Fat Freezing Vs Liposuction
What is Fat Freezing (Cryolipolysis / Coolscultping®)?
Fat freezing is a non-invasive, non-surgical, clinically proven method of targeting fat in problem areas using cooling technology. The procedure has been passed as safe by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). It works by cooling unwanted fat cells in the body which kills some of the fat cells by a natural process known as apoptosis. The surrounding tissues are unaffected and unharmed.
Liposuction is an invasive cosmetic surgery procedure that takes place in an operating room. It will involve being anaesthetised and a having a surgeon making incisions to allow a cannula to be inserted under the skin to break up and suck the fat from various parts of the body. Liposuction involves all the risks of surgery, but the benefits are quicker to be seen and more dramatic.
How does it work?
With the Fat Freezing procedure, a non-invasive applicator delivers precisely controlled cooling to the treatment area to specifically target underlying fat, leaving surface skin tissue unaffected. When fat cells are exposed to extreme cold, a process of natural removal is triggered, which gradually reduces the thickness of the fat layer. The result is a visible reduction in fat bulges.Exclusive to Fat Freezing is the concept of “cryolipolysis”, which is based on the principle that fat cells will die at a low temperature that leaves the surrounding tissue unaffected. The result over a period of about 6 – 12 weeks is a noticeable, natural-looking reduction in fat. The effects of cryolipolysis are that the cooled fat cells undergo apoptosis and are gradually eliminated, reducing the amount of fat cells in the targeted area. The reduction is in the region of 20% -40% of the fat in the targeted area, per treatment.
With Fat Freezing, what happens to the fat cells after they die. Can they grow back?
Once the fat cells are killed from fat freezing, those cells are gone forever. As with Liposuction, fat will not deposit again in the same area that was treated.
What are the benefits of Fat Freezing?
- It is non surgical and non invasive. You will suffer no downtime and you will be able to return to your normal activities afterwards, including returning to work and exercising. Contrast this with liposuction, where you can expect swelling and bruising afterwards and you will need some time off work to recover.
- It is safe. During the procedure patients can sit or lie comfortably and read, work on their laptop or even have a sleep during the procedure. I stay with you the whole time the procedure is taking place.
- It is convenient. The procedures last on average one or two hours, so can be completed with minimal disruption to your day.
- The results are visible. You can see the benefits, usually between about 6 – 12 weeks after treatment. Areas can be retreated for further enhancements. Most people are happy with between 1 and 3 procedures.
Will I need to wear a compression garment?
Whilst it is advisable to wear a compression garment after liposuction, this is not necessary after Fat Freezing.
What about the cost?
Liposuction costs in the region of £3000 – £7000 on average per treatment. My Fat Freezing services cost from £200 for the first treatment and £120 for subsequent treatments taken during the first year after the initial treatment, even to a different area of the body.