Does Local Cryo Really Eliminate Fat Permanently?

Tired of dieting? You’re not alone.

Alternatives to dieting for fat loss are more and more common. Options include liposuction, radiofrequency lipolysis, and cryolipolysis.

One of the most exciting new developments in fat reduction has been the use of cryo therapies to address stubborn fat. Cryo is noninvasive and nonsurgical yet achieves similar results in terms of total fat reduction. Cryo therapies include options like CoolSculpting or local cryo, like the treatments performed at Happy Valley Healthy Beauty.

So, what is the benefit of using local cryotherapy to address fat? And how do these treatments compare to dieting?

Dieting Reduces Fat Cell Size

Dieting can help reduce fat by creating a calorie deficit, which means consuming fewer calories than your body needs for its daily energy requirements. When you consistently consume fewer calories, your body needs energy from alternative sources, such as stored fat.

During a calorie deficit, your body taps into its fat stores and breaks down triglycerides (the form in which fat is stored) to release energy. This process, known as lipolysis, releases fatty acids and glycerol, which can be used as fuel by your body’s cells.

Over time, as you maintain a calorie deficit, your body continues to break down stored fat, reducing overall body fat.

However, dieting does not eliminate fat cells; it reduces their size. When you consume fewer calories than your body needs, it taps into stored fat for energy, causing the fat cells to shrink. This occurs because the fat cells release some of their stored triglycerides to be metabolized.

Your body’s actual number of fat cells typically remains relatively constant throughout adulthood. Weight gain occurs when fat cells increase in size (hypertrophy) or when new fat cells are formed (hyperplasia). Similarly, weight loss occurs when fat cells decrease in size, but the number of fat cells generally remains the same.

While dieting can lead to a reduction in overall body fat and the size of fat cells, it does not eliminate fat cells. The body has a predisposition to store fat, and fat cells can still expand if you consume excess calories in the future. That’s why long-term weight management typically involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing calorie intake to prevent fat cell enlargement.

How Does Local Cryo Reduce Fat?

Cryolipolysis, commonly known as “fat freezing,” is a non-surgical procedure that uses cold temperatures to target and reduce fat cells in specific areas of the body. While it can effectively reduce fat, it does not completely freeze or permanently destroy fat cells. Cryolipolysis induces controlled cell death (apoptosis) in fat cells, which are then gradually eliminated from the body through natural metabolic processes.

Cryolipolysis, or fat freezing, has gained popularity for several reasons:

1. Non-surgical and non-invasive: Cryolipolysis is a non-surgical alternative to procedures like liposuction. It doesn’t involve incisions, anesthesia, or downtime, making it a less intimidating option for individuals seeking fat reduction.
2. Minimal side effects: Compared to surgical procedures, cryolipolysis has minimal side effects. Local cryo, in contrast with CoolSculpting, has even fewer side effects because there is no risk of bruising or damage to the skin.
3. Targeted fat reduction: Cryolipolysis allows for targeted fat reduction in specific areas of the body. It can be used on areas like the abdomen, thighs, flanks, back, and arms to reduce stubborn fat pockets.
4. Effective for some individuals: While the results vary from person to person, many individuals have reported noticeable fat reduction and improved body contours with cryolipolysis. It can be particularly effective in treating areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.
5. Convenience and time efficiency: Cryolipolysis sessions typically last around 30-60 minutes, and multiple areas can be treated simultaneously. This makes it a convenient option for people with busy schedules.
6. Non-destructive to surrounding tissues: Cryolipolysis targets fat cells specifically without harming the surrounding tissues, such as skin, nerves, or blood vessels. This makes it a safer option compared to some other fat reduction methods.

It’s important to note that while cryo-lipolysis can be effective for some individuals, it may not be suitable or yield desired results for everyone. Be sure to check out our Why is Local Cryotherapy so Popular? for more information.

How Does Local Cryo Compare with Dieting?

Cryo fat loss is a localized procedure that targets specific areas of the body to reduce fat. Weight loss, on the other hand, refers to an overall decrease in body weight, which includes the loss of fat, muscle, and water weight.

Here are some key differences between cryo fat loss and weight loss:

1. Targeted vs. overall: Cryo fat loss specifically targets and reduces fat in treated areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, or love handles. It is a spot-reduction method. Weight loss, on the other hand, results in a more generalized reduction in body weight.
2. Fat cell size vs. fat cell number: Cryo fat loss reduces the size of fat cells in the treated area, but it does not eliminate fat cells. Weight loss, on the other hand, can lead to a decrease in the overall number and size of fat cells throughout the body.
3. Method of fat reduction: Cryo fat loss uses controlled cooling to induce fat cell death, which is then gradually eliminated from the body through natural processes. Weight loss can be achieved through various methods, including calorie restriction, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
4. Scope of impact: Cryo fat loss has a localized impact on specific treated areas. Weight loss, depending on the extent, can have a more widespread effect on the entire body.
5. Combination approach: Cryo fat loss can be combined with weight loss efforts to enhance results. Weight loss through diet and exercise can complement cryo fat loss treatments by reducing overall body fat and improving overall body composition.

It’s important to note that both cryo fat loss and weight loss can yield positive results, but they have different applications and goals.

Will Cryo Fat Freezing Last?

Once the fat cells are frozen, they are permanently eliminated, which is why local cryo is so helpful for stubborn fat. However, it’s important to note that new fat cells can still form in the treated areas if a person gains weight in the future. Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle are crucial for maintaining long-term results.

Check out the benefits of local cryo and book an appointment with Happy Valley Healthy Beauty today!