In the series, we search reddit for your Fat Freezing questions and summarise the responses from other users to see if our expert agrees.
This week, we’re looking at r/xxfitness and a question from user sunshineandslike
Has anyone tried cryolipolysis (or CoolSculpt)? What was your experience?
I’ve seen this advertised and I’m interested if anyone has had it done, or knows of anyone who’s had it done and what their results were?
They essentially attach a machine to your stomach and freeze the fat cells, which are then expelled naturally by the body over about a month (VERY simple explanation)
I’m completely happy with my weight and how I look (I’m 5’9, 144lbs and 19%bf), but I do have a perma-pouch on my lower stomach. I don’t want to lose any more body fat really, as then I start losing my boobs/bum but I would (in an ideal world) like to see this bit go.
The few reviews I’ve read around Reddit have been that it does work, but it still seems like pseudo-science a bit.
Would be interested in your opinions!
Disclaimer – I know I know, you can’t spot reduce and abs are made in the kitchen etc. I do know all of this, but it’s not sustainable to eat no sugar/low carb/1200 cals to achieve this so I’m interested in whether this non surgical option would achieve those results. Not looking for a quick fix, I workout 5 times a week and have done for 2 years.
We looked at 184 responses to this users question and summarised the them below:
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Effectiveness: Cryolipolysis is effective for people who are already near their ideal weight and have stubborn fat areas, like the lower stomach. It works by freezing and destroying fat cells, which are then naturally expelled by the body over a period of time. Results vary, with some users experiencing a noticeable reduction in fat and improved body contour, especially in targeted areas. However, it’s not a solution for significant weight loss, and its effectiveness can be limited depending on individual body types and the amount of fat to be treated.
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Results: Some users report a subtle improvement, especially in targeted areas like the lower stomach. Results can be seen after a few weeks, with final effects visible after 2-4 months. However, some individuals see minimal changes or experience uneven results, especially if they do not maintain a healthy lifestyle after treatment. A few users have also mentioned that the fat returns after some time, especially if weight is gained.
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Pain and Side Effects: The treatment is generally not painful during the procedure but can cause soreness, swelling, and bruising post-treatment. These side effects are usually temporary, but some have reported long-lasting discomfort. In some cases, users have reported adverse effects such as skin texture changes (like the appearance of cellulite or scar tissue), especially when the procedure was performed on sensitive skin.
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Cost and Value: The treatment can be quite expensive, with some individuals spending thousands of dollars for minimal results. While it may work for minor fat deposits, many users feel that the results don’t justify the high cost. For those on a budget, the procedure is seen as a less invasive alternative to liposuction, but it does not offer guaranteed results.
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Long-Term Effectiveness: Cryolipolysis is not a permanent solution. Fat cells that are removed do not regenerate, but if a person gains weight after treatment, the remaining fat cells can expand, potentially reversing the effects. Most users find that they need to combine the treatment with a healthy diet and regular exercise to maintain results.
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Personal Experiences: Some users have shared positive experiences, especially those with stubborn belly fat or minor “problem” areas. However, several others have had disappointing results and felt that the procedure was not worth the money, particularly when they didn’t see a significant change. Additionally, some individuals mentioned that the treatment didn’t work as promised, and some regretted spending money on it.
In conclusion, while Cryolipolysis can be effective for some individuals, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For people with small, stubborn fat pockets and who are already in good shape, it may help contour specific areas. However, it’s not a substitute for weight loss or a lifestyle change and may not work well for everyone.
Our expert says…
There were a lot of good responses to this users question. The important thing to note is that there are numerous brands and technologies which perform fat freezing. The most well-known of which is CoolSculpting. We noted that users had untaken fat freezing from a wide range of brands for dramatically different prices. To an extent this should be factored into users reporting varying levels of effectiveness. That being said, results will vary with each patient, even if receiving exactly the same treatment.
One thing that we feel very strongly about is managing patient expectations. As noted in the responses to this question, nobody is reporting miracle results, or even results on-par with fat reduction surgery. There are, however, many users reporting noticeable improvements to stubborn areas of fat which had not responded well to diet and exercise. We agree with this- fat freezing is a safer more affordable alternative to surgery, and while it’s probably not going to be transformative, it is clinically proven and positive results are well documented.
