How Cryolipolysis Works: Eliminating Fat with Cold

At IMAGE REGENERATIVE, we believe that body contouring must start from a scientific approach that respects human physiology. Our experience in regenerative medicine has taught us that each tissue responds to stimuli in a unique way, and achieving excellent results requires going beyond standardization.

We offer personalized pathways where technology meets medical expertise to ensure safety and efficacy.

In the context of non-invasive body contouring, cryolipolysis in Milano represents one of the most requested solutions for those who wish to refine their silhouette without resorting to surgery, but our protocol includes special attention to tissue preparation to maximize the effects of cold.

What is Cryolipolysis: An Overview of the Treatment

Cryolipolysis has established itself in recent years as one of the most effective technologies in aesthetic medicine for treating localized adiposity. This term, derived from the combination of "cryo" (cold), "lipo" (fat), and "lysis" (dissolution), describes a process that uses low temperatures to reduce fat deposits that tend to resist even balanced diets and regular physical activity.

Unlike surgical procedures such as liposuction, cryolipolysis does not require incisions, anesthesia, or long recovery times. It is an outpatient procedure that allows patients to immediately resume their daily activities. It is essential to understand that this treatment acts as a figure sculptor and is aimed at people who wish to harmonize specific body areas, rather than as a method for generalized weight loss.

At our clinic in Milano, we carefully assess patient suitability during a preliminary visit, as tissue quality and the type of fat accumulation are determining factors for treatment success.

IMAGE REGENERATIVE's approach is distinguished by the integration of complementary technologies. We know that fibrotic adipose tissue responds less effectively to thermal stimuli. For this reason, our protocol often includes an essential preparatory phase. Before applying the cooling applicator, we treat the area of interest with shockwaves. This preliminary phase aims to soften the fat structure and improve microcirculation, creating ideal conditions for the subsequent cooling to act deeply and more uniformly.

The Scientific Mechanism Behind Cryolipolysis

The scientific principle underlying cryolipolysis is known as "cold-induced apoptosis." Clinical studies have demonstrated that adipose cells, or adipocytes, possess a sensitivity to cold significantly higher than surrounding tissues, such as skin, muscles, and nerves. When exposed to controlled and precise temperatures, generally between -5°C and -10°C for a specific period, fat cells undergo a crystallization process.

This crystallization triggers a biological mechanism of programmed cell death. The adipocyte membrane is irreversibly damaged, signaling to the body the need to eliminate these now-inactive cells. Here the immune system comes into play: in the weeks following treatment, macrophages initiate a "cleaning" operation, engulfing and digesting cellular debris. The lipids contained in treated cells are processed by the lymphatic system and naturally eliminated through normal metabolic pathways, primarily the liver.

Interestingly, this process occurs gradually and physiologically. The controlled inflammation generated in subcutaneous adipose tissue also stimulates a fibroblast response, which can lead to improved skin firmness in the treated area. At IMAGE REGENERATIVE, we carefully monitor this biological response. The integration with shockwaves, mentioned earlier, enhances precisely this phase: high-energy acoustic vibrations, in addition to preparing the tissue, promote the breakdown of membranes in adipocytes already stressed by cold and further stimulate lymphatic drainage, accelerating and optimizing the elimination process.

Step-by-Step Procedure: What to Expect During a Session

Undergoing aesthetic medicine treatment requires awareness and peace of mind. The journey at our facility always begins with a thorough analysis of the patient's clinical conditions and expectations. Once suitability for cryolipolysis is confirmed, the session takes place in a comfortable environment and follows rigorous steps to ensure maximum results.

The first operational step, exclusive to our method, consists of preparing the area with shockwaves. The operator uses a special applicator to treat the target area: this mechanical action reduces the compactness of the adipose tissue and increases local vascularization. Well-prepared tissue is more receptive to thermal exchange, allowing cold to reach target layers more efficiently.

Subsequently, we proceed with the application of the cryolipolysis device. A protective gel membrane is positioned on the skin, essential to prevent cold burns and protect the epidermis. The applicator, chosen based on the curvature and size of the area to be treated, is positioned over the fat pad. The device applies gentle suction (vacuum) to isolate the fat tissue between the two cooling panels.

During the first few minutes, the patient experiences a sensation of intense cold and slight pressure due to suction. This perception tends to fade quickly as the area becomes numb due to the natural anesthesia caused by low temperatures. The session has a variable duration, typically between 40 and 60 minutes, during which it is possible to relax, read, or use mobile devices. At the end of the cycle, once the applicator is removed, the area will appear red and cold to the touch. The operator then performs a manual or mechanical massage to reactivate circulation and break the ice crystals formed in the adipocytes, a crucial step to increase treatment effectiveness.

Treatable Areas and Expected Results of Cryolipolysis

The versatility of cryolipolysis allows intervention on different body areas where fat tends to accumulate due to genetic or hormonal predisposition. Modern technologies have applicators of various sizes and conformations, designed to perfectly adapt to different body anatomies. It is possible to treat extensive areas such as the abdomen, but also more circumscribed areas difficult to reach with physical exercise.

Below we present a table illustrating the most common intervention areas and treatment characteristics for each zone:

Cryolipolysis results require patience as they follow the body's physiological timeframe. The first visible changes can be appreciated after approximately three weeks from the session, while the final result consolidates over two to three months. During this period, the body continues to expel damaged fat cells. Clinical studies and our direct experience indicate a reduction in fat thickness in the treated area averaging between 20% and 25% per single session. To achieve the desired body sculpting, and depending on the initial thickness of the adipose tissue, multiple sessions spaced several months apart may be necessary.

Benefits and Patient Opinions on Cryolipolysis Treatment

Choosing cryolipolysis means opting for a technology that respects the body's integrity while offering tangible results. The primary benefit lies in its non-invasive nature: the absence of needles and scalpels eliminates risks associated with traditional surgery, such as infections or scars. Additionally, immediate return to social life is a determining factor for many patients who cannot afford recovery periods.

Another fundamental aspect is the treatment's selectivity. Cold affects exclusively fat cells without damaging surrounding tissues. This ensures a high safety profile when the procedure is performed by qualified healthcare personnel with certified equipment. At IMAGE REGENERATIVE, medical supervision is constant.

Professor Carlo Tremolada and his team have validated protocols that integrate cryolipolysis into a broader wellness pathway, which may include nutritional advice and targeted supplementation to support metabolism during the lipid elimination phase.

Patient opinions often confirm a high degree of satisfaction, especially when expectations are realistic. Cryolipolysis is ideal for those close to their ideal weight but fighting resistant fat deposits. Those who undergo treatment appreciate the gradual nature of results, which appear extremely natural and harmonious, avoiding the sudden emptying that can sometimes cause skin laxity. The integration with shockwaves in our protocol further mitigates the risk of surface irregularities, leaving the skin smoother and firmer compared to standard cryolipolysis alone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How is fat eliminated with cryolipolysis?

Fat is eliminated through a natural process called apoptosis. Intense cold crystallizes fat cells, causing their programmed death. In the weeks following treatment, the immune system, through macrophages, breaks down these cells and lipids are progressively eliminated by the lymphatic and hepatic systems, without overloading the body.

How many centimeters do you lose with cryolipolysis?

The loss in centimeters varies based on the treated area and individual patient response. On average, a reduction in adipose tissue thickness between 20% and 25% per session is observed. In terms of circumference, this can translate into a reduction of several centimeters on large areas such as the abdomen, visible approximately 2-3 months after treatment.

How much fat do you lose with cryotherapy?

It is important to distinguish that cryolipolysis does not serve to lose weight (kg), but to reduce volume (cm). Each session permanently eliminates a significant portion of fat cells in the target area. Once destroyed, these cells do not regenerate; however, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent remaining fat cells from increasing in volume.

Is cryolipolysis painful or does it leave marks?

During the first few minutes of application, you experience intense cold and a sensation of "tingling" or traction, which disappears as soon as the area becomes desensitized. At the end, the area may present redness, slight swelling, or tenderness to the touch that resolves spontaneously within a few days. Thanks to our protocol with shockwaves, tissue recovery is often faster and more comfortable.