis targets subcutaneously fat only. Cryolipolysis helps in contouring the body, reducing stubborn fat around the waistline and other body parts that do not reduce even after exercising and dieting. It is only done on a targeted or local part of the body for a mild fat reduction in people who are physically active and are still not able to reduce fat. It is advisable to reach out to a health provider and consult before planning for the procedure.

What Are the Advantages of Cryolipolysis?

Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive procedure with low risk; it does not require anesthesia like other fat reduction procedures. The procedure is targeted, so other vital structures like blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and organs are not harmed. It can be performed on all age groups; targeted fat cells are permanently removed. Because of the visible results, it helps in boosting the self-esteem of the person.

What Are the Disadvantages of Cryolipolysis?

Cryolipolysis is recommended only for targeted area fat reduction, it is not suitable for overweight or obese people and with the condition of neurologic or orthopedic problems. Multiple sessions are needed to achieve desired results with a gap of 6 to 8 weeks after the first session because a long time is required to remove damaged fat cells from the body. The weight loss is for targeted areas only.

There are chances of a rare side effect called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. In this condition, the size of fat cells increases after cryolipolysis. Shreds of evidence of this condition are found in Hispanic and Latino ethnicity.

When Is Cryolipolysis Contraindicated?

Cryolipolysis is not performed on a patient who is obese or has a cut or injury and lesion on the skin surface. It is not advisable in patients with severe varicose veins, dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema. It is not indicated in patients who are sensitive and intolerant to cold stimuli. It is also not advisable for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Mentioned below are the few conditions in which Cryolipolysis is not indicated

• Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition in which cold temperatures can obstruct blood flow to the fingers and toes.

• Cryoglobulinemia is a type of blood vessel inflammation caused due to clotting of protein in the presence of cold temperatures.

• Cold Urticaria is a condition in which the skin develops red, itchy spots due to cold temperatures.

• Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria is a rare autoimmune disease in which red blood cells are damaged due to cold temperature.

• Cold agglutinin disease is a type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia in which the body's immune system attacks red blood cells and destroys them in the presence of a cold temperature.

What Are the Side Effects of Cryolipolysis?

There are no permanent side effects of the Cryolipolysis procedure; although side effects may be visible for a couple of weeks post-treatment. Practitioners may recommend some painkillers to relieve pain. There are no serious, long-lasting side effects of Cryolipolysis.

Temporary side effects usually seen may include,

• Pulling or cramping pain in the targeted area.

• Redness.

• Skin discoloration.

• Bruises, itchiness on the skin.

• Skin sensitivity or numbness or tingling sensation.

• Muscle spasm and tenderness of the area.

• Swelling.

What Is the Alternative for Cryolipolysis?

Cryolipolysis is a cosmetic procedure, depending upon the site and area it may take many sessions. One must talk to a health care provider before planning any cosmetic treatment for a suitable treatment plan.

The other treatment option include:

• Liposuction is a type of invasive plastic surgery used to remove the fat deposit.

• Heat treatment, also known as Sculpsure, is a laser treatment to remove fat.

• The deoxycholic acid injection is used in the chin to remove chubby fat. The injection helps in breaking down fat cells.

• Electromagnetic radiation helps in the tightening of muscles and breaking down fat cells.

• Zerona is a cold laser treatment that helps in the shrinking of fat cells.

Conclusion

Cryolipolysis is a safe, non-invasive procedure used to reduce subcutaneous fat on targeted areas using cold temperature. Cryolipolysis also helps skin tightening and the removal of cellulite. It is a good option for people who fear surgery and want to have spot reduction without surgery. The research data is still not sufficient, although no long-term side effects have been found.