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Is It Possible To Freeze Away Fat Cells?

While it may sound more like sci-fi than reality, the truth is, you can in fact freeze away fat cells.

The Scientific Breakdown

It all comes down to science: Fat cells freeze at higher temperatures than surrounding tissues. CoolSculpting, a relatively new procedure, uses Cryolipolysis® technology to deliver controlled cooling that gently targets a specific area of fat cells underneath the skin through noninvasive, nonsurgical means. The treated fat cells are crystallized, or frozen, causing them to die. Over time, your body eliminates these dead fat cells naturally through apoptosis, which is the process of programmed cell death. Don’t be alarmed – between 50 and 70 billion cells die each day because of apoptosis in the average human adult.

The History Behind CoolSculpting

The CoolSculpting system was developed by ZELTIQ® Aesthetics, a medical technology company, and designed to reduce stubborn fat bulges that don’t respond to diet or exercise.A comprehensive review of the literature associated with Cryolipolysis® was performed by a team of researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles and Massachusetts General Hospital and found:

  • Subcutaneous fat layer reduction of up to 50% can occur following a single cryolipolysis treatment.
  • Fat thickness decreases gradually over the first three months following treatment, and is most noticeable in patients with limited, discrete fat bulges.
  • Redness, bruising and numbness are common and may last up to a week

Cryolipolysis has been tested in human and animal studies with successful results and has not produced any major adverse effects to date. In 2010, the CoolSculpting procedure became the only nonsurgical fat reduction procedure to be cleared by the FDA.

What to Expect

Once the targeted area is selected, the device is placed on your body and cooling is applied. Because the procedure is noninvasive, no anesthesia is required. Each session takes approximately one hour, and you can return to normal activities immediately after.

What not to expect?

A noticeable difference the second you walk out the door. Remember, the results come gradually within the following weeks and months – be patient, and you could be that much closer to having the body you’ve always wanted.​

Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity. — Lao Tzu