If you have stubborn fat you can’t seem to shift but don’t want to go down the surgery route, cryolipolysis might be just what you’re looking for. A non-invasive alternative to liposuction and laser lipo, cryolipolysis is a treatment that involves the localised application of a low temperature device to kill off subcutaneous (below the skin) fat cells. Where other fat-banishing treatments often have harsher, more long lasting side effects, what makes cryolipolysis different (other than the chill factor) is that the treatment can be carried out quickly and easily whilst preserving the surrounding skin.
###WHAT TO EXPECT Unlike conventional liposuction, a cryolipo doesn’t involve any incisions or damage to the skin near the treatment area. In the same way that laser lipo eliminates fat cells by causing them to heat up, swell and burst, the cryo lipo lowers their temperature to between -6C and -10C, breaking down their structure and causing them to wither and die. These dead cells are then removed naturally through the liver.
A great aspect of cryolipolysis is that there is no down time after the procedure. It blitzes away a considerable amount of fat yet enables you to get on with your normal day to day activities as soon as you leave the clinic.
During the procedure, a pair of special plates attached to a cooling machine are placed directly onto the skin above the fatty area you want to target. Once the machine is switched on, a strong vacuum effect pulls the excess fat into the suction plate, and you then lie attached to the machine for up to two hours whilst the ‘freezing’ effect takes place. After the session, your body then works to remove the crystallised fat cells, causing them to initially shrink and then break down before being absorbed completely over a period of two to four months. Some therapists say as much as 50% of the fat in the problem area can be permanently destroyed in one session, and some clients see results within 48 hours. Side effects may be a slight ‘love-bite’ type mark on the skin directly after treatment, but this will fade within a day or two.
###GOOD TO KNOW A great aspect of cryolipolysis is that there is no down time after the procedure. It blitzes away a considerable amount of fat yet enables you to get on with your normal day to day activities as soon as you leave the clinic. Although a highly effective procedure, it’s important to note that whilst cryolipolysis physically removes fat cells, it can’t prevent their return. As with all weight loss surgery, diet and physical activity are the key to keeping the bulge at bay post-procedure. If you are considering a cryolipo, consult your GP who will assess whether you’re a suitable candidate or not.
