What’s the Deal With Fat Freezing? And Other Questions Answered

Getting rid of excess fat does not have to involve cuts, needles, and a longer recovery time. Fat freezing treatments are now gaining popularity, as they are proven to contour your body and reduce fat layer thickness without going under the knife. 

Fat freezing use Cryolipolysis or safe freezing technology to destroy fat cells without surgery or downtime. It works by freezing only the fat cells and triggering the process of apoptosis or natural cell death. Treated fat cells are cleared through the lymphatic system and processed as waste in the liver.

At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, we have two popular fat freezing treatments that use Cryolipolysis: CoolSculpting and Z Lipo. Let’s take a closer look at them and how they work.

CoolSculpting (by Zeltiq)

CoolSculpting in Singapore works by delivering controlled cooling temperature using applicators of different sizes. These are specially made to treat common problem areas or fat bulges in the belly, thighs, arms, as well as smaller areas like the chin, bra fat and knee fat.

Prior to the procedure, the treated area will be marked first to determine where to place the handpiece. A cooling gel pad will also be placed on the skin for additional protection. Then, the applicator will suction the fat bulges to destroy fat cells and gradually reduce the fat layer thickness. 

Results will be seen within 60 to 90 days once your body metabolized the dead fat cells. The treatment results in a noticeable reduction of fat in the treated areas, and the treated fat is gone for good.

Z Lipo

Z Lipo works by using a handpiece that suction in the fat bulges in the belly, thighs and arms. It has two handpieces attached to its device, which can both be used in a single session. This means that two areas can be treated at the same time, reducing the overall procedure duration.

Before the procedure, a cooling pad will also be placed on the treated area. The treatment uses pulsed vacuum suctioning that helps to breakdown the fat before the freezing starts. Then, cooling panels will emit the optimal temperature to freeze the fat cells to the point of natural elimination.

The natural breakdown and removal of fat cells through the lymphatic system takes about 10 to 12 weeks. You will notice that the treated area is slimmer once your body has flushed all the dead fat cells.

You can also check out our previous post to know more about the difference between CoolSculpting and Z Lipo fat freezing.

Now that we know how both procedures work, we’ll move on to answering the common questions related to fat freezing.

Who is it for?

Z Lipo and CoolSculpting are ideal for those who are within their ideal weight but can’t get rid of stubborn fat through diet and exercise. Both are good options for men and women who just want to remove pockets of fat, but do not want the risk and pain related to surgery.

Both procedures are effective in removing fat cells, but neither of them is a weight loss treatment. Furthermore, the results will not be as immediate as those seen in surgical liposuction.

Does it hurt?

Fat freezing treatments, in general, are considered comfortable. There may be a bit of discomfort, but this depends on every patient. This is often experienced during the first few minutes of the session wherein the applicator draws in the fat bulge.

During the procedure, you may experience slight pulling, tugging, and pinching sensations together with localized cooling in the treated area. It will also feel numb after a few minutes and the discomfort is minimized.

You may also be glad to know that CoolSculpting device has safety mechanisms built in it to detect if the skin is getting too cold. If it’s found to be too cold, it shuts off automatically.

Is it permanent?

The treated fat cells are gone for good and will not migrate in other areas of the body. Both are permanent fat reduction procedure, but you still need to follow a good diet and exercise routine to maintain long-term and stable results.

Are there any side effects?

Cryolipolysis or fat freezing offers safe and non-invasive fat removal without a long recovery. You may see redness or experience slight tenderness in the treated area a few days after treatment. Other side effects include minor swelling, tingling, and numbing. These are temporary and will resolve completely after a few days. 

Schedule a Body Assessment Today

With fat freezing treatments like CoolSculpting and Z Lipo, you can now freeze your fat away and get a slimmer physique. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics today and schedule a consultation and body assessment with our aesthetic doctors to find out if fat freezing is right for you.