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Practical Information
Non-invasive
Reduction of localized fat
2 to 3 hours, depending on the location and extent of the treatment
1 session (many patients are satisfied with the results after just 1 session of CoolSculpting cryolipolysis)
On average, 2 months after the treatment.
The results of cryolipolysis are considered permanent, because the treated fat cells are definitively eliminated by the body over the course of weeks or months. Once eliminated, these specific cells do not regenerate.
What is Cryolipolysis?
Cryolipolysis is a non-surgical fat reduction procedure that uses extremely low temperatures to freeze fat cells.
The word “cryolipolysis” derives from three terms: “cryo” (cold), “lipo” (fat), and “lysis” (destruction). Therefore, cryolipolysis involves the destruction of fat cells through cold.
The cryolipolysis technology used at Living Clinic is CoolSculpting.
How does cryolipolysis work?
The cryolipolysis process is based on a scientific principle known as cold-induced lipolysis. The central idea is that fat cells are more sensitive to cold than surrounding tissues such as skin and muscles. Therefore, by exposing an area of the body to controlled cold temperatures, it is possible to selectively freeze and damage fat cells while leaving other structures intact.
Stubborn fat despite diet and exercise
Controlled cooling technology to eliminate only fat cells
In the following weeks, the body will naturally eliminate the fat cells that have died
Achieving long-term results, since the fat cells have been permanently eliminated
Step-by-step of the cryolipolysis treatment
Below is a step-by-step summary of the process:
1. Initial Assessment
Before the procedure, a healthcare professional performs an assessment to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for cryolipolysis. This involves analyzing the area to be treated and discussing the patient’s fat reduction goals.
2. Preparation of the Treatment Area
The area to be treated is cleaned and marked to ensure accuracy during the procedure.
3. Application of the Cryolipolysis Device
A cryolipolysis applicator is placed on the treatment area. This applicator applies controlled cold temperatures and simultaneously initiates a “suction” process of the skin.
4. Cooling Begins
The device begins cooling the area to a controlled temperature, usually around -9 to -12 degrees Celsius. This cooling is maintained for a specific period of time, which may vary depending on the brand and type of device.
5. Freezing and Destruction of Fat Cells
During controlled cooling, fat cells crystallize and harden. This triggers a process of apoptosis (programmed cell death), leading to the destruction of fat cells.
6. Post-Treatment Massage
After cryolipolysis treatment, the treated area is massaged to help “break down” fat crystals and improve results.
7. Immediate Recovery
The patient can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure, as cryolipolysis does not require significant recovery time.
8. Gradual Results after Cryolipolysis
The results of cryolipolysis are not immediately visible. As damaged fat cells are gradually eliminated by the lymphatic system and other metabolic activities of our body, the results begin to appear after a few weeks and continue to improve over the following months. However, the results largely depend on the quality of the equipment used, among other factors.
Application Areas of Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis treatment can be applied to several areas of the body, including:
- Double chin;
- Arms;
- Axillary fold;
- Chest (men);
- Back (bra bulge);
- Abdomen;
- Flanks;
- Inner and outer thighs (also known as saddlebags);
- Gluteal fold (also known in English as banana roll);
- Knees.
Cryolipolysis vs. Coolsculpting
Among the various cryolipolysis devices available on the market, CoolSculpting is by far the most globally recognized system, offering the best treatment results.
CoolSculpting is known for its precision and advanced technology, which deliver fat reduction results that are usually not achieved with other cryolipolysis treatments.
CoolSculpting has been extensively studied and documented, with thousands of patient testimonials reporting remarkable results from the treatment.
CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved procedure that has undergone extensive clinical trials to ensure its safety and effectiveness, unlike any other cryolipolysis treatment.
In summary, although cryolipolysis and CoolSculpting share the same basic concept of “cooling” fat cells to promote localized fat reduction, there are significant differences in the technology behind them, the brand, effectiveness, safety, and guarantee of results. Before choosing a treatment, take all these factors into consideration.
What is the price of Cryolipolysis?
Each cryolipolysis cycle (CoolSculpting technology) has a reference price of €500.
However, the total cost of the treatment varies from case to case, depending on the number of applications needed and the type of applicator recommended.
Therefore, to determine the full cost of your treatment plan, an in-person evaluation with a CoolSculpting specialist is always recommended.
Thanks to the advanced technology of this device, results are usually achieved in just 1 session, which may even save you money compared to other, less effective and less safe cryolipolysis treatments that may require multiple sessions.
Our patients’ reviews on Cryolipolysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What brands of cryolipolysis devices are available on the market?
There are several brands and models of cryolipolysis devices available on the market. Each may have slightly different features and technologies, as well as varying levels of effectiveness, precision, and safety. Below are some of the well-known brands and cryolipolysis device models:
- CoolSculpting (CoolSculpting is one of the most recognized brands in the field of cryolipolysis. In fact, it is the only cryolipolysis treatment FDA-approved for effectiveness and safety);
- CRISTAL Pro®;
- Cryoskin;
- LipoCryo;
- Crystile (Cocoon Medical);
- FreezeSculpt;
Why are not all Cryolipolysis treatments the same?
Technology and Equipment
The effectiveness of cryolipolysis is directly related to the quality of the equipment used. High-quality devices are capable of controlling temperature and treatment times with great precision, ensuring consistent and safe results.
Professional Quality
The experience and qualifications of the professional performing the procedure are also fundamental. An experienced professional understands human anatomy and knows how to correctly apply and use the device, avoiding skin damage and ensuring the effectiveness of the treatment.
At Living Clinic, our specialists are certified and have received rigorous training from Allergan (the company that owns the CoolSculpting brand) on the use of cryolipolysis equipment. We even have a specialist dedicated exclusively to CoolSculpting, who regularly participates in Allergan training sessions, has already earned the title of Allergan Certified Specialist, and is today probably the Portuguese professional with the most experience in this area.
Treatment Assessment and Personalization
Each person is unique and, therefore, their fat reduction needs may vary. A full patient evaluation must always be carried out, and the treatment personalized according to the patient’s goals and physical characteristics. This includes choosing the size of the applicator, the number of applicators, and the type of applicator for the area to be treated.
Proper Post-Treatment Care
The post-treatment massage plays a crucial role in cryolipolysis results. It helps break down fat crystals and improves blood circulation in the treated area. Therefore, it is important that the clinic provides this service properly.
Cryolipolysis Prices
First of all, be wary of clinics offering cryolipolysis treatments at very low prices. The quality of the equipment, the professional’s qualifications, and post-treatment care may be compromised in places that aim only to attract clients with cheap offers. We have even seen packs of several sessions for €20/session. Nowhere in the world would it be possible to offer these prices with good equipment and professionals, ensuring both results and treatment safety.
For reference, the price of CoolSculpting is around €500 per cycle. In CoolSculpting, a “cycle” refers to the treatment of a single body area with one cryolipolysis applicator. The number of applicators used in a CoolSculpting session can vary depending on the patient’s fat reduction goals and the areas they wish to treat. If you only want to treat one very specific area of the body, it is possible that the total cost of treatment will not exceed the average price of €500, since in the vast majority of cases, only 1 CoolSculpting session is needed.
What often happens with other cryolipolysis treatments is that you may need several sessions to achieve the desired results. If you pay between €250 and €400 (prices we have also seen charged) per session of cryolipolysis to treat a specific area of the body (for example, the abdomen), but need multiple sessions, do the math. And we are not even comparing treatments of the same quality…
Just to give you an idea of equipment costs: the CoolSculpting machines currently used at Living Clinic cost around €150,000. The most expensive cryolipolysis machines after CoolSculpting cost about 25% of that amount. To use a metaphor, it would be like comparing a Fiat 500 to a Bentley. That’s why session prices should not even be comparable, since the quality of results (and treatment safety) isn’t either.
How many cryolipolysis sessions are needed?
The number of cryolipolysis sessions needed depends on the number of body areas to be treated and the amount of localized fat. Unlike many cryolipolysis treatments from other brands, with CoolSculpting, usually only 1 session is needed to treat a specific body area and achieve visible and satisfactory results.
Practically all the cryolipolysis clinical cases with CoolSculpting you will find on this website refer to patients who underwent just 1 CoolSculpting session.
What results can you expect with Cryolipolysis (with CoolSculpting)?
On average, it is possible to achieve a reduction of 27–50% of localized fat after CoolSculpting cryolipolysis treatment. No other cryolipolysis treatment can guarantee these results with just 1 or 2 sessions.
Who is responsible for the cryolipolysis treatment at Living Clinic?
Although any of our dermatofunctional physiotherapists can perform the treatment (as they all have specific training in cryolipolysis and several years of experience in carrying out this procedure), the coordinator of non-invasive procedures at Living Clinic is Eng. Diana Vieira.
Eng. Diana Vieira worked for over 15 years at Dr. Eurico de Almeida Medical Clinics, where she performed various roles supporting medical services as well as coordinating aesthetic activities.
Since the creation of Living Clinic, Eng. Diana has dedicated herself exclusively to Cryolipolysis (using CoolSculpting technology), having earned the title of Allergan Certified Specialist and today being probably the Portuguese professional with the most experience in this area.
She regularly participates in training sessions with Allergan.
Learn more at Eng. Diana Vieira.
What are the benefits of Cryolipolysis?
Some of the main benefits of cryolipolysis include:
Reduction of localized fat
Works effectively on areas such as abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, and double chin. It is especially indicated for fat resistant to diet and exercise.
Non-invasive procedure
Does not involve cuts, needles, or anesthesia. This reduces the risk of complications and eliminates the need for prolonged recovery.
High safety
Certified equipment, such as CoolSculpting, has sensors that control temperature and protect surrounding tissues. CoolSculpting is FDA-approved, which reinforces its safety and effectiveness.
Long-lasting results
Eliminated fat cells are permanently removed from the body. If the patient maintains their weight, results tend to be permanent.
No downtime
As it is a non-invasive procedure, most people resume normal activities immediately after the session.
Quick results
Effects can start to become visible within a few weeks, with progressive improvement for up to three months. In most cases, only one session per treated area is needed.
Does cryolipolysis hurt?
No. Cryolipolysis does not hurt. This procedure uses controlled cooling through an advanced monitoring and control system. The cooling is applied by suction applicators that use vacuum to pull the fat folds inside. You will feel localized cold at the beginning of the treatment for about 8 minutes, but it is never painful. At the end of the treatment, the treated area will be massaged to homogenize the cells.
Is cryolipolysis safe?
Cryolipolysis, when performed with top-level and proven safe technology, is safe. At Living Clinic, we use the best cryolipolysis brand/technology (CoolSculpting®), from Allergan Laboratories (California, USA), which is the only one in the world approved by the FDA.
The percentage of skin complications caused by the CoolSculpting® machine from Allergan is 0.027%, while all other machines cause problems much more frequently.
To date, there are records of around six million CoolSculpting® treatments performed worldwide.
Are there any contraindications?
Yes. Patients with cold allergies, cryoglobulinemia, umbilical hernias, coagulation disorders, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women are not suitable candidates for cryolipolysis treatments.
What is the recovery time after a cryolipolysis session?
There is no recovery time, since cryolipolysis is a non-invasive treatment. Right after the procedure, the patient can resume normal daily activities.
Are the results of cryolipolysis permanent?
Yes, the results of cryolipolysis treatment with CoolSculpting are considered permanent because the treated fat cells are destroyed and definitively eliminated from the body. However, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as weight gain may cause the remaining fat cells in other areas of the body to increase.
Cryolipolysis Specialists
LOCATION
Where to undergo Cryolipolysis treatment in Porto?
Cryolipolysis treatments are carried out at Living Clinic, located at Av. da Boavista 117, 6th floor, Room 607, 4050-115 Porto.
Book a free evaluation to hear our specialists’ recommendation for your particular case and clarify all your doubts.
