Cryolipolysis, commonly known as fat freezing, is a non-surgical body contouring treatment designed to reduce stubborn fat deposits by applying controlled cooling to targeted fat cells.
The treatment works by triggering apoptosis, a natural biological process where fat cells are damaged by cold temperatures and gradually removed by the body’s lymphatic system over several weeks.
Since its development by researchers at Harvard Medical School, cryolipolysis has been evaluated in numerous peer-reviewed clinical studies, demonstrating measurable reductions in subcutaneous fat and improvements in body contour.
Many clinical trials report fat layer reductions ranging between approximately 10% and 28% in treated areas, depending on treatment protocols and individual factors.
Below are some of the key scientific studies evaluating the safety and effectiveness of cryolipolysis.
Cryolipolysis was originally discovered through research conducted by scientists at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.
The researchers observed that fat cells are more vulnerable to cold injury than surrounding tissues. This led to the development of selective cryolysis, where controlled cooling damages adipocytes (fat cells) while leaving skin, nerves, and muscle intact.
Clinical Efficacy of Noninvasive Cryolipolysis and Its Effects on Peripheral Nerves
This clinical study evaluated cryolipolysis for reducing subcutaneous fat deposits in humans.
Researchers reported fat layer reductions of approximately 20.4% after two months and 25.5% after six months following treatment. Sensory nerve function remained intact and returned to normal within weeks.
Cryolipolysis for Non-Invasive Fat Cell Destruction
This foundational study confirmed that cryolipolysis selectively reduces fat cells while preserving surrounding tissues.
The research also demonstrated no changes in cholesterol levels or lipid profiles, confirming that fat cell destruction from cryolipolysis does not negatively affect systemic metabolism.
Cryolipolysis for Subcutaneous Fat Layer Reduction
This study demonstrated that controlled cooling can induce apoptosis in fat cells, resulting in gradual thinning of the subcutaneous fat layer without damage to surrounding tissues.
Cryolipolysis for Non-Invasive Body Contouring
This clinical review evaluated outcomes from multiple cryolipolysis studies and concluded that the treatment produces reliable reductions in fat thickness with high patient satisfaction rates.
The research also confirmed that most side effects are temporary and mild.
Cryolipolysis for Fat Reduction and Body Contouring
This systematic review analysed numerous clinical studies evaluating cryolipolysis.
The review found:
The authors concluded that cryolipolysis is a promising non-surgical body contouring treatment with a favourable safety profile.
Cryolipolysis for Safe and Effective Inner Thigh Fat Reduction
In this prospective multicentre study, cryolipolysis treatments produced measurable reductions in inner thigh fat thickness.
Blinded physicians correctly identified treatment improvement in 91% of clinical photographs, demonstrating visible contour improvements.
Safety and Efficacy of Cryolipolysis for Submental Fat Reduction
This clinical trial evaluated cryolipolysis for treating submental fat (under the chin).
The study found visible improvements in neck contour with high patient satisfaction and minimal side effects, supporting its effectiveness for reducing small localised fat deposits.
Efficacy and Safety of Cryolipolysis for Subcutaneous Fat Reduction
A clinical study involving 281 patients confirmed that cryolipolysis effectively reduces superficial fat layers while preserving surrounding tissue.
The procedure was well tolerated, with only temporary side effects such as redness, swelling or numbness.
Cryolipolysis as a Non-Surgical Body Contouring Treatment
A recent review of more than 30 clinical studies concluded that cryolipolysis consistently produces significant reductions in fat volume with high patient satisfaction rates.
The authors confirmed that cryolipolysis remains one of the most well-studied non-surgical fat reduction technologies available.
Cryolipolysis works by exploiting the fact that fat cells are more sensitive to cold temperatures than other tissues.
When fat cells are exposed to controlled cooling:
The cooling process causes fat cells to undergo structural stress.
The damaged fat cells begin programmed cell death.
The body recognises damaged fat cells and begins clearing them.
The lymphatic system gradually eliminates the dead fat cells over several weeks.
At Everybody Clinics, our consultations are designed to assess your body composition and develop a personalised treatment plan.
Our team specialises in non-surgical body sculpting technologies designed to reduce stubborn fat and improve body contour.
Book a consultation to learn whether fat freezing may be suitable for you.
