The Advantages of Fat Freezing
Cryolipolysis, also known as Fat Freezing, is an nonsurgical fat loss process that employs cold temperatures to reduce unwanted fat deposits in the body. The process is especially designed to minimize localized fat bulges or localized fat pockets that don’t respond to exercise and diet. Fat is broken down into several components when heated, but the stored fat is often kept within the fat cells, rather than eliminated. Fat that is eliminated does not go back into the body and is usually sent to the fat cells for disposal through excreting.
Fat-freezing allows a person to lose inches, but it also has some drawbacks. One of the biggest side effects is the bruising and swelling that sometimes occurs following liposuction. This is one of the most common side effects of fat-freezing because there is no need to use a local anesthetic during the treatment. A general anesthesia will be administered through an IV.
Fat-freezing side effects are often treated with over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). These drugs are capable of decreasing inflammation and the redness of swollen areas, although they do not decrease the density of blood vessels. This is typically the case with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, as well. Common NSAIDs used to treat swelling and redness are Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and indomethacin. Each of these drugs has its own side effects and some can cause stomach ulceration and bleeding.
Fat-freezing requires a doctor’s consultation. In most cases, patients who undergo this treatment experience no long-term side effects, but they may experience slight swelling, bruising and mild edema. This is typically temporary and only requires rest for a few days. The bruising typically goes away within a couple weeks, while the edema gradually goes away over time. Patients who have undergone a complete body fat freeze may also experience a return of menstrual cycles after roughly three months.
Fat-freezing treatments are usually performed on an outpatient basis. A local anesthesia is applied to the treated area with the help of special applicators that are used specifically for this procedure. Special applicators are made from stainless steel and designed to melt the fat cells into slurry that can easily be injected into the treated area.
Fat-freezing employs a medical grade coolsculpting solution that is combined with liposuction to effectively melt stubborn areas of fat. Coolscelve is often combined with liposuction in order to achieve optimal results. These coolsculpting solutions are designed to be injected directly into the problem area. Fat that is not easily absorbed by the skin is easily metabolized by the liver, which stimulates the production of hormones that break down the excess fat in the abdomen.
Most commonly, physicians perform one to two sessions of this procedure before the final session is conducted. During the first session, the treated area is wrapped in cool sterile gauze and a local anesthetic is applied to the treated area. The anesthetic reduces the feeling of discomfort and keeps the patient sedated during the procedure.
Fat Freezing uses ultrasound energy to effectively target the fat cells in the abdominal area to induce them to melt. This procedure is minimally invasive thus minimizing the risks of complications such as infection or a secondary infection at the incision site. Fat-freezing treatments offer long-term results as well as short-term discomfort due to the downtime required.
After the initial surgery, patients experience minimal discomfort due to localized anesthesia, cooling of the treated area and gradual reduction of the swelling and bruising. Fat-freezing incisions typically take less than one minute to heal and patients are able to return to work and resume their normal activities within one to two days. Fat-freezing side effects include moderate to mild side effects such as redness, swelling and bruising at the injection site and temporary discoloration of the treated skin.
Fat Freezing, unlike other fat freezing procedures, does not use a needle to insert the solution. Fat Freezing Incisions are generally larger and may require additional plastic surgeon sutures. This is due to the fat cells that are removed through the incision; however, these fat cells are injected into a different area than the original incision location. Fat Freezing side effects include moderate to mild side effects including swelling, redness and bruising at the injection site and temporary discoloration of the treated skin. The incisions used in the procedure are also somewhat larger and may require additional sutures.
When performing a fat freezing session on the abdomen, the patient lies face down. The plastic surgeon will begin in the midline under the navel region and then move outward. Next, the treated area will be elevated slightly with a minimal amount of compression. This elevated area will be stitched closed and covered with patient-grade incontinence pads. Fat Freezing Incisions can be performed on the chin, thighs, breasts, buttocks and/or the neck.
