Cryolipolysis
What is cryolipolysis?
Cryolipolysis, also known as "fat freezing" or by the product name CoolSculpting, is a new procedure that involves the non-invasive cooling of body fat to break down fat cells, resulting in a reduction of body fat without damage to other tissues. The effect takes several months to be seen.
During the procedure:
A vacuum applicator is placed on the skin to bring it into contact with cooling panels.
Patients feel a cold sensation for a few minutes, as it produces an anesthetic effect.
The fat is cooled for up to an hour.
What does cryolipolysis do?
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.
Does cryolipolysis require anesthesia?
This procedure is done without anesthesia.
Recovering from cryolipolysis
There are no activity restrictions. Patients sometimes feel sore, as if they had worked out. Rarely do patients experience pain. If that happens the patient should contact the plastic surgeon, who may prescribe medication for a few days.
