Cryolipolysis by Coolsculpting

Cryolipolysis: definition

The word cryolipolysis comes from 3 Greek words: “cryo” for cold, “lipo” for lipids or fat, and “lysis” for destruction. Cryolipolysis is therefore the destruction of fatty tissues by intense (below -5°C) and prolonged (at least 20 min) cold.

Cryolipolysis: how does it work?

Intense cold destroys adipocytes, which will rupture and release their fats (apoptosis). Secondly, the macrophages will resorb these fats to lyse them and clean up the cellular debris.

The immediate action of the cold explains why a single session is enough to destroy fat cells; resorption by macrophages explains why, on the other hand, it takes several weeks to see the final result of a Coolsculpting® session.

History of coolsculpting®

If CoolSculpting® and cryolipolysis are globally recognized techniques today, it is because they are part of a scientific 100% approach, including observations, tests and validations.

Ancient observations on the cold

As early as the 19th century, Scandinavian doctors noted that the fatty masses of Swedish riders tended to melt in winter, without any real explanation. Some believed that the cold accelerated the metabolism, and that the body drew on reserves.

But another observation will intrigue in the 50s and 70s, in the United States: we noticed that children sucking ice cream sticks to calm painful teething saw their malar fat, in the cheek, melt markedly...

The discovery of cryolipolysis

It was in the 2000s that two doctors became interested in these observations.

Prestigious researchers Welman Center of the famous MGH in Boston (Massachusetts General Hospital), Drs Rox Anderson and Dieter Manstein first worked on the effects of laser on the skin. They thus discovered that by creating a microlesion surrounded by healthy tissue, substantial regeneration is obtained with high quality skin around this lesion. The scope of this discovery is immense: it is one of the bases of aesthetic medicine, which we find from laser photorejuvenation to so-called bio-induction techniques.

They will then try to understand the action of cold on fat cells, adipocytes. Thanks to their work, they prove that intense and prolonged cold causes the death of fat cells by apoptosis and resorption within a few weeks. Ten years of work later, a medical device was developed, putting this scientific discovery into practice: it is the cryolipolysis technique as used by the company Zeltiq Aesthetics since 2010. It has since been integrated into the Allergan® group, recognized worldwide for the rigor of its products.

This device, called Coolsculpting®, has received approval from the rigorous Food and Drug Administration (American FDA), guaranteeing its effectiveness and safety.

Why treat with coolsculpting®?

With a disappearance of 25 to 30% of fatty tissue in a single session, I consider Coolsculpting to be the best cryolipolysis device due to its effectiveness and versatility.

Which areas should be treated with cryolipolysis?

It is an excellent alternative to surgical facelift or liposuction, for almost all areas of the body:

• Face (double chin)
• Arm (inner side)
• Thorax (male adipomastia, female bra folds)
• Abdomen (flat stomach without surgery, love handles, etc.)
• Hips and legs (saddlebags, thighs, calves, etc.)
• Buttocks (under-gluteal bananas, etc.).

What are the results of Coolsculpting ®?

A single session gives spectacular results after 1 to 3 months, with a reduction of at least 1/4 in fat volume. I sometimes recommend a second session to complete the first if necessary, knowing that 2 to 3 sessions will remove nearly 50 % of the fat mass.

Cryolipolysis by Coolsculpting therefore constitutes a real alternative to liposuction, without pain or anesthesia. This practice of body contouring allows you to reshape your silhouette, to lose weight easily and find slimmed and harmonious lines.