Cryolipolysis: price, number of sessions, results

The constant pursuit of the ideal body has been a reality in the lives of many people. And with this growing concern for health and physical appearance, new methods and technologies for non-invasive body fat elimination are constantly emerging. Cryolipolysis is one of these techniques that has gained much prominence in recent years.

In this article, we will explore in detail what cryolipolysis is, how this technology works, and why not all cryolipolysis treatments are the same (especially in terms of effectiveness and safety).

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.

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 other surrounding tissues, such as the 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 other structures remain intact.

Here is a summary of the step-by-step process:

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.

Preparation of the Treatment Area

The area to be treated is cleaned and marked to ensure accuracy during the procedure.

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.

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.

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.

Post-Treatment Massage

After cryolipolysis treatment, the treated area is massaged to help “break down” fat crystals and improve results.

Immediate Recovery

The patient can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure, as cryolipolysis does not require significant recovery time.

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.

What brands of Cryolipolysis equipment are available on the market?

What brands of Cryolipolysis equipment are available on the market?

There are several brands and models of cryolipolysis devices available on the market. Each of them may have slightly different characteristics and technologies, as well as varying levels of effectiveness, precision, and safety. Below are some of the well-known brands and models of cryolipolysis devices:

• CoolSculpting (CoolSculpting is one of the most recognized brands in the field of cryolipolysis. It is, in fact, the only cryolipolysis treatment approved by the FDA in terms of effectiveness and safety);
• CRISTAL Pro®;
• Cryoskin;
• LipoCryo;
• Crystile (Cocoon Medical);
• FreezeSculpt.

Why aren’t all Cryolipolysis treatments the same?

It’s important to make it clear that not all cryolipolysis treatments are the same. As we’ve seen, there are various brands and models of cryolipolysis equipment on the market, and the quality and effectiveness of these treatments can vary significantly. Here are some factors that can affect the quality of cryolipolysis:

1. Technology and Cryolipolysis Equipment Used

The effectiveness of cryolipolysis is directly related to the quality of the equipment used. High-quality devices can precisely control temperature and treatment times, ensuring consistent and safe results.

2. Professional Qualification

The experience and qualification of the professional performing the procedure are also crucial. An experienced professional understands human body anatomy and knows how to properly apply and use the device, avoiding skin damage and ensuring treatment effectiveness.

At Living Clinic, our specialists are certified and have received rigorous training from Allergan (owner of the Coolsculpting brand) on the use of cryolipolysis equipment. We even have a specialist dedicated exclusively to Coolsculpting, who regularly participates in Allergan’s training sessions, having already received the title of Allergan Certified Specialist and is probably the Portuguese professional with the most experience in this area.

3. Evaluation and Personalization of Treatment

Each person is unique, and therefore, their fat reduction needs may vary. A comprehensive patient evaluation should always be performed, and treatment should be customized 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 being treated.

4. Proper Post-Treatment Care

Post-treatment massage plays a crucial role in cryolipolysis results. It helps to break down fat crystals and improve blood circulation in the treated area. Therefore, it’s important that the clinic offers this service properly.

5. Cryolipolysis Prices

First and foremost, be wary of clinics offering cryolipolysis treatments at very low prices. The quality of equipment, professional qualification, and post-treatment care may be compromised in places that only seek to attract clients with low prices. We’ve even seen a package of several sessions for €20/session. It wouldn’t be possible for any clinic in the world to offer these prices with good equipment and professionals, guaranteeing results and treatment safety.

Just for reference, the price of Coolsculpting is around €500 per cycle. In CoolSculpting, a “cycle” refers to the treatment of a single area of the body with a single cryolipolysis applicator. The number of applicators used in a CoolSculpting session may vary depending on the patient’s fat reduction goals and the areas they wish to treat. If you only want to treat a very specific area of the body, the total treatment cost may not exceed the average of €500, as in most 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’ve also seen applied) per cryolipolysis session to treat a specific area of the body (e.g., belly), but have to undergo several sessions, do the math. And we’re not even comparing treatments of equal quality…

Just to give you an idea of the equipment costs, the Coolsculpting machines currently used by Living Clinic cost around €150,000. The highest cost of Cryolipolysis machines after Coolsculpting is around 25% of that value. If we wanted to use a metaphor, it would be like comparing a Fiat 500 to a Bentley. Therefore, the price of sessions shouldn’t even be comparable, as the quality of results (and treatment safety) isn’t either.

Let’s now understand the major differences between “conventional” Cryolipolysis and Coolsculpting.

Cryolipolysis vs. Coolsculpting

Among the various Cryolipolysis devices on the market, Coolsculpting is by far the most recognized system worldwide, offering the best results.

Coolsculpting is known for its precise action and advanced technology, which allow achieving fat reduction results that are not normally achieved with other cryolipolysis treatments.

Coolsculpting has been extensively studied and documented, and has thousands of patient testimonials who have undergone this treatment and achieved remarkable results.

Coolsculpting is a procedure that has received FDA approval and 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 they are based on, the brand, effectiveness, safety, and result guarantee. Before opting for a treatment, consider all these factors.