Cryolipolysis: how the treatment that melts fat with cold works
It comes from the United States, specifically from a Massachusetts hospital and promises great results in fat reduction and cellulite treatment for both men and women. Cryolipolysis in fact reshapes the abdomen, waist, hips, legs and arms and allows you to say goodbye to localized adiposity, allowing you to regain the much desired perfect physical shape, without undergoing painful interventions. Cryolipolysis is in fact a non-invasive aesthetic technique that is proposed as a valid alternative to liposuction. Obviously cryolipolysis and liposuction are two different treatments, each technique has specificities and is more suitable and more effective in certain cases.
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How does it work
Cryolipolysis uses very low temperatures to dissolve the body fat and the adipose tissues of the different points. By undergoing some sessions of cryolipolysis it is possible to obtain results very similar to liposuction, without incurring the risk of what is in any case a surgical intervention. While with liposuction the adipose tissue is removed mechanically, cryolipolysis exploits the action of cold to kill adipocytes, fat cells and ensure that the body expels them through the lymphatic system. This technique is completely painless, non-invasive, practically free of risks and unwanted effects. The fat cells are literally frozen, the death of the adipocytes is slow and gradual and obviously does not damage the other cells of the body. The fat is then subsequently disposed of by the body thanks to the liver.
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Among the advantages of this technique, the simplicity of the process, the absence of pain for the patient and the non-invasiveness, and the fact that cryolipolysis does not require the use of a scalpel or hospitalization should certainly be considered. This technique also does not involve serious discomfort apart from soreness and redness of the treated areas. Excess fat is eliminated through the lymphatic system in a natural way: and this is a great advantage!
What are the drawbacks
One of the disadvantages to consider is that you can only treat one or two areas at a time: this causes the results to be slow. Furthermore, the patient often has to undergo a large number of sessions! Another disadvantageous aspect is represented by the cost, which goes between 700 and 800 euros per session. Cryolipolysis does not work miracles, it simply helps the body lose weight in a more effective way: in order to offer stable and lasting results, it is necessary to undertake a diet during and after the treatment.
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© iStock Foods that speed up metabolism: all foods for weight loss!What does a cryolipolysis session consist of?
Before undergoing this procedure to improve the aesthetics of your body, it is essential to have blood tests to evaluate the condition of the liver. It is in fact necessary to ensure that it is in excellent functionality: in fact, the liver has the task of disposing of all dead fat cells in the period following the session. To freeze the adiposities of your body, the specialist uses a handpiece of about 20cm with a suction cup, the coolsculpting, patented by the American company Zeltiq. After applying a gel to protect the epidermis, with coolsculpting sucks the fat cells with the handpiece and then activates the cooling procedure of the area. The temperature is subjective but usually goes up to 7 degrees below zero. A session lasts 1 hour maximum during which you will always be lying on a bed in total relaxation. You will experience a feeling of numbness but never pain. After the session, you will see the treated area a little red, and touching it you will feel frozen, but you can immediately return to your normal activities because you will not feel any kind of real discomfort. Between one session and the next of cryolipolysis, at least 2 months must always pass. Cryolipolysis is less invasive than liposuction but it is still a medical procedure that requires professionals and careful medical supervision. If you intend to undergo a cryolipolysis treatment you must always rely on a specialist who will be able to illustrate and advise you in the best possible way.
© GettyImagesAfter a few days
In about 4 or 5 days the fat cells frozen during the session begin to die. The skin of the treated area is red, numb and slightly sore. The skin may also have swelling or bruising which usually goes away in a week at most.
After several weeks
You begin to appreciate the first cosmetic improvements on your body as in a couple of weeks the real procedure of fat melting is activated. To reach the final results it takes about 3 months. After this time, the skin will return perfectly intact and you will appreciate a significant reduction in fat.
In which cases is it indicated?
Cryolipolysis is an aesthetic treatment indicated to reduce localized fat and is also very effective for cellulite. It is usually recommended for patients who do not have a very high general fat mass but rather complain of stubborn localized areas of adiposity, difficult to get rid of and do not want to resort to surgery. This type of patient has usually already tried everything: anti-cellulite cosmetics, diet and sports, always with poor results. Cryolipolysis is particularly effective on the abdomen, belly, culotte de cheval and love handles. Other areas of the body that can be treated with cryoliposis and show remarkable results are the back, thighs, arms and even the face.
Cryolipolysis is not a suitable technique for everyone: it is not recommended for obese patients or patients with high fat mass, patients with liver problems, pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.