Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive method used to remove local fat deposits by freezing the fat cells.

This treatment was developed by scientists at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, a training hospital of the Harvard Medical School. They discovered that fat cells can be affected by low temperatures. This resulted in the development of an innovative cooling process, significantly reducing the temperature of the fat cells just under the skin. As soon as you freeze the fat cells treated, they die and are removed naturally by the body over a period of time following the procedure. As a result, the fat cell is permanently removed from the body. The area to be treated can be defined very precisely, and the procedure is very safe.

Method used during the cryolipolysis treatment

During the intake interview, your doctor will determine whether cryolipolysis is the appropriate solution to your problem. Cryolipolysis treats the fat cells situated between the epidermis and the muscles. Cryolipolysis is not suitable for treating visceral fat (organ fat). You can only get rid of this type of fat by exercising a lot and eating healthily.

In consultation with your doctor, we will draw up a personal treatment plan. This states exactly what areas of your body can be treated with cryolipolysis and what the final costs will be.

• Applying the applicator
  Prior to the procedure, we will mark the areas that are going to be treated with a special skin marking pen. Then we position the applicator on the area to be treated. By creating a strong vacuum, your skin including the underlying fat layer is sucked into the applicator, after which the cooling process (cryolipolysis) begins. During the treatment, you can read a magazine, check your e-mail or just have a moment of relaxation.

• Cooling of the fat cells
  The fat cells are cooled in the applicator for 65 minutes, at a temperature of -8 °C. As a result, the temperature of the fat cells drops to between 2 and 4 °C. This process is called cryolipolysis. After 65 minutes, the applicator is removed from the body and the area treated will be massaged intensely for two minutes. The skin may be red. This often disappears within half an hour.

• Natural removal of the fat cells
  After the treatment, your body will identify the fat cells as abnormal, and they will die as a result. This process is called apoptosis. The fat cells that have been broken down are cleared up and removed naturally by your body over a period of 8 to 12 weeks following your treatment. This is the big difference between cryolipolysis and liposuction; in the latter procedure, the fat cells are removed in an unnatural way. Fat cells that have been removed cannot return.

Visible result

The first results will become visible after at least 8 weeks following your cryolipolysis treatment. The removal process goes on up to 16 weeks after this treatment. As it is a very gradual process, your skin has the opportunity to adapt to the new situation and shrink.

Getting used to your new look

During the follow-up appointment, which is scheduled some 12 weeks after the treatment, we will take another round of photos. Together, we will look at the photos taken before and after the procedure, to discuss the result of the cryolipolysis treatment. Sometimes, it a takes a while to get used to your new, slimmer look.