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

Abstract

ObjectiveCryolipolysis is a safe and effective non‐surgical procedure for reducing subcutaneous fat. It spares adjacent structures, is associated with few adverse events, and is well‐tolerated by patients. Previous studies involving one or two simultaneous treatment sites have shown no effect on serum lipid levels or liver tests. The purpose of this study was to determine whether multiple same day treatments (abdomen plus both flanks) result in changes in these blood tests, and is safe.Study DesignThirty‐five adult males and females underwent same‐day cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting System, ZELTIQ Aesthetics) of the lower abdomen and flanks for reduction of subcutaneous fat. Serum lipids and liver tests were measured prior to treatment and at 1, 4, and 12 weeks post‐treatment. Expected treatment side‐effects were assessed immediately post‐treatment and at the 12‐week follow‐up visit. Adverse events were also monitored.MethodsTreatment consisted of one cycle to the lower abdomen using a large vacuum applicator and simultaneous treatment of both flanks, one cycle each, with medium vacuum applicators .Time between the abdomen and flanks procedures was not to exceed 30 minutes.ResultsThe procedures were well‐tolerated by patients; expected treatment effects were in general mild or moderate, and resolved without intervention. There were no clinically meaningful changes from baseline to any subsequent time point in any serum lipid test. This was also true for all liver tests. There were no treatment‐related adverse events.ConclusionMultiple cycle, same day cryolipolysis treatment of the lower abdomen and both flanks is well‐tolerated and safe. It does not lead to changes in serum lipids or liver tests at any of the measured time points following the procedure. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:640–644, 2017. © 2017 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.

Cryolipolysis for the treatment of submental fat: Review of the literature

“…Cryolipolysis has been studied extensively for its safety and efficacy to reduce nonfacial focal lipodystrophy . There have been no changes in lipid levels or liver function tests and no peripheral nerve damage . A systemic literature review evaluating the safety and efficacy of cryolipolysis for body contouring showed that only 0.82% reported adverse effects last greater than 4 weeks, with decreased sensation being most common.…”

“…To evaluate whether rapid lysis of adipocytes would lead to fluctuations in lipids or liver damage, two clinical trials were performed on patients undergoing cryolipolysis to their lower abdomen and flanks . In the first trial, 40 subjects were treated with a cooling device to their bilateral flanks and blood tests were performed prior to treatment and on post‐treatments day 1, and then 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment .…”

“…In the second trial, 35 patients underwent cryolipolysis to their lower abdomen, followed by simultaneous cryolipolysis to their bilateral flanks. Blood tests were performed prior to treatment and at 1, 4, and 12 weeks following treatment . In both trials, no significant changes in lipids levels or liver functions tests were seen at any of the time points …”

Review of non‐invasive body contouring devices for fat reduction, skin tightening and muscle definition

“…The most commonly used cryolipolysis device, Coolsculpt ® (ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc., Pleasanton, CA, USA), first received FDA clearance for fat reduction in the flank area in 2010. Since this time, cryolipolysis has been approved for several other body areas, including the abdomen, flank, thighs, buttocks, submental area, bra fat, back fat and, less commonly, the upper arms …”

A customized approach for arm fat reduction using cryolipolysis

“…Cryolipolysis is based upon the greater susceptibility of lipid-rich adipocytes to cold injury compared to surrounding water-rich cells [1][2][3]. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of cryolipolysis in multiple areas [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21].…”