Cryolipolysis (fat freezing) is a revolutionary, safe and clinically proven procedure for selective fat reduction.

Controlled cooling of fatty rolls or bulges results in fat cell destruction and ultimate elimination from the body. As fat cells are more sensitive to cold temperatures, this selective destruction can occur without damage to the adjacent tissues including skin, nerves and muscles.

This freezing of unwanted fatty bulges has proven consistently effective in reducing the fat content by 20 percent with each treatment. Repeat treatments to specific areas results in a further reduction of the remaining fat cells. This technique was FDA cleared in September 2010 for reduction of fat in the abdomen and flanks (love handles).

The best part is that it is non-surgical, has no down time and can be performed in an hour’s time in the office.

The procedure involves applying an applicator on the targeted area. These applicators come in different shapes and sizes. They are essentially elongated, curved cups that are selected to fit over the specific body area to be treated (upper abdomen, lower abdomen, flanks). Once applied, the machine is activated creating intense suction, and the roll of skin and fat is sucked into the applicator. Patients experience a strong pulling sensation.

Once the technician determines that the tissue is properly positioned in the applicator cavity, the cooling process is activated, and the tissue is cooled to the target temperature for one hour. As the tissues cool, they quickly become numb, and the pulling sensation is replaced by a diffuse numbness.

The machine automatically shuts off at one hour. The technician releases the suction and removes the applicator revealing a red, frozen block of tissue. Massaging the area quickly warms and softens the tissue. Mild pain and sensitivity can occur for a few hours after the cooling session. During the first few weeks, the area will be mildly sensitive and swollen. The most common side effects include transient swelling, minor pain, redness, edema, reduced sensation and minor bruising.

The cold-induced cell destruction will result in the gradual elimination of the affected fat cells during the next two to three months. Clinically, this appears as a gradual shrinkage and flattening of the targeted tissue. Most swelling and tenderness resolves in two weeks, but the area can be slightly numb for up to two months. The full result is typically seen at three months.

As each applicator treats only a finite amount of tissue, most patients will elect to have multiple treatments to improve the contour of a larger area. Treating both sides of the lower abdomen and both love handles would constitute four treatment areas and can be done sequentially.

Strategies for body contouring are created for each patient based on his or her individual goals. Although the number of treated areas can range from one to more than 20, the most frequent number of sessions is eight to 12 per patient.

Most side effects are minor and transient. A rare complication of severe pain in the treatment area starting approximately three to four days after the treatment and lasting up to two weeks has been observed in patients primarily using the large applicator designed for larger abdominal rolls. This pain is self-limiting, resolves on its own and has been successfully treated with low dose gabapentin (Neurotin).

Selective Cryolipolysis appears to be a safe and effective method for non-invasive fat reduction. It is nonsurgical, reliable, well tolerated by almost all patients and has no downtime. The present limitations are related to the size and shape of the applicators, which cannot accommodate all body areas or shapes. This technique should be thought of as a body contouring technique best suited for people with healthy eating and exercise habits. It is not a weight-loss program and not appropriate for morbid obesity, but for those who are looking for fast results then consider getting a smart lipo.

Although FDA approved for only abdomen and flanks, good results can be seen in a number of other body areas including inner thighs, back fat rolls and the back of the arms.

— Dr. Patrick Flaharty of Azul Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa is a specialist in facial cosmetic surgery and recently published “Look Younger Now: Fillers, Face Lifts and Everything in Between.”