Fat freezing treatment, known as cryolipolysis, works by targeting and destroying stubborn fat through the application of intense cold. This causes fat cells to break down naturally over a period of several weeks, after which they are carried away by your body’s lymphatic system and processed as waste. The result is a more contoured you.
Fat freezing has become a fast-growing alternative for those seeking to achieve toned results in areas of their body that do not respond well to diet or exercise. While you can perform fat freezing on many areas of the body, certain areas appear to respond particularly well to this treatment compared to others.
Knowing which these are can give you realistic expectations of what results you want.
Here is a look at the areas of the body that are known to respond best to fat freezing treatment.
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Abdomen
One of the most common and successful areas for fat freezing treatment is the abdomen. It’s common to carry excess weight around the middle, whether due to hormonal changes, genetics, or a lack of physical activity.
When you cut weight through diet and exercise, it’s generally an all-over reduction rather than one area losing more than another. But cryolipolysis directly targets belly fat, which makes it an excellent option for people struggling with persistent bulges.
The treatment uses specially designed cooling pads that are applied directly and suctioned onto your tummy. These pads freeze the fat cells under the skin without damaging any of the surrounding structures in your stomach.
Most people notice changes within a few weeks, with the most pronounced changes occurring after two or three months. This is due to the body’s cell-clearing action, which adds further refinement for approximately six months.
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Flanks (Love Handles)
Located on the sides of your body, the “love handles” can be a challenging area to change, regardless of how many crunches or planks you do. The reason fat freezing works so well on this area is that it has a soft layer of fat that responds well to cooling applicators.
The fat tissue in this region is homogeneous and easily targeted by the cold, which filters through the skin and crystallizes the underlying cells along the waistline. Over time, your body naturally metabolizes these broken-down cells, leaving behind a more contoured shape.
Often, when patients treat multiple areas, they will divide their treatment session into treating both flanks or love handles at once, as well as the lower abdomen or vice versa, for an overall upper and lower mid-section makeover.
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Thighs
Fat freezing works wonders on the inner and outer thighs, which are notorious for harboring fat deposits. The outer thighs typically contain denser fat that can contribute to a “saddlebag” effect, whereas the inner thighs usually contain looser fat that may cause rubbing or chafing.
Cryolipolysis utilizes applicators designed to accommodate these unique shapes, allowing for precise positioning and uniform cooling. As time goes on, the body naturally sheds treated fat cells, resulting in slimmer legs with more refined contours.
Fat freezing your thighs also enhances your wardrobe by slimming your lines and works best in conjunction with regular exercise and hydration.
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Upper Arms
For many people, the upper arms often become a repository for fat, resulting in a soft or “flabby” appearance. Fat freezing is exceptionally effective in this region because the treatment process specifically targets localized fat, rather than muscle tissue.
Cooling panels are applied to the undersides of the arms, administering consistent cold temperatures that help degrade stubborn pockets of fat. The outcome is a tighter, more sculpted look that appears entirely natural relative to the rest of the arm.
Over time, as your body eliminates these damaged fat cells, your arms will also appear slimmer. Increasingly, patients report feeling more confident wearing sleeveless attire after completing a fat freezing process without resorting to invasive surgery.
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Back and Bra Line
The back can be difficult to tone, especially around the area of the bra line. Fat freezing can help shape this region by targeting specific areas where fat accumulates, resulting in unsightly rolls that are visible under clothing.
During treatment, applicators are applied across either the upper or mid-back to cool and eliminate fat cells without affecting skin or muscle tissue.
Cells that have been destroyed are gradually removed from the body by natural processes over the following weeks, resulting in a smoother and more even back contour. The bra line is often an area where you can see remarkably predictable results, as it is pretty superficial.
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Under the Chin
The submental area (double chin) is easily targeted with fat freezing because the fat cells in this area are highly responsive to the treatment. A smaller, uniquely designed applicator targets cooling under the chin to freeze and reduce the fatty layer, causing a less defined jawline.
Once your body eliminates the treated fat cells under your chin, your jawline will appear more naturally balanced. Fat freezing under the chin is a non-invasive alternative to injectables and facial surgery, yielding gradual results over time for a natural-looking overall appearance.
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Lower Buttocks (Banana Roll)
Fat freezing can dramatically improve the area directly underneath the buttocks. This section, often referred to as the banana roll, frequently harbors fat that affects the definition between the buttocks and legs; fat that is very hard to tone even with diet and exercise.
Fat freezing uses specially designed curved applicators for a more precise fit over this body area. Its unique ability to gently yet effectively target fat cells beneath the skin means that, over time, you’ll see less fullness in this aesthetic zone as the skin appears naturally elevated.
Safety, Results, and Aftercare
Fat freezing is safe and FDA-cleared for treatment on multiple areas of your body. Studies have revealed significant fat reduction in treated areas. Once gone, that fat won’t return; however, you’ll want to maintain a steady weight to preserve your new shape.
Redness, numbness, or slight swelling may occur but typically resolve within a few days. For effective results, drink plenty of water to help your body flush out fat cells and avoid hot environments for about 24 hours after treatment.
Conclusion
While not suitable for everyone, fat freezing offers a non-surgical option for targeting stubborn, localized fat deposits in specific areas. If you are close to your ideal size already but have particular areas of fat that bother you and do not disappear despite vigorous exercise, dieting, and other efforts, then cryolipolysis or fat freezing may be the solution.
The best candidates for cryolipolysis are those who are close to their desired size but have stubborn fat that persists despite regular exercise and a balanced diet. By adhering to a few simple aftercare tips, such as gentle movement, hydration, and lymphatic support, results should gradually settle into place over the months following treatment.
