Dr Emmaline Ashley explores the current understanding of cryolipolysis as a method of non-surgical fat reduction
The growing demand for methods to remove or reshape localised fat deposits has led to the increasing popularity of body contouring procedures.1 While liposuction remains the gold standard for fat reduction, it is associated with significant risks and recovery time.2
Potential complications include contour irregularities, infection, nerve injury, seroma, haematoma and risks associated with general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation.2 Consequently, there is a strong appeal for alternatives that are less invasive, safer and require minimal downtime, yet still deliver effective results.
One such alternative is cryolipolysis. Cryolipolysis was first described as a body contouring technique in 2007.1,3 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval was obtained in 2010 by CoolSculpting (Zeltiq), a non-surgical body contouring treatment that utilises cryolipolysis to target and eliminate…
