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Study: Cryolipolysis is a promising procedure for nonsurgical fat reduction

Cryolipolysis is an effective alternative to liposuction, with limited adverse effects, that results in significant fat reduction when used for localized adiposities.

Researchers conducted a literature review of MEDLINE and Cochrane databases with the search algorithm of cryolipolysis OR cool sculpting OR fat freezing OR lipocryolysis and selected 19 studies for review.

Gordon H. Sasaki

Common treatment areas included the abdomen, brasserie rolls, lumbar rolls, hip rolls/flanks, inner thighs, medial knee, peritrochanteric areas, arms and ankles.

Average reduction in caliper measurement ranged from 14.67% to 28.5%. The outcomes varied based on treatment site.

By ultrasound, the average reduction ranged from 10.3% to 25.5%.

No significant impact was noted on lipid levels or liver function in three studies that tested these variables after cryolipolysis.

All cases had high satisfaction rates, according to posttreatment patient satisfaction surveys.

In addition, blinded investigators were able to correctly identify pretreatment and posttreatment images in 89% of cases in one study and 79% of cases in another.

Posttreatment manual massage may improve the efficacy of the procedure, but various studies have achieved different results with the practice.

One of the main advantages of cryolipolysis is its low adverse effect profile. In the studies reviewed, only bruising, erythema, changes in sensation and pain were reported, and were all mild and short-term.

Future studies are needed to enhance treatment stratification including which treatment sites are most amendable to the procedure. –by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: Ingargiola reported no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.