Generality
Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive aesthetic medicine treatment, which allows the reduction of localized fat through the use of cold.
The method is implemented through a particular equipment that allows you to act on specific regions of the body and involves controlling the cooling process of the fat cells to trigger lipolysis.
The procedure is not painful and allows you to resume daily activities immediately. However, only small areas can be treated at a time, so more sessions are required.
Mechanism of action
"Crio" comes from the Greek word "kryos"which means" ice "and refers to the mechanism of action of the procedure.
Cryolipolysis is based, in fact, on a simple thermal principle, according to which fat undergoes reduction if "frozen".
In this way, the fat cells (adipocytes) found in the subcutaneous tissue, being sensitive to cooling, undergo a crystallization process, which is followed by a spontaneous, slow and gradual lysis (apoptosis).
The cell death of the adipocytes "damaged" by thermal stress causes the "activation of inflammatory processes, the" digestion "of the apoptotic fat tissue and the release of the lipids contained in the degraded fat cells in 2-8 weeks. These are transported by the system. lymphatic to be processed and eliminated, as happens to fats deriving from food.
Cryolipolysis is particularly suitable for localized fat deposits and is suitable for body remodeling.
Safety
The principle behind cryolipolysis exploits the premise that subcutaneous fat cells, under carefully controlled conditions, are more vulnerable to the effects of cold than surrounding tissues (skin, dermis, muscles and blood vessels). Furthermore, this technology does not traumatize the nerves and bones present in the area.
Cryolipolysis is performed with a "device called Cool Sculpting (Allergan) which has received the approval of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as a" non-invasive technology capable of reducing fat tissue ".
Therefore, the apparatus for cryolipolysis has been set up to act only and exclusively on fat cells, without creating damage to the other anatomical structures present in the treated region.
The method has also been studied in in vitro and animal models; in addition, randomized controlled clinical trials have been performed in humans.
Method
The person receiving the treatment remains lying on a bed, then a gel is applied to the area to be subjected to cryolipolysis.
The operator places a silicone cup - a sort of large suction cup - on the part. At this point, the machine sucks, with a calibrated suction, the layer of grease to be treated inside the cup, then the cooling phase begins. of the area.
The person remains in this position for about an hour, during which the equipment reaches the temperature set by the doctor and keeps it constant in the fat.
The treatment is painless and the patient feels at most a slight discomfort due to the tension of the fabric due to the effect of the "vacuum", as well as a sensation of cold.
During the session, only one area can be treated at a time. If you have to work on your hips, you have to schedule two one-hour sessions, even on the same day.
After the treatment, redness and a sensation of increased sensitivity will be evident in the treated area, which tends to disappear within a few hours. The first results begin to be visible within 15 or 20 days.
Where does the fat go? Fat "frozen" after three days begins to lose its vital functions. Over the next 15-60 days, the now inert cells are naturally eliminated through the lymphatic system, like any waste element. Other possible ways of eliminating adipocytes that have undergone apoptosis include the activation of inflammatory processes and the "digestion" of fat cells exposed to cooling, the hepatic detoxifying pathway and the gastrointestinal tract.
Areas of application
Cryolipolysis is particularly suitable for localized fat deposits on the abdomen, hips, arms, inside and outside of the thighs, knees and back.
Depending on the depth of adipose tissue and the desired fat reduction, one or two treatments with an interval of 2-4 months may suffice. However, the doctor will indicate what are the recommended times and intervals between the various sessions.
Benefits
Cryolipolysis is a "non-surgical alternative to liposuction. This technique is performed without a scalpel, does not damage the skin and surrounding tissues, does not cause pain and does not leave scars. Furthermore, cryolipolysis does not cause problems deriving from the resorption of fat, as it happens. with other invasive methods carried out with cannulas.
Normally, there is no need for anesthesia and there is no need for any hospitalization, nor for special periods of convalescence. After the treatment, the patient can return to his normal work and social activities.
Side effects
Cryolipolysis has been shown to be a safe method for body remodeling and usually involves only minimal discomfort.
When side effects appear, they are usually mild and resolve in a relatively short time. After treatment, the skin may remain red for a few hours and, in some cases, temporary bruising, tingling, local numbness or cramps may appear and resolve within 7-14 days.
In addition, for some people, there may be a slower recovery than expected. In about 0.1%, late-onset pain may occur - 2 weeks after the procedure - which resolves spontaneously without any treatment.
Costs
The cost for a cryolipolysis session is around 750 euros, taking into account that the price can vary depending on the area to be treated and the medical center in which it is performed.
Limits
Cryolipolysis is not designed to treat weight problems, but rather to treat blemishes due to localized fat.
The best candidate is someone who is healthy but has modest excess fat, which they would like to remove. Therefore, cryolipoplysis is not ideal for the obese patient and the procedure is not an "alternative to diet or to" adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Results
The results of cryolipolysis begin to be noticeable after 2-3 weeks from treatment. Depending on the initial thickness of the adipose tissue, the average loss will be between 3 and 15 mm. At the level of the abdomen, there is talk of a reduction in circumference of about 2 centimeters. More precisely, in the treated area, in terms of percentage, the equivalence of loss of adipose tissue is 25% for each session.
The results are evident already with one application, but if this is not enough, a second treatment can be carried out after 2-4 months.