Fat Freezing: How it Works and What to Expect

For many of us, a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine simply isn't enough to get rid of stubborn fat. Fortunately, there's a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that can safely freeze fat away in as little as one hour. If you’re ready to say goodbye to unwanted love handles and pockets of fat, a fat freezing treatment, combined with healthy eating and regular exercise, can help you get the look you want.

How Does Fat Freezing Work?

During fat freezing, also known as cryolipolysis, a hand-held device is used to freeze and get rid of fat cells below the surface of the skin. Freezing fat cells permanently eliminates them from the body, resulting in an area that appears smooth and toned. The procedure treats areas including the stomach and abdomen, thighs, chin, back and upper arms. Since fat freezing is non-surgical and minimally invasive, patients are awake during the treatment and there is no downtime after the procedure.

First, determine if you're a candidate for fat freezing. Men and women who are healthy, exercise and are within 20 pounds of their ideal weight are generally good candidates for fat freezing treatment. Since the procedure uses extremely cold temperatures to destroy fat cells, it's a good idea to discuss your health history and any medical conditions with your doctor to determine if it is right for you.

How Quickly to Expect Results from Fat Freezing

Most patients lose 20 to 30 percent of fatty tissue in the treated areas after one session and report noticeable results anywhere from a week to a few months after treatment. Once the fat cells are treated and destroyed, they are gone for good, resulting in a more contoured, sculpted and natural look. Depending on the area (or areas) to be treated, more than one fat freezing treatment might be needed to achieve the desired results.

Fat Freezing Versus Liposuction

Fat freezing and liposuction are two of the most popular body contouring procedures, yet they are different cosmetic treatments.¹ Liposuction is an invasive cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess fat over a large part of the body, often requiring a week or two of recovery. Fat freezing is non-surgical and minimally-invasive, designed to treat smaller, local pockets of fat, with no down time. The best treatment option for you depends on your cosmetic goals and individual preferences.

Enjoy Smooth, Contoured, Natural-looking Skin

Keep in mind that a fat freezing procedure isn't a replacement for diet and exercise, but rather a convenient and effective minimally-invasive non-surgical treatment that can help you reach your cosmetic goals. Remember that you can use the CareCredit credit card to help cover the cost of fat freezing and other cosmetic procedures to help you get and keep the look you want.* Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a nearby provider who accepts the CareCredit credit card.