How Do Fat Freezing Machines Work? Cryolipolysis Explained

Understanding How Fat Freezing Machines Work

Fat freezing machines utilize cryolipolysis technology to reduce pockets of fat without surgery or downtime. Also known as coolsculpting machines, these devices work by cooling targeted fat cells to encourage fat cell death and elimination from the body. Let's explore what fat freezing is, how the machines work, and what to expect with treatments.

What is Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing?

Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive fat reduction procedure that uses controlled cooling to eliminate diet and exercise-resistant fat. A fat freezing machine gently cools the fat tissues to temperatures that trigger apoptotic cell death.

The frozen fat cells enter apoptosis, which is a natural cell death process. Over time, the dead cells are flushed out of the body. Treatment sessions are typically spaced 2-3 months apart to allow the gradual elimination process to occur.

How Do Fat Freezing Machines Work?

Fat freezing devices contain cooling panels that are set to precise temperatures ideal for targeting fat tissues. Cryolipolysis machines are placed over the desired treatment sites, then use vacuum pressure to gently draw bulges of tissue between the cooling panels.

This protects the skin from damage while enabling the fat cells to undergo ideal fat-freezing temperatures. The panels cool down to -11C during treatment to chill the underlying fat tissue without damaging other cell types or nerves.

The Science Behind Fat Cell Death and Removal

Research has shown fat cells are more vulnerable to cold injury compared to surrounding tissues. Just below skin level, fat tends to be poorly vascularized with less blood flow than other cell types.

The cold disrupts fat cell membranes from functioning properly. Crystals start forming inside the frozen cells, eventually killing off the fat cells through apoptosis. Over time, macrophages arrive to engulf the dead fat, transporting the eliminated cells to the liver for natural breakdown and disposal.

Is Fat Freezing Permanent?

Cryolipolysis fat freezing treatments produce reasonably permanent results by eliminating fat cells from the body. However, it usually takes multiple sessions spaced several months apart to fully achieve desired outcomes in a treatment area.

Results continue to improve over 3-6 months as the dead fat cells are cleared away. While new fat cells can still eventually develop over time and with weight gain, the treated regions tend to maintain results better than non-treated areas.

What to Expect During Fat Freezing Sessions

Wondering what happens when you undergo cryolipolysis? Here's a step-by-step overview of what fat freezing is like.

Placement of Cooling Device

The specialist assess your needs and desired treatment sites, thoroughly protecting your skin with gel sheets if necessary. They determine which applicator would best fit each area, usually choosing from "cup" shapes of varying sizes.

You sit or lie comfortably as the cryolipolysis device gently suctions onto target fatty bulges. This pulls tissue between cooling panels while shielding surrounding skin.

Sensations During Treatment

As the temperature drops, an intense cooling sensation occurs in the first few minutes before the area starts feeling numb. While chilly, the treatment should not be painful and does not damage surface nerves.

You may feel some cramping, aching, stinging or pressure during the first 5-10 minutes as well. Let your provider know about discomfort since they can make adjustments to reduce unwanted sensations.

Session Length

Depending on the machine used and treatment sites, fat freezing sessions typically last 35-75 minutes per placement site. Common areas require one placement per treatment, while larger regions use overlapping placements as needed.

The machine shuts off automatically once the treatment cycle finishes. Technicians may massage the areas to promote blood flow recovery before removing the applicators.

Ideal Candidates for Fat Freezing Procedures

While nearly any adult could undergo cryolipolysis, ideal candidates include men and women troubled by localized fat bulges that remain despite proper diet and ample exercise.

Common Treatment Sites

Some of the most popular areas for fat freezing include the abdomen, flanks or "love handles", back fat, inner thighs, double chins, and underneath the buttocks. The devices can treat most localized, pinchable fat bulges.

Best Candidates for Procedures

You will achieve optimal fat freezing results if your body weight has been stable for several months prior to treatments. Dramatic recent weight loss or gain makes it harder for specialists to treat typical problem areas.

The machines work best for people at or near their ideal body weight aside from stubborn, diet and workout-resistant fat pockets. Fat freezing works optimally for noticeable bulges versus very thin layers.

The Pros and Cons of Fat Freezing

Like all body sculpting methods, cryolipolysis machines provide certain advantages along with limitations to consider when determining what is best for your needs and cosmetic goals.

Benefits of Fat Freezing

Compared to surgical procedures like liposuction, fat freezing offers benefits such as:

• Non-invasive method with no incisions
• Local anesthetic not required
• No general anesthesia risks
• Minimal pain or discomfort
• No downtime - resume normal activity immediately
• More affordable than liposuction
• Dramatic, visible improvements over 3-6 months

Potential Drawbacks

While considered very safe overall, it helps to know about possible fat freezing disadvantages like:

• Multiple sessions usually required
• Results take months to fully see
• Doesn't improve cellulite appearance
• Not for substantial weight loss
• Body continues producing new fat cells
• Redness, numbness or bruising may occur temporarily

By educating yourself on the process, you can develop realistic expectations about cryolipolysis procedures and the gradual improvements they create.

Fat Freezing vs. Other Body Contouring Options

While fat freezing offers a unique approach to eliminating fatty bulges, results may not meet every individuals needs and preferences. Consider how cryolipolysis compares to alternatives like ultrasonic and laser fat reduction.

Coolsculpting Fat Freezing

As detailed throughout the article, CoolSculpting is a branded cryolipolysis fat freezing procedure. It uses cooling plates to chill fat tissues without damaging nerves or blood vessels.

Over time, frozen fat cells die off and leave the body naturally. Multiple treatments delivered 2-3 months apart create optimal aesthetic improvements.

Ultrasonic Fat Cavitation

Ultrasonic cavitation uses concentrated ultrasonic waves targeted at fat tissues. This disrupts fat cell membranes through vibration energy, turning the released fat content liquid for easier metabolic absorption and elimination.

Results occur quicker with more sessions on average. Mild heat, redness and swelling are common temporary side effects. Combining ultrasonic and cryo fat treatments enhances results.

Laser Lipolysis

Laser assisted lipolysis directs low wavelength laser energy to liquefy fat while simultaneously tightening skin. This method involves injected numbing medication followed by laser fiber insertion to melt fatty tissues apart rather than cold treatment.

Downtime lasts around 3 days afterward. While more invasive, laser lipolysis destroys fat cells faster for more dramatic slimming per session when needed.

With realistic expectations about the gradual process, most individuals find non-invasive fat freezing treatments worth pursuing for slimming resistant fatty bulges.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.