Cryolipolysis—An update

Abstract

Background: Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive treatment for the reduction of localized adipose tissue. It is becoming an increasingly popular procedure since it received Food and Drug Administration approval in 2010. Localized collections of excess adipose tissue are cooled which results in selective apoptosis of adipocytes. Aims: Review of effectiveness and side effects of cryolipolysis treatments. Materials and Methods: Literature Review. Results: Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of cryolipolysis for the treatment of several body regions. Cryolipolysis is contraindicated for patients with cold-induced conditions and other cutaneous disorders. Most side effects are minor including erythema and local discomfort which typically resolve within a few weeks of the procedure. A rare complication of treatment is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. Discussion: There are several other effective noninvasive modalities for reducing localized adipose tissue. Combining these treatments with cryolipolysis has been shown to be more effective. As technology improves, newer devices have been developed with improved applicators and beneficial results. Conclusion: Cosmetic procedures continue to increase in popularity and physicians should be familiar with cryolipolysis for the reduction of localized adipose tissue collections.

Cryolipolysis for fat reduction using Cooltech® Define technology: A large‐sample retrospective clinical study

“…Cryolipolysis, in particular, is a noninvasive technique that selectively induces adipocyte cell death or apoptosis through controlled cooling, leading to a gradual elimination of damaged adipocytes over a period of approximately 3 months 3 . Adipocytes are more sensitive than other cells to the cooling process, this technique therefore limits collateral damage to surrounding tissues 2–4 . Compared to liposuction, cryolipolysis has few side effects.…”

“…Compared to liposuction, cryolipolysis has few side effects. Common side effects include erythema, edema, and pain in the treatment area, which typically resolve within a few hours or days 2 . Rare side effects include paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), the mechanism of which has not yet been clearly established 2 …”

“…more sensitive than other cells to the cooling process, this technique therefore limits collateral damage to surrounding tissues. [2][3][4] Compared to liposuction, cryolipolysis has few side effects. Common side effects include erythema, edema, and pain in the treatment area, which typically resolve within a few hours or days.…”

“…2 Rare side effects include paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), the mechanism of which has not yet been clearly established. 2 The first cryolipolysis device was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of localized fat on the flanks in 2010 and on the abdomen in 2012 (CoolSculpting device, Zeltiq, California). 5,6 Since then, the use of cryolipolysis has become widespread in the United States.…”

“…Common side effects include erythema, edema, and pain in the treatment area, which typically resolve within a few hours or days. 2 Rare side effects include paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), the mechanism of which has not yet been clearly established. 2 The first cryolipolysis device was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of localized fat on the flanks in 2010 and on the abdomen in 2012 (CoolSculpting device, Zeltiq, California).…”