Maybe you know cryolipolysis by its more common name, fat freezing, and may associate it with love handles and unwanted and stubborn belly fat. And even though cryolipolysis is highly effective for treating your mid-riff, it can also help wave stubborn fat pockets goodbye in hard-to-reach, as well as hard-to-treat places.
The reality is, so many people struggle with resistant fat, and despite regular exercise and a balanced diet, and other weight-loss methods, the fat simply refuses to budge. This is evident when we consider that over 17 million cryolipolysis treatments were performed globally in 2023.
So let’s learn more about how this non-invasive method can help you potentially shake off extra fat flanks (love handles), thighs, underarms, back, chin, bra line, and under the buttocks (commonly referred to as the “banana roll”).
How Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Works
In short, the procedure uses controlled cooling to eliminate fat. Simply because fat cells are more sensitive to cold than other tissues. Therefore, when they are exposed to precise cold temperatures, they freeze and die naturally.
Interestingly enough, the idea of cryolipolysis came from an observation in children: doctors noticed that kids who frequently sucked on popsicles sometimes developed dimples in their cheeks. Fast forward to the early 2000s, researchers Dietrich and Rox Anderson at Harvard Medical School began studying the controlled cooling of fat tissue. They discovered that by applying cold precisely, fat cells could be selectively destroyed. Plus, without harming the skin or surrounding tissues.
A mere decade later, the FDA approved cryolipolysis for reducing flank fat, and subsequent approvals expanded its use to the abdomen, thighs, and submental area (double chin).
And recent results speak for themselves. In one study with 106 participants, nearly 90% were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their results 12 weeks after treatment. Another study found that 73% of patients were satisfied with their cryolipolysis treatment, and 82% said they would recommend it to a friend.
Sculpting Stubborn Zones
- Upper Arms
Excess upper arm fat is a struggle many women face. And even though traditional toning exercises have their place in society, they typically help strengthen the muscles but rarely eliminate the stubborn fat pockets. This is where cryolipolysis comes in. It can help shape and tighten these areas. As a matter of fact, one study reported an average reduction of 3.2 mm in upper arm fat after just one treatment. - Back and Bra Line
Similar to unwanted upper arm fat, many people also struggle with fat deposits around their mid-back and under their bra line. These pockets can create bulges and make clothing fit awkwardly. And because of the natural contours of these areas, exercise alone is often insufficient. However, most patients begin to see visible improvements within 3 weeks after a single fat freezing session. - Under The Buttocks (Banana Roll)
The banana roll, a small pocket of fat beneath the buttocks, is notoriously resistant to diet and exercise. However, you guessed it, cryolipolysis treatments can effectively target this area too! In a clinical study by Jiehoon Kim, cryolipolysis was applied to various areas, including the under-the-buttocks region. The study used a split-body design. This means one side of the body was treated, and the other side served as a control. Patients were assessed at intervals of 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months post-treatment. You may be happy to know that the results indicated that cryolipolysis effectively reduced subcutaneous fat in the treated areas, including the under-buttocks region. - Submental Region (Double Chin)
Fat accumulation under the chin affects both men and women. So much so, that it is currently believed that around 67% of UK adults have a double chin. And it can be particularly frustrating because it is difficult to reduce through exercise. However, clinical studies have demonstrated that cryolipolysis can reduce submental fat by approximately 25%, also after just a single treatment session.
Of course, as amazing as these statistics are, it is important to remember your results will depend on the amount of stubborn fat, area treated, and other individual factors (like skin elasticity and diet). Most patients also may need multiple treatments to see optimal results.
Let’s Review
Dealing with stubborn fat pockets in difficult spots to combat with healthy eating and physical activity? Then cryolipolysis is a treatment worth discussing with a qualified professional during your initial consultation session. It targets fat, requires little downtime, and produces natural-looking results, making it a good alternative to surgery. However, bear in mind, it is designed to slim and tone the body rather than remove large amounts of fat.
By knowing what cryolipolysis can and cannot do, you can make informed choices about using it. Whether it is reducing a double chin, smoothing a banana roll, or shaping the upper arms and back, cryolipolysis is an effective, low-risk way to do just that.
