Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis is a non-surgical treatment that uses controlled cooling to target fat cells in specific areas, helping to reduce localised fat that resists diet and exercise.
Overview
Fat deposits in areas such as the abdomen, waist, hips and under the chin may not shrink despite a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Fat cells are more sensitive to cold than the surrounding tissues. In cryolipolysis, the area is cooled in a controlled way, and the affected fat cells are cleared by the body naturally over the following weeks.
The treatment is not a weight-loss method; it aims to provide localised slimming in people who are close to their ideal weight.
- Localised slimming without surgery or needles
- An immediate return to daily life after treatment
- A method that targets areas resistant to diet and exercise
- The number of sessions planned for each area
What Is Cryolipolysis?
Cryolipolysis is also known as "fat freezing". A vacuum applicator is placed on the area and the fat tissue is cooled in a controlled way that does not harm the skin. The fat cells affected by the cold gradually break down, and the body clears them via the lymphatic system.
Which Areas Can Be Treated With Cryolipolysis?
- Abdomen and waist
- Flanks and under the buttocks
- Inner and outer thighs
- Backs of the arms and the back
- Under the chin
Who Is Cryolipolysis Suitable For?
Cryolipolysis is suitable for people who are close to their ideal weight and have limited, pinchable local fat deposits. It does not give the expected result in people who are overweight or have widespread fat.
It is not performed in people with certain cold-related blood disorders (such as cryoglobulinaemia or cold agglutinin disease), during pregnancy, or where there is a hernia or open wound in the treatment area.
How Is Cryolipolysis Performed?
A protective gel pad is placed on the area and the vacuum applicator is applied. During the first few minutes you will feel pulling and intense cold, after which the area becomes numb. Each area usually takes 35–60 minutes.
After the applicator is removed, the area may be massaged briefly. Depending on the desired result, an additional session on the same area may be planned a few weeks later.
After Cryolipolysis: Recovery and Results
You can return to daily life straight after the treatment. There may be redness, mild swelling, bruising and numbness or tenderness in the area that can last a few weeks.
The first changes are usually noticed within a few weeks, and the result becomes clear within 2–3 months. Fat cells that have been cleared do not come back, but the remaining fat cells can grow if you gain weight.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
- Redness, swelling, bruising and temporary numbness
- Tenderness or aching lasting a few days
- Rarely, an increase rather than a decrease in fat in the area (paradoxical adipose hyperplasia)
The rare paradoxical increase in fat is usually noticed a few months after treatment and, if needed, is corrected surgically.
Cryolipolysis or Liposuction?
Cryolipolysis is a non-surgical option with no recovery time, but each session reduces only a limited amount of fat. If more fat needs to be removed at once and marked contouring is desired, liposuction may be more suitable.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Cryolipolysis
The cost of cryolipolysis is calculated individually, based on the plan agreed at the consultation. The main factors are:
- The number of areas treated
- The number of applicator placements needed for each area
- Any additional sessions planned
The information on this page is for general guidance only; diagnosis and treatment plans are decided individually after a physician's examination.
Treatment Process
Consultation and Assessment
The location and amount of fat are assessed, and whether cryolipolysis suits you and the applicator plan are decided.
The Treatment
A protective pad and the vacuum applicator are placed and the area is cooled in a controlled way.
Recovery and Follow-up
Aftercare advice is given, and the result is reviewed at a check-up after 2–3 months.
Who is it suitable for?
- People close to their ideal weight with localised fat deposits
- People who want localised slimming without surgery
- People without cold-related blood disorders
- People with realistic expectations who are able to follow the aftercare advice
Quick Facts
- Duration: 35–60 minutes per area
- Treatment Model: A single session, with another a few weeks later if needed
- Recovery: Back to daily life the same day
- Method: Targeting fat cells with controlled cooling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cryolipolysis painful?
You will feel pulling and intense cold during the first few minutes, after which the area becomes numb. There may be tenderness or aching in the following days.
When will I see the results of cryolipolysis?
The first changes are usually noticed within a few weeks, and the result becomes clear within 2–3 months.
Will cryolipolysis help me lose weight?
No. Cryolipolysis provides localised slimming and does not noticeably change your weight on the scales. The best results are seen in people close to their ideal weight.
Are the results of cryolipolysis permanent?
Fat cells that have been cleared do not come back. However, because the remaining fat cells can grow if you gain weight, keeping your weight stable is important.
What does the cost of cryolipolysis depend on?
It depends on the number of areas treated, the number of applicator placements needed for each area and any additional sessions planned. The exact price is set after the consultation.