Cryolipolysis

What is cryolipolysis and how does it work?

Cryolipolysis is based on the selective effect of cold on fat cells. The original CoolSculpting method was developed by Harvard researchers and rests on the observation that fat cells (adipocytes) are more sensitive to cold than the surrounding tissues — the skin, nerves and blood vessels. A special applicator draws the treatment area in and cools it in a controlled way to between -7 and -11 °C for 35–60 minutes. This causes crystallisation within the fat cells, which leads to apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Unlike liposuction, which is a surgical intervention, cryolipolysis is non-invasive and requires no recovery time — after the session the client can return to normal activities straight away. The body clears the damaged fat cells away through the lymphatic system over 6–12 weeks. The result is gradual and emerges over the 2–3 months following the session.

Cryolipolysis suits localised pockets of fat (on the stomach, the flanks, the thighs, the upper arms, under the chin) — it is not a weight-loss method and is not suitable in cases of more substantial obesity (a BMI over 30). A realistic result is a 20–25% reduction of fatty tissue in the treated area after 1–3 sessions. Repeat procedures are often needed for the best result. In Estonia both the original CoolSculpting technology and its alternatives (CoolTec, Cooltech, Pretty CryoX) are in use.

Cryolipolysis prices and how a session works

The price of cryolipolysis depends on the technology used (the original CoolSculpting is usually dearer than the alternatives), the number of treatment areas and the clinic. A session for a single area usually starts from 200–500 €. For larger areas (the whole stomach, or thighs treated together) the figure reaches 600–1200 €. Course packages (several areas or repeat procedures) are often better value than one-off single-area sessions.

A typical visit starts with a consultation at which a beautician or doctor assesses the patient's suitability for cryolipolysis. Suitable clients are those with localised pockets of fat that do not disappear with diet and exercise; whose BMI is under 30; and whose skin has good elasticity (with slack skin it may not be the best choice, because reducing the fat cells can bring the loose skin surface into view).

A session lasts 35–60 minutes per treatment area. The applicator draws the fold of skin in, and the session begins with a mild sensation of pressure, then intense cold (the first 5–10 minutes are uncomfortable), which is followed by numbness (the cold makes the area numb). After the session the beautician must massage the area for 2–5 minutes to help the fat cells break down. Salons such as Health Clinic in Tallinn and other centres specialising in body contouring offer CoolSculpting technology with official certificates.

How to choose a beauty salon for cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis technology is a professional medical device whose use requires manufacturer-specific training. Prefer a salon that uses the original CoolSculpting technology (from the manufacturer Allergan/AbbVie) or a quality alternative from a recognised brand — check that the beautician or doctor has completed official training. In Estonia cryolipolysis is formally a salon-level service (not a medical procedure), but with quality technologies the training partnerships are usually with the manufacturers themselves.

At the consultation the beautician must assess whether cryolipolysis is a suitable solution. An experienced specialist measures the fold of skin (it must be thick enough for the applicator to attach — on a very lean stomach cryolipolysis may not be suitable) and talks through what result is realistic. A warning sign is a promise of drastic results from a single session, or pressure applied through the promise of sudden weight loss.

Prefer a salon that takes before and after photographs, measures the treatment area before the course and tracks the result at follow-up visits. Experienced salons hold a follow-up visit at 8–12 weeks to assess the result and, if needed, plan an additional procedure. Judge the salon by its Google reviews too — cryolipolysis calls for patience (the result emerges over months) and a good salon manages the client's expectations openly.

Risks, side effects and contraindications

The side effects of cryolipolysis fall into the ordinary ones (temporary redness, swelling, haematoma, numbness in the treated area for 1–8 weeks — this is normal and resolves on its own) and the more serious ones. The latter include paradoxical hyperplasia (a very rare but recognised complication in which the fatty tissue in the treated area actually increases — it occurs in roughly 0.1–0.5% of cases, more often in men), prolonged numbness, permanent changes in pigmentation and, in extremely rare cases, cold injury.

Contraindications are pregnancy and breastfeeding, cryoglobulinaemia (a rare blood disorder in which cold causes pathological changes in the blood), cold agglutinin disease, paroxysmal cold nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), Raynaud's syndrome, autoimmune disease in an active phase, a recently operated area (at least 6 months must have passed), a pacemaker or electronic medical devices in the treatment area, extensive skin conditions and blood clotting disorders.

After cryolipolysis, numbness, mild haematomas and slight pain may appear in the treated area (for up to 2 weeks). Drink plenty of water (at least 2 litres the following day) and take light physical activity (walking, yoga). The result emerges over 2–3 months. Combined with a healthy lifestyle it gives the best result — cryolipolysis does not permanently reduce the number of fat cells if weight increases later on.

Cryolipolysis in Estonia's most popular cities

In Tallinn, cryolipolysis is offered by a few specialised body contouring centres and beauty clinics, including Health Clinic and other salons in the capital that have invested in CoolSculpting technology. The capital has the widest choice of technologies and the most experience in treating different areas of the body.

In Tartu, cryolipolysis is offered by ProAge Ilukliinik and other centres specialising in body contouring. Salons in Pärnu, Narva and the county centres mostly cover the more classic body contouring procedures (cavitation, RF) — for the specific technology of cryolipolysis a trip to the capital is usually worth it. Because the result emerges over months and may require repeat procedures, choose a clinic for geographical convenience with a long-term relationship in mind.