What is cryolipolysis?
"Cryolipolysis" refers to a treatment method in which fatty tissue is specifically reduced by cold. The term is derived from the Greek, where "cryo" means "cold" and "lipolysis" means the dissolution of fatty tissue.
Cryolipolysis treatments have developed rapidly in recent years, and doctors now have access to a large number of devices and technologies. The "CoolSculpting" technology has established itself over the years as a safe and efficient treatment.
How does cryolipolysis work?
When cooled, fat becomes solid at a significantly higher temperature (around 8°C) than water, which only freezes when the temperature drops to 0°C. If fatty tissue is cooled to a temperature below 8°C (without reaching the freezing point of water), the fat in the cells freezes but other cells are not injured.
When fatty tissue is reheated after such cooling, the fat trigger a genetically built-in "self-destruction program". The medical term for this controlled process is ‘apoptosis’. After apoptosis is initiated, the fatty tissue is broken down by cells of the immune system. This degradation process takes about 2-3 months, and the degraded fat cells have then gone forever. Each treatment cycle is likely to result in reduction of the subcutaneous fatty tissue by about 25-30% in the cooled zone.
Why does Smoothline use CoolSculpting technology?
The CoolSculpting treatment is a non-invasive procedure for reduction of superficial fatty tissue and body contouring. So far, more than 7 million treatments have been performed worldwide.
The CE-certified, FDA-approved CoolSculpting machine is not only extremely safe, it is also a highly effective method of treatment thanks to its powerful cooling action. What’s more, its patented safety technology (FreezeDetect®) continuously regulates the temperature in order to prevent damage to the surrounding tissue.
What are the advantages over surgery (liposuction)?
The greatest advantage of CoolSculpting is that it eliminates the risks of surgery (e.g. infection, thrombosis, reactions to the anesthetic) and that you don’t need to take time off to recover. After CoolSculpting, you can carry on with your daily activities immediately – but liposuction is quite traumatic for the tissue, so that you usually need some time to recover. In addition, after a liposuction you will need to wear compression garments for several weeks, which is not necessary after CoolSculpting.
How quickly does CoolSculpting work?
The controlled breakdown of fat is a slow process that takes place during the three months after treatment. Initial changes can usually be seen one or two months after treatment.