Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive aesthetic-oriented medicine technique that destroys fat cells through cold (apoptosis). It is indicated for treating localized fat deposits resistant to exercise and diet. Results appear gradually over a few weeks, with an average reduction of 20 to 40 % of fat volume per area. This method is an alternative to liposuction in certain indications or for patients who wish to avoid surgery. Cryolipolysis does not allow weight loss, but refines the silhouette in a targeted way.
This non-invasive and painless procedure aims to reduce localized fat deposits on different parts of the body, such as the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, love handles, saddlebags, etc.
A good lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity, should be adopted in addition to the treatment.
Key data on cryolipolysis
Data from clinical studies on cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive medical slimming technique that reduces localized fat deposits through the controlled action of cold.
The progressive loss of thickness of the fatty tissue is 30 % to 40 %.
Its principle is based on the sensitivity of fat cells to low temperatures, unlike the surrounding tissues which are preserved.
This treatment targets resistant fat bulges in order to refine the silhouette in a progressive and natural way, without surgery or social downtime. The skin, muscles and nerves are not damaged during the procedure.
Cryolipolysis is not a weight loss solution and does not replace a balanced diet or regular physical activity. It is mainly intended for patients with localized fat areas that are difficult to eliminate despite a good lifestyle.
If you wish to slim down through cold, regain a harmonious silhouette and eliminate stubborn fat areas, cryolipolysis is particularly indicated.
This cold-based slimming technique is based on a physical principle discovered by American researchers : fat cells exposed to intense cold are destroyed.
Adipocytes ( or fat cells ) are more sensitive to cold compared to other cells.
This exposure causes apoptosis, or slow and programmed cell death. This is why the result is not immediate, but becomes visible three months after the session.
Studies have shown that, for this process to be effective, the session must last one hour and the device used must have CE marking ( mandatory ) and ensure a temperature of at least -5°C at 300mb of pressure.
The areas of the body usually treated by cryolipolysis are :
The best candidates for cryolipolysis are healthy adults who have localized fat deposits, who have a normal weight or are slightly overweight, who have sufficiently firm skin and who wish to reduce these unsightly bulges without surgery. The weight must be stable and these unsightly bulges resistant to exercise and a good lifestyle.
If the patient is significantly overweight or if their skin is very thin or very lax, cryolipolysis is not the most suitable treatment.
During the initial consultation, Doctor Romano checks that the areas the patient wishes to treat are a good indication for cryolipolysis.
The prior medical consultation aims to select the right candidates, define the number of sessions required and rule out medical contraindications.
During the consultation, Dr. Romano verifies :
After taking photographs, the patient is positioned on the examination couch. The area to be treated is protected with a wipe, a bell-shaped applicator selectively suctions the fat bulge, and the surrounding tissues are preserved.
These applicators will gradually cool the adipose tissue, causing its crystallization and destruction. The adipose cells are then eliminated naturally by the lymphatic system, allowing a loss of centimeters and an improvement in the appearance of the skin
The two sides, right and left, are treated at the same time. The treatment lasts one hour. During this time, the patient can read, listen to music or even rest. This aesthetic-oriented medicine procedure is painless; however, it is possible to feel a sensation of pulling or pinching.
At the end of the session, the applicator is removed and the area is massaged in order to decongest it.
It is recommended to wait about 6 to 8 weeks between two cryolipolysis sessions on the same area. This delay allows the body to gradually eliminate fat cells and helps avoid side effects. Dr. Romano will advise you on the treatment plan best suited to your aesthetic goals.
Precautions before the cryolipolysis session
After the session, it is recommended to :
Precautions after the cryolipolysis session
After the session, it is recommended to follow a few precautions.
The cryolipolysis session cannot be performed in certain situations :
Cryolipolysis is a well-tolerated treatment. The observed side effects are most often mild and temporary (disappear after 3 to 5 days) :
The treatment does not leave any scars and no general anesthesia is performed.
Cryolipolysis is safe for the body, this technique is simple, fast and effective. No social downtime is required after the treatment, allowing an immediate return to daily activities.
In many cases, a single cryolipolysis session is enough to achieve a visible improvement of the silhouette. Depending on the extent of the fat deposit and the desired objectives, additional sessions may however be proposed.
The protocol is defined in a personalized manner during the medical consultation, depending on the treated area, the patient’s morphology and the desired result.
The number of sessions required depends on the patient’s aesthetic objectives and the amount of fat to be treated. For certain areas of the body, several sessions may be recommended in order to achieve optimal results :
Results are not visible immediately, as the body gradually eliminates the destroyed fat cells through natural processes. A few weeks after the session, the fat stored in the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, back or hips is reduced by 30%. Three to four months after the session, the results are optimal, with a noticeable reduction of fat bulges.
Depending on the extent of the fat deposit, one to three sessions will be necessary.
Yes, it is possible to optimize the results of your cryolipolysis session by following a few recommendations before and after the treatment.
Before the treatment : try to maintain a stable weight, avoid alcohol and foods high in sugar and saturated fats.
After the treatment : stay well hydrated, engage in regular physical activity and follow a balanced diet to promote the elimination of destroyed fat cells.
Apart from rare and limited side effects, cryolipolysis is not dangerous for health if the procedure is performed by a physician.
Only physicians can purchase reliable machines for medical use. Cold can cause burns and necrosis; this is unfortunately frequent with machines of dubious origin used by non-physicians.
The physician is familiar with contraindications and performs a medical examination to ensure that the patient can safely receive the treatment.
Cryolipolysis reduces localized fat deposits. Fat cells are crystallized and then naturally eliminated by the body over the weeks following the treatment. Once eliminated, these fat cells do not return, which means that the treated fat does not reform in the treated area.
However, cryolipolysis does not prevent the formation of new fat cells in other parts of the body or even in the treated area if a healthy lifestyle is not maintained. To optimize and maintain the results of cryolipolysis, it is recommended to adopt a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity.
In summary, the fat eliminated by cryolipolysis does not return, but it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid weight gain and the storage of new adipose cells.
Dr. Valéria Romano welcomes you to her practice in Geneva. After an initial appointment during which the doctor listens to your wishes and examines the areas to be treated, a quotation is established. The price of cryolipolysis depends on the type of applicator used and the number of sessions required to achieve the desired results.
The cost of a cryolipolysis session varies according to several factors, including the area treated, the number of applicators required, as well as the individual specifics of the treatment. In Geneva, the price of a session generally starts from 500 CHF. This rate corresponds to a standard area, treated with one applicator per side, therefore two applicators in total. Depending on the objectives defined during the medical consultation, several sessions may be recommended in order to optimize the results.
In Geneva, the fees charged in a medical practice may differ from those observed in other settings (aesthetic institutes, non-medical structures), due to the quality of the equipment used, medical supervision, and the rigor of the follow-up offered.
What is the difference between cryolipolysis and liposuction ?
Cryolipolysis and liposuction are two techniques used to eliminate fat deposits, but they differ considerably in terms of procedure, recovery and results.
Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive method that uses cold to crystallize and destroy fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body. This treatment is ideal for people who wish to reduce localized fat deposits without undergoing surgery. No recovery time is required.
Liposuction is an invasive surgical procedure that consists in directly suctioning fat deposits located under the skin. Although it can offer faster results and treat larger volumes of fat, liposuction requires general anesthesia, a recovery period and involves all surgical risks such as infections and scars.
The choice between cryolipolysis and liposuction depends on the amount of fat to be removed, the patient’s aesthetic goals and their preference for a non-invasive or surgical approach.
Both techniques permanently eliminate fat cells ( except in the case of significant weight gain ).
Reviews on cryolipolysis are generally very positive. Many patients report being satisfied with the reduction of fat bulges. Users particularly appreciate the non-invasive nature of this technique, which allows the treatment of problematic areas without surgery and without any recovery period. Most patients observe a visible reduction in fat deposits within a few weeks, with optimal results around three months. However, results may vary depending on the treated area and individual sensitivity. Some patients have reported temporary side effects such as redness, bruising, or increased sensitivity. In conclusion, cryolipolysis is praised for its effectiveness and simplicity, although results may depend on individual factors and multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired aesthetic goals.
In medicine, it is important to understand that there is no absolute guarantee of results for any treatment, including cryolipolysis. However, if it is the right indication, if the treatment is performed by a physician and if the machine used is recognized for its effectiveness, patient satisfaction rates are very high.
90% satisfaction : the vast majority of patients (90%) report being satisfied or very satisfied with the results obtained after one or more cryolipolysis sessions.
10% of dissatisfied patients. Why does this minority not obtain the expected results ?
A cryolipolysis session generally lasts 1 hour or 45 minutes for the double chin.
The time required varies depending on the size of the applicator used and sometimes on the characteristics of the patient’s skin.
After the session, a massage lasting a few minutes is performed to prevent inflammation of the adipose tissue that has been cooled.
This non-surgical and non-invasive method to eliminate localized fat deposits. Unlike liposuction, it does not require recovery time and allows a reduction of fat bulges in a progressive and natural way.
It is not necessary to stop exercising after a cryolipolysis session. In fact, regular physical activity can help accelerate the process of eliminating the fat cells destroyed during the treatment. It is recommended to continue your usual exercise routine, unless the physician advises otherwise for a specific reason. However, avoid extreme physical activities or contact sports during the first 48 hours following the session.
No, cryolipolysis does not treat the skin. It therefore has no direct effect on cellulite or skin laxity. However, with the reduction of fat cells, the appearance of cellulite is diminished, and the skin appears firmer and smoother.
Cryolipolysis was designed to reduce localized fat deposits and not to treat cellulite.
Cellulite is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, water retention and the structure of subcutaneous connective tissue. Reducing a fat deposit obviously improves cellulite, but specific treatments, Onda Coolwaves and radiofrequency, exist for this aesthetic concern.
Cryolipolysis is a medical procedure that must be performed by a doctor, not by a beautician.
Only trained physicians can assess whether you are a good candidate for the treatment and ensure your safety throughout the procedure.
This procedure can cause skin burns, skin necrosis, necrosis of intestinal loops (due to the suction of intestinal loops into the applicator through a hernia), and sensory disorders (nerve damage).
How many kilos can cryolipolysis help you lose ?
Cryolipolysis is an effective technique for reducing localized fat deposits and refining the silhouette, but it is not a weight-loss method.
Fat cells exposed to cold are crystallized and gradually eliminated by the body. This process reduces the volume of the treated fat bulge, but the total number of fat cells lost is generally insufficient to result in noticeable weight loss.
Cryolipolysis is not painful.
Cryolipolysis is indicated for healthy adults aged 18 and over. There is no age limit as long as the patient has no medical contraindications. Prior consultation with an experienced doctor is necessary to adapt the treatment to the patient's age and state of health.
Cryolipolysis does not leave scars or permanent marks on the skin. Side effects such as redness, swelling or bruising are temporary and disappear within a few days to a few weeks.
After a cryolipolysis session, it is recommended to maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity to optimize and preserve the results.
There is no specific diet to follow; it is simply necessary to have a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, and to limit sugars and saturated fats.
Cryolipolysis may be less effective for people with very large fat deposits or for those with diffuse fat. This technique is not a weight loss solution and only works on localised fat deposits. A consultation with a doctor will determine whether you are a good candidate for this treatment.
The results of cryolipolysis begin to be visible 3 to 4 weeks after the session and are optimal 2 to 3 months later. Every patient is different, and the speed at which results appear varies.
After a session of Cryolipolysis, it is advisable to resume light to moderate physical activity, such as walking or yoga. It is best to avoid intensive exercise for a few days to allow the body to recover. However, intense physical activity is not contraindicated.
The choice between LPG (Endermologie) and cryolipolysis depends on the objectives. Cryolipolysis is more effective for reducing localized fat deposits, while LPG is ideal for improving skin quality, reducing cellulite and stimulating circulation.
Cryolipolysis is not suitable for generalized weight loss, the treatment of cellulite or skin tightening.
There are contraindications.
It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle to preserve the results.
On the market, there are three machines for medical use : CoolSculpting®Cristal and Zimmer cryolipolysis.
Cryolipolysis is an effective treatment to eliminate localized fat bulges in a non-invasive way, to refine the silhouette and fight cellulite. This technique makes it possible to reshape curves, improve skin firmness, regain a harmonious silhouette and a flat abdomen without undergoing a surgical procedure.
Cryolipolysis specifically targets fat cells without damaging the surrounding tissues, thus offering a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. A single cryolipolysis session can effectively treat unsightly fat bulges and remodel certain areas of the body.
After cryolipolysis, it is advisable to gently massage the treated area to avoid any inflammation. Use light circular movements for a few minutes every day for five days. This massage is not compulsory, as it is carried out by your doctor at the end of the session.
After cryolipolysis, the crystallised fat cells are gradually eliminated by the lymphatic system, a natural process of metabolisation.
No, abdominal cryolipolysis is generally well tolerated. During the session, patients can read, work on their laptop or watch a movie.
No, cryolipolysis cannot replace an abdominoplasty (or liposuction). Cryolipolysis reduces small fat deposits.
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure intended to remove excess skin and often fat in the abdominal area.
