Cryolipolysis-induced abdominal fat change: Split-body trials

Abstract

Cryolipolysis has been considered as a noninvasive alternative to surgical procedures for reducing subcutaneous fat without affecting the surrounding tissues. However, no clinical trial has investigated changes in the abdominal fat tissue by 12 weeks after cryolipolysis. Therefore, in this split-body trial, we explored whether a single session of unilateral cryolipolysis could change visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue over a period of 12 weeks. We compared the cross-sectional areas of the abdominal adipose tissue of 15 subjects (9 women; 38.3 [10.8] years) by computed tomography before and at 12 weeks after a single treatment of cryolipolysis to the left abdomen and used the right abdomen as untreated control. In addition, we measured participants’ waist circumference, percentage of body fat (by bioelectrical impedance analysis) at baseline and at 6- and 12-weeks post-treatment. Single unilateral cryolipolysis tended to reduce the cross-sectional areas of visceral adipose tissue, by 8.4 cm2 (9.9%), the waist circumferences, and the percent body fat, by 2.8 cm2 (0.6%), overall. The cross-sectional area of visceral adipose tissues on the treated side significantly decreased, by 6.8 cm2 (15.6%; P = 0.003), and that of the untreated side tended to decrease by 1.2 cm2 (3.6%). Thus, a single unilateral session of noninvasive selective cryolipolysis can be considered as a safe and effective treatment for reduction of visceral adipose tissue over a period of 12 weeks, which should result in metabolic improvement.

Ultrasound assessment of abdominal adipose panniculus in patients treated with a single session of cryolipolysis in a clinical setting

“…McKeow & Payne, 22 the mean reduction in localized abdominal fat seemed to be substantially greater than those reported in a systematic review of previous studies. 24 Hwang et al 25 assessed the effect of a single session of cryolipolysis on visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue over a period of 12 weeks. The results of this study showed a reduction in visceral adipose tissue, waist circumferences, and the proportion of body fat.…”

“…Hwang et al 25 assessed the effect of a single session of cryolipolysis on visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue over a period of 12 weeks. The results of this study showed a reduction in visceral adipose tissue, waist circumferences, and the proportion of body fat.…”

Effect of moderate continuous aerobic training versus cryolipolysis on stress hormone and aerobic capacity in central obesity

“…Another theory proposes that ischemiareperfusion damage enhances the initial cold ischemic insult and the crystallization injury produced by cryolipolysis, resulting in the production of reactive oxygen species, stimulation of signaling pathway, and a boost in cytosolic calcium levels. Consequently, cold ischemia and crystallization damage to the targeted adipocytes causes apoptosis and significant inflammatory response, resulting in the cells being removed from the treatment location after many weeks [20]. Supporting our exercise group's results, the central obese men and women who were involved in six weeks of unsupervised exercise program acquired a significant decrease of blood cortisol, WC, and BMI with other additional gained benefits as decreased fat storage and increased endorphin concentrations that improved the mood state of the participants [21].…”

Application of cryolipolysis in adipose tissue: A systematic review

“…3 This technique is based on the localized and controlled application of low temperatures in the area to be treated, which leads to the freezing of the subcutaneous adipose tissue and, in turn, to the crystallization of lipids, inside the adipocytes. 9,10 This crystallization causes these cells to be recognized by the body as "foreign bodies," which results in localized panniculitis (inflammation in the subcutaneous adipose tissue) and consequent apoptosis of these same cells, without damage to adjacent cells. 7,9 This is because adipocytes are more susceptible to lower temperatures than the other cells.…”

“…9,10 This crystallization causes these cells to be recognized by the body as "foreign bodies," which results in localized panniculitis (inflammation in the subcutaneous adipose tissue) and consequent apoptosis of these same cells, without damage to adjacent cells. 7,9 This is because adipocytes are more susceptible to lower temperatures than the other cells. 6,7 Changes to the adipose tissue are not immediate.…”