Cryolipolysis or CoolSculpting refers to a non-surgical internal cosmetic procedure that causes local freezing of fat deposits to destroy fat cells. This FDA-approved procedure has fast become a popular alternative to liposuction among body contouring surgery seekers. It states to kill fat cells via controlled cooling, without harming or damaging surrounding tissue. This article investigates the science behind CoolSculpting, analyzes its efficacy and advantages and lists risks and considerations for prospective candidates, with a primary focus on scientific research and clinical studies. 

The Science Behind CoolSculpting

Research has confirmed that cryolipolysis-a major area of the principles of CoolSculpting-selectively freezes and kills fat cells while not affecting the nearby skin, muscle or nerve tissues. Thus, fat cells are more sensitive to cold than other comrades and can be selectively made to undergo death whilst collateral damage is avoided (Dierickx et al., 2013). Consequently, the body will get rid of the debris formed by fat cell death through the lymphatic channel in a matter of weeks or months.  

The CoolSculpting treatment usually involves placing a carefully designed applicator over the area in question, where controlled cooling is applied to freeze fat cells and induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Following that, the immune system gradually clears away the dead fat cells, resulting in the gradual reduction in fat volume over time (Kilmer et al., 2016). 

Effectiveness of CoolSculpting

The effectiveness of CoolSculpting has been endorsed and demonstrated by a multitude of clinical analyses in the reduction of fat at these targeted areas. Research evidences that cryolipolysis can remove about 25% thickness reduction in the fat layer per treatment session (Ingargiola et al., 2015). The common treatment areas are: 

  • Abdomen 
  • Flanks (love handles) 
  • Thighs 
  • Upper arms 
  • Double chin (submental fat) 
  • Back and bra fat 

In about three weeks patients will be evidently expected to see results that however culminate between two and three months post-procedure. In fact, some individuals need several sessions to achieve more refined results. 

Benefits of CoolSculpting

Many patients are enticed by the unique advantages of CoolSculpting, which set it apart from conventional fat-reduction methods. 

  1. Non-Invasive and Non-Surgical: Compared to liposuction, with no incisions, anesthesia, or recovery time required, patients can return to complete normalcy in their activities following the treatment (Krueger & Mai, 2019).
  2. Long-Lasting Results: Fat cells destroyed by apoptosis, and hence death, cannot be birthed back again and will form a permanent seal of approval on the work done, provided that weight is not gained thereafter (Kilmer et al., 2016).
  3. Minimal Side Effects: Most side effects, which are local and last only for a few days or at the most a couple of weeks (Dierickx et al., 2013), include temporary redness, numbness, swelling, and tingling sensations.
  4. Gradual and Natural-Looking Fat Reduction: It is not similar to surgical procedures that instantaneously result in fat loss; instead, it allows the skin time to adapt normally without appearing saggy after the CoolSculpting.

Risks and Considerations

Generally, while CoolSculpting is safe, there are some drawbacks and risks along with it. 

  1. Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH): Some people, in very rare instances, are known to develop fat at the treated site, contrary to reduction; PAH is related more to men and needs Fig: Sasaki et al. ,2021 with further remedies possibly liposuction.
  2. Not a Weight Loss Solution: CoolSculpting has to be clearly defined as body contouring rather than weight reduction, as it works best for patients around what they should ideally weigh with pockets of fat not responding to diet and exercise (Ingargiola et al., 2015).
  3. Individual Results May Vary: The efficacy of the therapy can vary across individuals due to factors such as metabolism, lifestyle, or body composition.
  4. Cost Considerations: The cost of CoolSculpting is dependent on the number of required treatments and the body areas that need treatment. It is a cosmetic procedure thus one needs to pay out of pocket.

Who Is a Good Candidate for CoolSculpting?

The following characteristics are considered to be ideal candidates for CoolSculpting:  

  • Those who have areas resistant to diet and exercise.  
  • Those who are presently at or near their target weight.  
  • Anyone wishing for a non-invasive fat-shedding procedure.  
  • Those who have good skin elasticity to support shrinkage without sagging.   

In contraindications, these conditions of cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria are said to disqualify an individual from CoolSculpting, as any exposure to cold could provoke an adverse event (Krueger & Mai 2019). 

CoolSculpting is a scientifically validated and non-invasive procedure effective for specific fat reduction. It uses cryolipolysis technology to provide slow, natural-appearing results with very little downtime. With that said, CoolSculpting should never be used as the sole method of treatment for weight loss or healthy living; it is an excellent option to contour and reshape the body without surgical intervention. As research has progressed, new advancements in cryolipolysis are likely to be introduced to increase its efficacy and feasibility in the future. 

References

  1. Dierickx, C. C., Mazer, J. M., Sand, M., Koenig, S., & Arigon, V. (2013). Safety, tolerance, and patient satisfaction with non-invasive cryolipolysis. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 12(4), 291-296. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12066 
  2. Ingargiola, M. J., Motakef, S., Chung, M. T., Vasconez, H. C., & Sasaki, G. H. (2015). Cryolipolysis for fat reduction and body contouring: Safety and efficacy of current treatment paradigms. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 35(5), 590-597. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjv078 
  3. Kilmer, S. L., Burns, A. J., Zelickson, B. D., & Safety Committee of ASLMS. (2016). Cryolipolysis for noninvasive fat cell destruction: Clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 48(1), 3-13. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22427 
  4. Krueger, N., & Mai, S. V. (2019). Cryolipolysis for body contouring: Clinical efficacy and patient-reported outcomes. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 18(1), 30-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdd.2019.01.004 
  5. Sasaki, G. H., Abelev, N., & Tevez-Ortiz, A. (2021). Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia after cryolipolysis: Incidence, risk factors, and treatment. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 45(4), 1215-1222. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-021-02156-8 

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