Cryolipolysis (cryo = icy cold; lipo = fat; lysis = dissolution) is a non-invasive technique that provides a smoother body contour by freezing fat cells. Cryolipolysis procedure is also referred as cryogenic lipolysis, lipo freeze and commonly known as fat freezing.
Fat freezing involves the application of a cooling paddle-like device to suction the stomach like a vacuum and cool fat cells down to a temperature around -9°C in order to trigger cell death. As fat is more temperature-sensitive than skin and other body cell types, the fat cells freeze before skin cells do. This non-invasive alternative to liposuction is suitable for mild but permanent fat sculpting (“less bulging”). Only the fat cells are susceptible to cold temperatures, so the neighbouring tissues remain unaffected. After a cryolipolysis session, the dead fat cells are broken down and excreted.
Cryolipolysis treatment of belly fat is not painful; most recipients experience mild and temporary discomfort (pressure, warmth and coldness). In fact, some people have a nap during the procedure!
Although cryolipolysis treatment is a low-risk non-invasive procedure, some people may experience mild bruising, slight swelling, redness, itching or sensitivity – these side effects are temporary and transient. In very rare cases, a reaction called panniculitis may occur where the fat tissue hardens. However, our highly trained medical team at ICE AESTHETIC minimise these risks by conducting an extensive evaluation before allowing treatment.
Before treatment you will need a consultation to ascertain your suitability. As well as recording your BMI, height, weight and blood pressure, your individual treatment plan will be created.
It is advisable to avoid any blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and any alcohol before the procedure. Always seek medical advice before stopping treatment. It can also help to wear loose comfortable clothing to attend your fat freezing belly appointment. For women, it is best not to have cryolipolysis treatment while menstruating.
The cryolipolysis abdomen procedure is only conducted by medically-trained staff to maximise patient safety. First, a specific cryoprotection cloth will be placed on the to be treated abdominal area, in order to protect your skin. A specific applicator is placed on the belly. The applicator head sucks the treated area by using vacuum and cools it down to -9°C.
During the treatment people read, nap, catch up on a TV show or work on their laptops, often it takes place in their lunchbreak.
The cryolipolysis treatment devices that are used in all ICE AESTHETIC clinics are developed and manufactured in France. These CRISTAL® cryolipolysis machines are medically CE certified. Two types of applicator are used for the treatment of the abdominal area: Ruby and Sapphire.
The RUBY applicator head with a measurement of 200 mm length x 38 mm width x 74 mm hight is ideal for large fat folds, especially for the abdomen area. The SAPPHIRE applicator is intended for treating smaller areas around the belly zone.
The procedure takes just over an hour – usually 70 minutes. Two treatment sessions are recommended (occurring 4 – 6 weeks apart) for optimum results.
One of the advantages of this technique is that there is no down-time; you can drive, play sport and return to work immediately afterwards. In fact, activity can improve the speed of your results as they promote metabolism and stomach crunches in particular will help. Other aftercare advice includes keeping hydrated with water (at least 2 litres/day), drinking detoxifying teas (e.g. nettle), avoiding alcohol, reducing carbs, and avoiding saunas and prolonged sunbathing.
Results from cryolipolysis abdomen treatment will vary depending on the individual’s fatty tissue composition and eating habits following treatment. Most patients will notice an increased firmness of the stomach area and an improvement in how they look and feel in their clothes; some clients even drop a whole dress size!
The results of cryolipolysis abdomen treatment are permanent as long as a healthy lifestyle is maintained, as fat cells cannot grow back after being frozen.
If you are looking for a non-invasive treatment to firm up your stomach, fat freezing belly treatment could be the perfect solution. However, cryolipolysis abdomen treatment is not suitable for anyone who is pregnant, obese or had surgery around the abdominal area with the past year. It is best to seek advice from your doctor if you have a medical condition in case cryolipolysis abdomen treatment is not safe, for instance in those with Raynaud’s syndrome, abdominal psoriasis or Hepatitis C.
The cryolipolysis prices vary by location – the cost of one cryolipolysis belly session by a doctor starts at GBP 895. Regular customers can look forward to a 10% discount. We also include a free aftercare session in the price, to maximise your recovery.