Fat freezing

2

Replies

  • amyk0202
    amyk0202 Posts: 666 Member
    I have flabby skin around my gut from where I lost a bunch of weight. My primary care doctor recommended this as opposed to a tummy tuck because of cost, effectiveness and most importantly--safety. Still undecided but interested.

    I would talk to a board certified plastic surgeon before doing it. From my understanding it will not help with loose skin. I saw 7 different doctors before my tummy tuck and did a lot of research and I never came across one that recommended this for a weight loss patient to deal with the skin.
  • wackyfunster
    wackyfunster Posts: 944 Member
    stealthq wrote: »
    According to the results from the clinical trial, there were results but they were minor. I wouldn't waste my time or money.
    The results are minor, but interestingly this is the only approach other than lipo that actually eliminates fat cells rather than just shrinking them. People who have lost a lot of weight may still suffer from endocrine/hormonal disruptions, as the fat cells remain metabolically active even after they have shrunk through weight loss.
  • MelodyandBarbells
    MelodyandBarbells Posts: 7,724 Member
    I have flabby skin around my gut from where I lost a bunch of weight. My primary care doctor recommended this as opposed to a tummy tuck because of cost, effectiveness and most importantly--safety. Still undecided but interested.

    @EastSideJohnny , how much total? With/without insurance?
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
    stealthq wrote: »
    According to the results from the clinical trial, there were results but they were minor. I wouldn't waste my time or money.
    The results are minor, but interestingly this is the only approach other than lipo that actually eliminates fat cells rather than just shrinking them. People who have lost a lot of weight may still suffer from endocrine/hormonal disruptions, as the fat cells remain metabolically active even after they have shrunk through weight loss.

    It is, but there are so few fat cells eliminated (given the targeted nature and limits of the technology) that I am doubtful that there would be any noticeable effect on the aforementioned disruptions. More study is needed.
  • It's sounds awesome and if I had the money I'd be getting that and other laser stuff done to perfect my natural beauty. It must be how the rich stay looking rich. Maybe I can get an ice pack and freeze my own fat? Maybe some dry ice lol.
  • trigden1991
    trigden1991 Posts: 4,658 Member
    For once there is some actual research with positive findings for some methods;



    1. Lasers Surg Med. 2009 Dec;41(10):703-8.

    Cryolipolysis for subcutaneous fat layer reduction.

    Avram MM, Harry RS.

    Dermatology Laser & Cosmetic Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston,
    Massachusetts 02114, USA. mavram@partners.org

    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cryolipolysis is a unique non-invasive method for the
    selective reduction of fat cells with controlled, localized cooling. It is
    important, therefore, to understand the potential efficacy and safety of this new
    procedure for fat layer reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the
    literature associated with cryolipolysis was performed to evaluate the findings
    from pre-clinical and clinical studies with respect to the mechanism of action,
    efficacy, and safety. RESULTS: Cryolipolysis has demonstrated efficacy in both
    human and animal studies. Histology findings also confirm the selective reduction
    of fat in both humans and animals, with evidence of a gradual thinning of the fat
    layer over a period of two to four months. Importantly, cryolipolysis has not
    produced any significant adverse side effects in studies to date and any noted
    effects have been minor and temporary. CONCLUSION: Although the mechanism of
    action for cryolipolysis is not yet completely understood, the efficacy and
    safety of this non-invasive procedure for fat layer reduction has been
    demonstrated in the studies available to data. Further studies willl assist in
    identifying the mechanism and elucidate the full potential of this technology to
    perform safe, non-invasive fat reduction for areas of local fat accumulation.
    Copyright 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

    PMID: 20014262 [PubMed - in process]


    2. Lasers Surg Med. 2009 Dec;41(10):785-90.

    Non-invasive cryolipolysis for subcutaneous fat reduction does not affect serum
    lipid levels or liver function tests.

    Klein KB, Zelickson B, Riopelle JG, Okamoto E, Bachelor EP, Harry RS, Preciado
    JA.

    Endpoint LLC, Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110, USA.

    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cryolipolysis provides a method of non-invasive fat
    reduction that significantly reduces subcutaneous fat without injury to adjacent
    tissues. Preliminary animal and human data have suggested that cryolipolysis has
    no effect on serum lipid profiles or liver tests. This study was intended to more
    fully document any effect of this procedure on lipid and liver-related blood
    tests. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty subjects with fat bulges on
    their flanks ("love handles") were treated bilaterally with a non-invasive device
    (Zeltiq Aesthetics, Pleasanton, CA) that precisely cools tissue to achieve a
    reduction in the fat layer. Serum lipid levels and liver tests were measured
    prior to treatment, and at 1 day and 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-treatment.
    RESULTS: No meaningful changes in mean values were observed for any blood lipid
    level or liver test at any point over the 12-week follow-up period. CONCLUSION:
    Cryolipolysis, when used for reduction of subcutaneous flank fat, is not
    associated with changes in serum lipids or liver test results. Copyright 2009
    Wiley-Liss, Inc.

    PMID: 20014252 [PubMed - in process]


    3. Dermatol Surg. 2009 Oct;35(10):1462-70. Epub 2009 Jul 13.

    Cryolipolysis for noninvasive fat cell destruction: initial results from a pig
    model.

    Zelickson B, Egbert BM, Preciado J, Allison J, Springer K, Rhoades RW, Manstein
    D.

    Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis,
    Minnesota, USA. zelic002@earthlink.net

    BACKGROUND: Liposuction is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic
    procedures in the United States, but its cost and downtime has led to the
    development of noninvasive approaches for adipose tissue reduction. OBJECTIVE: To
    determine whether noninvasive controlled and selective destruction of fat cells
    (Cryolipolysis) can selectively damage subcutaneous fat without causing damage to
    the overlying skin or rise in lipid levels. METHODS: Three Yucatan pigs underwent
    Cryolipolysis at 22 sites: 20 at cooling intensity factor (CIF) index 24.5 (-43.8
    mW/cm(2)), one at CIF 24.9 (-44.7 mW/cm(2)), and one at CIF 25.4 (-45.6
    mW/cm(2)). Treated areas were evaluated using photography, ultrasound, and gross
    and microscopic pathology. Lipids were at various times points. One additional
    pig underwent Cryolipolysis at various days before euthanasia. RESULTS: The
    treatments resulted in a significant reduction in the superficial fat layer
    without damage to the overlying skin. An inflammatory response triggered by
    cold-induced apoptosis of adipocytes preceded the reduction in the fat layer.
    Evaluation of lipids over a 3-month period following treatment demonstrated that
    cholesterol and triglyceride values remained normal. CONCLUSIONS: Cryolipolysis
    is worthy of further study because it has been shown to significantly decrease
    subcutaneous fat and change body contour without causing damage to the overlying
    skin and surrounding structures or deleterious changes in blood lipids.

    PMID: 19614940 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


    4. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2009 Jul;33(4):482-8. Epub 2009 Mar 19.

    Clinical efficacy of noninvasive cryolipolysis and its effects on peripheral
    nerves.

    Coleman SR, Sachdeva K, Egbert BM, Preciado J, Allison J.

    Department of Surgery, NYU School of Medicine, 44 Hudson Street, New York, NY
    10013, USA. LipoStructure@yahoo.com

    BACKGROUND: Cryolipolysis provides a method for noninvasive fat reduction that
    significantly reduces subcutaneous fat in a pig model without apparent damage to
    skin and surrounding structures. This study aimed to determine whether fat
    reduction in humans caused by cold exposure is associated with alteration in
    local sensory function or nerve fibers. METHODS: In this study, 10 subjects were
    treated with a prototype cooling device. Fat reduction was assessed in 9 of the
    10 subjects via ultrasound before treatment and at the follow-up visit. Sensory
    function was assessed by neurologic evaluation (n = 9), and biopsies (n = 1) were
    collected for nerve staining. RESULTS: Treatment resulted in a normalized fat
    layer reduction of 20.4% at 2 months and 25.5% at 6 months after treatment.
    Transient reduction in sensation occurred in six of nine subjects assessed by
    neurologic evaluation. However, all sensation returned by a mean of 3.6 weeks
    after treatment. Biopsies showed no long-term change in nerve fiber structure.
    There were no lasting sensory alterations or observations of skin damage in any
    of the subjects evaluated. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive cryolipolysis results in
    substantial fat reduction within 2 months of treatment without damage to skin.
    The procedure is associated with modest reversible short-term changes in the
    function of peripheral sensory nerves.

    PMID: 19296153 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
  • AnvilHead wrote: »
    It's sounds awesome and if I had the money I'd be getting that and other laser stuff done to perfect my natural beauty. It must be how the rich stay looking rich. Maybe I can get an ice pack and freeze my own fat? Maybe some dry ice lol.

    Because there's nothing quite as sexy as necrosis from frostbite.

    I was only kidding.

    I actually give myself home made coffee scrub massages on my thighs, that and walking have made my legs nice.
  • PaulaWallaDingDong
    PaulaWallaDingDong Posts: 4,641 Member
    It's a cosmetic procedure. It's not for weight loss. Results are questionable at best.
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  • I add sugar, oil and cinnamon.
  • GottaBurnEmAll
    GottaBurnEmAll Posts: 7,722 Member
    I've seen the studies like Trigden posted and do think modest results can be obtained in already lean individuals who have stubborn fat deposits.

    I have some on my outer thighs that I'd have cool sculpted in a heartbeat if it weren't for the expense.

    I agree that it's no substitute for diet and exercise.
  • cerise_noir
    cerise_noir Posts: 5,468 Member
    Seriously, if you want to freeze your *kitten* off, just visit Canada in the middle of winter.
  • AllSpiceNice
    AllSpiceNice Posts: 120 Member
    amyk0202 wrote: »
    I have flabby skin around my gut from where I lost a bunch of weight. My primary care doctor recommended this as opposed to a tummy tuck because of cost, effectiveness and most importantly--safety. Still undecided but interested.

    I would talk to a board certified plastic surgeon before doing it. From my understanding it will not help with loose skin. I saw 7 different doctors before my tummy tuck and did a lot of research and I never came across one that recommended this for a weight loss patient to deal with the skin.

    ^^^ THIS. You need to talk to a plastic surgeon instead of your primary care physician.

    I have not had this done, but did consult this summer with a board certified plastic surgeon and talked with a factory Rep from the company that makes the coolsculpting devices. They both made it clear that it is meant to reduce small, localized areas of excess fat; but it is not effective in shrinking pre-existing loose skin.

    It was a bummer to hear because I was searching for an effective, non-invasive way to improve loose skin after weight loss. But I'm glad they were both honest with me.
  • courtneyfabulous
    courtneyfabulous Posts: 1,863 Member
    Um...

    Sounds similar to liposuction but different technique and takes 3 months...

    How about just eat in a caloric deficit for 3 months instead and lose probably the same amount of fat or more and more naturally without fear of something going terribly wrong?


  • GottaBurnEmAll
    GottaBurnEmAll Posts: 7,722 Member
    edited November 2016
    Um...

    Sounds similar to liposuction but different technique and takes 3 months...

    How about just eat in a caloric deficit for 3 months instead and lose probably the same amount of fat or more and more naturally without fear of something going terribly wrong?


    Um...

    Because some people do all of that, reach a healthy weight, and still have stubborn, localized areas of fat that they would like to improve.

    Seriously. I'm only about 2 pounds away from my maybe goal of 115 pounds and just have these two tiny areas on my outer thighs I can't stand. I have loose skin elsewhere, but these are just fat bumps. I'd love for them to be gone, but we just can't afford it.

    I have a decent body fat percentage, I run, I lift weights. I still have these saddle bags.

    I am a healthy weight. I've been a healthy weight for a while. These puppies aren't going anywhere.
  • nutmegoreo
    nutmegoreo Posts: 15,532 Member
    Um...

    Sounds similar to liposuction but different technique and takes 3 months...

    How about just eat in a caloric deficit for 3 months instead and lose probably the same amount of fat or more and more naturally without fear of something going terribly wrong?


    Did you read the posts above you discussing what reasonable expectations for this procedure are?
  • sardelsa
    sardelsa Posts: 9,812 Member
    Um...

    Sounds similar to liposuction but different technique and takes 3 months...

    How about just eat in a caloric deficit for 3 months instead and lose probably the same amount of fat or more and more naturally without fear of something going terribly wrong?


    Um...

    Because some people do all of that, reach a healthy weight, and still have stubborn, localized areas of fat that they would like to improve.

    Seriously. I'm only about 2 pounds away from my maybe goal of 115 pounds and just have these two tiny areas on my outer thighs I can't stand. I have loose skin elsewhere, but these are just fat bumps. I'd love for them to be gone, but we just can't afford it.

    I have a decent body fat percentage, I run, I lift weights. I still have these saddle bags.

    I am a healthy weight. I've been a healthy weight for a while. These puppies aren't going anywhere.

    I hear ya... the area under my glutes is tenacious :( ! I am bulking right now so we will see if I can help it along by building muscle then cutting down again. Otherwise part of me is seriously considering trying this freezing thing :p
  • ahoy_m8
    ahoy_m8 Posts: 3,053 Member
    robininfl wrote: »
    The part I don't understand is how can they freeze fat without damaging skin? Doesn't skin get killed if you take it down so cold that you damage fat cells? Frostburn?

    Wondering this also.
  • jonni82014
    jonni82014 Posts: 1,534 Member
    I had a consultation with a board certified physician. I am 64 years my Buddha (tummy) is old and complacent. Cool sculpting works effectively for the very young 30-45 years. I'm considering SmartLipo. Liposuction to expel the fat cells then laser to tighten the skin. Decision is still unfounded. Am I vain? DH supports me.
    .
  • CorneliusPhoton
    CorneliusPhoton Posts: 965 Member
    ahoy_m8 wrote: »
    robininfl wrote: »
    The part I don't understand is how can they freeze fat without damaging skin? Doesn't skin get killed if you take it down so cold that you damage fat cells? Frostburn?

    Wondering this also.

    This was driving me crazy too. From what I have read so far (shady sources), the fat is affected at a higher temperature than where skin or nerve damage occurs. The biggest issue comes with the length of time it takes to see results and the expense of multiple treatments required. Liposuction gets it done faster and cheaper.
  • GottaBurnEmAll
    GottaBurnEmAll Posts: 7,722 Member
    jonni82014 wrote: »
    I had a consultation with a board certified physician. I am 64 years my Buddha (tummy) is old and complacent. Cool sculpting works effectively for the very young 30-45 years. I'm considering SmartLipo. Liposuction to expel the fat cells then laser to tighten the skin. Decision is still unfounded. Am I vain? DH supports me.
    .

    Oh, that's good to know. I'm older than that, so I can cross cool-sculpting off my fantasy wish list.

    Oddly, my stomach, which is not ideal thanks to having a whopper of a baby at 40, doesn't bother me all that much. Neither do my batwings. It's the saddlebags I can't stand.
  • jonni82014
    jonni82014 Posts: 1,534 Member
    "They" whoever "they" are state that the abs is relatively easier to work off for women and the most difficult for men. Saddlebags on the other hand are the hardest to work off for women and well men's physiques may not have them. Maybe Trigden can weigh in (pun intended) on this subject. I am keeping my batwings and saddlebags for now. It's the Buddha that has to go. I look at her all the time. She is a stubborn fat deposit.
  • jonni82014
    jonni82014 Posts: 1,534 Member
    CorneliusPhoton: Just a note: Lipo is about 7X the cost of CoolSculpt.
  • jonni82014
    jonni82014 Posts: 1,534 Member
    robininfl: Just a note: A certified board plastic surgeon will not perform Lipo on person with large volumes of fat. Usually the procedure is performed on persons who have primarily completed their lifestyle change journey and is unable to be rid of the stubborn fat area. Who wants to HIDE behind fatty deposits. I have hid for years it is time to "bloom!" Lipo is body contouring.Yes, they can re-distribute your fat cells; as an example to your breasts. Science is a beautiful "thing." I really like what Carlos_421 states "I can see where there would be a great deal of failure or even disaster if someone attempted to use this as an actual weight loss technique."
  • CorneliusPhoton
    CorneliusPhoton Posts: 965 Member
    jonni82014 wrote: »
    robininfl: Just a note: A certified board plastic surgeon will not perform Lipo on person with large volumes of fat. Usually the procedure is performed on persons who have primarily completed their lifestyle change journey and is unable to be rid of the stubborn fat area.

    That wasn't my experience. Maybe I wasn't considered somebody who had large volumes of fat, but my surgeon was happy to serve me as I wished. And I saw a lot of his 'before and after' pics of people who had a lot more than just stubborn fat! :)
    jonni82014 wrote: »
    CorneliusPhoton: Just a note: Lipo is about 7X the cost of CoolSculpt.

    Where did you get your 7x figure? Looking at an average cost of $1000 per area for coolsculpt (reviewers posted their costs here: https://www.realself.com/coolsculpting-by-zeltiq), the price is comparable to my experience with lipo. In fact my lipo on 3 areas was cheaper than this lady's cool sculpting just on her stomach. While coolsculpting's greatest asset is that it is less invasive than lipo, results are going to be less predictable, less noticeable, and will take longer to get.

  • GottaBurnEmAll
    GottaBurnEmAll Posts: 7,722 Member
    jonni82014 wrote: »
    robininfl: Just a note: A certified board plastic surgeon will not perform Lipo on person with large volumes of fat. Usually the procedure is performed on persons who have primarily completed their lifestyle change journey and is unable to be rid of the stubborn fat area. Who wants to HIDE behind fatty deposits. I have hid for years it is time to "bloom!" Lipo is body contouring.Yes, they can re-distribute your fat cells; as an example to your breasts. Science is a beautiful "thing." I really like what Carlos_421 states "I can see where there would be a great deal of failure or even disaster if someone attempted to use this as an actual weight loss technique."

    Google large volume liposuction. It's a thing.
  • jonni82014
    jonni82014 Posts: 1,534 Member
    True. Only if you have completed their lifestyle change journey. Not as a weight loss procedure.
  • pmastro724
    pmastro724 Posts: 122 Member
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    It's sounds awesome and if I had the money I'd be getting that and other laser stuff done to perfect my natural beauty. It must be how the rich stay looking rich. Maybe I can get an ice pack and freeze my own fat? Maybe some dry ice lol.

    Because there's nothing quite as sexy as necrosis from frostbite.

    I was only kidding.

    I actually give myself home made coffee scrub massages on my thighs, that and walking have made my legs nice.

    I am intrigued! Tell me more about this home made coffee scrub! Used coffee grinds I presume? I'm going to start stockpiling a stash of grinds...LOL
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