Cryolipolysis for Fat Reduction and Body Contouring

Abstract

Background:Cryolipolysis is a nonsurgical technique for localized fat reduction. With the increased risk of complications from more invasive methods such as liposuction, cryolipolysis presents a promising method for nonsurgical body contouring. This study presents a systematic review of the available clinical data, with an emphasis on the efficacy, methods, safety, and complications of cryolipolysis.Methods:To identify clinical studies that assessed outcomes of cryolipolysis, a systematic review of the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases was performed with the search algorithm cryolipolysis OR cool sculpting OR fat freezing OR lipocryolysis.Results:The primary literature search returned 319 articles. After inclusion criteria were applied and additional articles were idenfied via manual review of article references, 19 studies were selected for review. Average reduction in caliper measurement ranged from 14.67 percent to 28.5 percent. Average reduction by ultrasound ranged from 10.3 percent to 25.5 percent. No significant impact on lipid levels or liver function tests after cryolipolysis treatments was noted in any study. Only mild, short-term side effects, such as erythema, swelling, and pain, were noted. Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia was described in one patient.Conclusions:Cryolipolysis is a promising procedure for nonsurgical fat reduction and body contouring and presents a compelling alternative to liposuction and other, more invasive methods. This procedure appears to be safe in the short term, with a limited side effect profile, and results in significant fat reduction when used for localized adiposities. It remains unclear whether posttreatment manual massage and multiple treatments in the same anatomic area enhance the efficacy of cryolipolysis.

Multiple same day cryolipolysis treatments for the reduction of subcutaneous fat are safe and do not affect serum lipid levels or liver function tests

“…As in other studies involving the treatment of fewer sites, erythema, numbness, and edema were most common, followed by a lesser incidence of tingling, and bruising 1, 2. In all cases, these signs and symptoms resolved without treatment.…”

“…Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting System, ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Pleasanton, CA) is a non‐invasive procedure for the reduction of subcutaneous fat 1, 2, 3. Cryolipolysis received FDA clearance for the reduction of fat in the flank area in 2010.…”

“…To date, over four million treatments have been administered worldwide [ZELTIQ, Inc., personal communication]. There is a high degree of patient satisfaction with the procedure itself, as well as its objective and subjective outcomes, and side‐effects are in general minor and transient 2, 5, 6, 7 …”

Quantification of adipose volume reduction with a prospective study analyzing the application of external radiofrequency energy and high voltage ultrashort pulse duration electrical fields

“…Instead of measuring only periumbilical circumference, the Canfield Vectra system (figure 1) measures torso circumference at the umbilical reference point, and each 20 millimeters above and below the umbilical reference point. Table 1 shows the mean change in torso circumference per zone, with "0" being the umbilical reference point, "+20" being 20 mm above the umbilicus, and "-40" being 40 mm below the umbilicus.…”

“…Different people performing the measurement will certainly use a different technique.Ultrasound fat thickness has become more common as a measurement of localized fat reduction(23)(24)(25)(26)(27), especially when a noninvasive device is used. However, AA notes that outcome is highly dependent on operator expertise.…”