Fat freezing or cryolipolysis involves controlled cooling of the fat layer immediately beneath the skin surface to remove and destroy fat cells that aren’t useful or necessary. The cosmetic treatment has received rave reviews from celebrities, doctors, and patients alike! But what goes on during a fat-freezing session? How does it work? The article will examine fat freezing and how it works in the body to melt away stubborn pockets of fat with little to no downtime.
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Suctioning of Your Skin and Subcutaneous Layer
If you are struggling with stubborn fat deposits, cryolipolysis is the solution. Suctioning devices may help draw out fat from under your skin during a single session of fat freezing. Experts apply a vacuum to the treatment area, creating tiny defects in your skin and the subcutaneous layer (the fat beneath your skin). These pull into the device’s suctioned canals and allow body heat to enter.
The result is that disruption of fat cells takes place, which halts their ability to create new fat cells. Suction cups are attached to the skin using an adhesive gel, pulling off excess fat. Compression garments keep this newly-lifted skin tight against your body, so it doesn’t droop again after removing the suction cups. You’ll need to wear compression garments for two weeks following your procedure and experience side effects such as redness or swelling at the application site.
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Cooling Energy Freezes Fat Deposits
Cryolipolysis, a fat-freezing procedure, is best for reducing localized pockets of unwanted fat in problem areas like inner thighs and double chins. The freezing of fat deposits then helps induce the fat cells’ apoptosis (programmed cell death).
A single treatment can take up to 12 weeks to show results, but most patients see some improvements after just one session! Freezing fat cells also helps reduce cell activity by restricting the blood flow around them. Reduced blood flow means less nutrient supply to these cells, which may cause them to die over time.
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Reduction of Fat Cell Size and Inflammation
As soon as fat freezing begins, your skin temperature will rise. The initial stage, known as cryo-ablation or freeze burning, is similar to any other cryotherapy treatment. Your body’s response to cold exposure triggers the release of a natural anti-inflammatory hormone called adiponectin.
Adiponectin’s purpose is to reduce inflammation in the fatty cells. The size of the fat cells reduces during this process which then stimulates lipolysis, the breakdown of fats. Cryo-ablation also shrinks and damages the capillaries near the treated area, further encouraging lipolysis by preventing blood flow from carrying away lipids.
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Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a natural process that occurs when body cells die. The term apoptosis comes from two Greek words—ap meaning away and ptosis meaning drooping—and describes how dying cells swell, detach from surrounding cells, and soften before becoming completely liquid. Eventually, they disperse as our bodies break them down into molecules that new cells can reuse. During cryolipolysis, the applicator delivers cold air at -2°C for up to 4 minutes to the fat cell layer.
Temperatures in this range are below those at which tissue injury would occur but high enough to cause controlled damage to the fat cells without causing damage to nearby tissues such as nerves or blood vessels. In other words, it’s like shivering your fat away! The cooling energy damages the membrane of targeted fat cells, thus disrupting their metabolic processes and causing them to shrink. Over time, these now-damaged cells break down and liquefy, making it easier for the body to eliminate them naturally through the lymphatic system or by burning excess calories through exercise.
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Fat Flush
The cooling causes cell membranes to crystallize and contract. The process disrupts vital metabolic processes so that, over time, body fat can metabolize more efficiently. When these stubborn fat cells freeze, they become crystallized and die off due to starvation. They release themselves from their connections with neighboring tissue so that your body will get rid of them when it cleanses itself through processes such as perspiration or bowel movements.
Also, over time, these now-damaged cells break down and liquefy, making it easier for the body to eliminate them naturally through the lymphatic system or by burning off excess calories through exercise. You may see results within two weeks. Your body’s natural elimination process combined with the induced elimination means you can lose a significant amount of fats in six months!
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Body-Shaping Effects
As crystallized fat cells die off, the remaining fat cells are compressed and gradually shrink in size. As they shrink, they release additional fatty acids that help reduce body fat. The result is a slimmer waistline and smooth, glowing skin. Cosmetic benefits – younger-looking skin.
The remaining fat in the treatment area becomes leaner and less bulky. Excess sagging skin can be tightened with improved elasticity, giving you a more youthful appearance. Best results are achievable with regular treatments combined with diet and exercise changes.
Conclusion
Fat freezing or cryolipolysis is a relatively new technique that has recently proved effective in treating stubborn fat bulges. It’s an efficient and safe way to reduce unwanted body fat, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re considering this type of procedure, consult your doctor and be realistic about what the process can and cannot do for you. However, always ensure you’re working with a professional with proper credentials and experience when looking into these procedures. They should have medical qualifications and work at a reputable clinic that performs these treatments regularly.