Fat freezing, also known as cryolipolysis, creates cell death (apoptosis) by freezing fat cells to sub zero temperatures. These cells are then removed from the body via metabolic processes and the lymphatic system. The time taken for the body to process these dead fat cells varies from person to person, with a time span between 6 - 12 weeks. Basically, the faster your metabolism is, plus the more water you drink, the sooner your body will remove these cells. Increasing water intake and Incorporating more exercise will increase your metabolism, and your body will emit the fat cells at a greater pace, allowing you to notice the results sooner.
We see fat freezing as a wonderful asset in alongside a wholistic approach to weight loss, fat freezing can produce both motivation and confidence whether you are at the beginning, end of, or plateauing in your overall weight loss programme.
Fat freezing can quite literally help you lose a dress size or two, however it is important to note that it is not intended for overall weight loss. It is recommended that you use diet and exercise for overall weight loss alongside fat freezing for targeting areas that are either hold a disproportionate amount of fat cells, or that are resistant to diet and exercise alone. Common examples of such areas include, but not exclusive to, both the stomach or thighs.
It is often that multiple fat freezing treatments are recommended for optimal results, however it is highly dependent on the thickness of fat for the target area, alongside the desired results and individual lifestyle factors. In the case of multiple treatments being recommended it is important to leave between 6 - 8 weeks, thus giving the body a reasonable period of time to eliminate all of the dead fat cells from the previous fat freezing session.
Fat freezing does permanently remove the targeted fat cells, once these cells are destroyed and eliminated from the body they do not grow back. The number of fat cells we develop during our lifetime is predetermined in early adulthood (i,e we do not make more cells beyond this period), when we lose or gain weight it is because each cell is either storing more or less fat.
Post fat freezing, fat cells will still be able to store more or less fat, it's simply that the treated area will have less cells, and hence less likely to be your "problem area". Gained weight would then either be more evenly distributed, or stored more in another area. For example after treating the stomach area a few times, then later going on to gain weight one may find that they tend more to hold weight around the breast or even thighs. Therefore, it's key to try and maintain your optimal weight post treatment for long lasting results.
Here are some key points to follow in order to speed up and maintain the results from your fat freezing treatments.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet (calorie controlled for overall weight loss)
- Take regular cardiovascular exercise (increased for overall weight loss)
- Drink at least 2 litres of water per day (support the elimination of fat cells through urea)
- Minimise or eliminate alcohol consumption (lessening the workload on the liver to allow for the processing of dead fat cells)
- Reduce caffeine intake (lessening the workload on the liver to allow for the processing of dead fat cells)
- Maintain your weight (helping to maintain results as desired)
There is minimal discomfort experienced during the fat freezing treatment, however this can depend both on the amount of fatty tissue in a given area, and also the area that is being treated. Areas such as the stomach are relatively pain free, however areas near bone can initially pinch, although this generally eases as the area becomes numb with the cold. Bruising is also more common over bony areas, and as such can be a little tender to touch as is common with bruising.
On arrival, you will have a consultation with your therapist, identifying key areas you wish to target and ensuring there are no contraindications to this treatment in your health questionnaire. From here, the fat freezing applicators will be placed over your chosen target areas, in order to gently vacuum up and freeze the fatty tissues to sub zero temperatures. These applicators will remain in place for approx 30 mins, at which point another area may be targeted. You will experience a cooling/numbing feeling to the area, following the treatment you may experience slight bruising, swelling or tenderness to touch. During the treatment, you can sit back, relax and read your book, catch up on emails or anything you please.
Fat freezing has undergone numerous clinical trials around the world and has been seen to be both safe and effective. It is important that the device used has been approved to be medically safe. We use the Antarctica system, by All White Laser, which has been given the European Unions medical device approval and has received its CE Seal of Approval (FDA is the American Version). Your practitioner will carry out a questionnaire to ensure you are suitable for this treatment and your expectations will be discussed. As previously mentioned, possible post treatment side affects may be slight swelling, bruising and tenderness to touch.