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Selective cryolipolysis reduces subcutaneous tissue at short-term follow-up

A systematic review of selective cryolipolysis style found that the procedure safely and effectively reduces subcutaneous tissue deposits, with few complications at short-term follow-up.

“Selective cryolipolysis appears, at short-term follow-up, to reliably decrease subcutaneous tissue deposits,” Chase D. Derrick, MD, and colleagues wrote in their study. “Although side effects occur, they appear to resolve without intervention within 4 weeks. Furthermore, complications are rare, and in most cases, tend to resolve with time.”

Derrick and colleagues searched the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed databases using search terms “cryolipolysis” and “CoolSculpting” (Zeltiq Aesthetics). They selected 19 articles for review that used objective measurements of tissue loss, such as three-dimensional volume analysis, tissue caliper measurements and ultrasound-assisted tissue thickness measurements.

The mean time to objective outcome evaluation was 3.8 months. Of the 1,445 patients evaluated for safety of the procedure, 12 patients reported complications, primarily a diminished sensation of the treated area for more than 4 weeks.

Among the 295 patients evaluated for efficacy, the mean reduction of subcutaneous tissue was 19.55%, according to the abstract. – by Jeff Craven

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.