Frozen to fit!

Been trying to shed that flab, but no luck Cryolipolysis, a non-invasive fat freezing procedure, is what you need, explains a Bengaluru-based cosmetologist

For many, battling weight loss is often close to impossible. This could be due to several underlying reasons — the lack of adequate care post delivery, wrong workouts or just stubborn fat on those identified “problem” areas that ceases to go. While it is indeed possible to lose weight through regular and strenuous exercises; love handles, small fat bulges in the lower abdomen, inner and outer thighs, and a double chin after the second delivery are much tougher to shed. And no matter how many sessions of pilate’s you may have attended, if this seems like your story, it is perhaps time for a procedure that goes the extra mile – Yes, we’re talking about Cryolipolysis and everything you need to know about it...

Cryolipolysis is a non invasive procedure, which is safe and gaining popularity across the globe. In this treatment, the sub-cutaneous fat is "frozen" below -6 C, causing death of fat cells without any harm to the overlying skin. This frozen fat is slowly eliminated through the liver in about 5-12 weeks. Once eliminated from the treated area, the fat does not re-appear in that area, provided a healthy lifestyle is maintained through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Each Cryolipolysis session is approximately 40-60 minutes long. The biggest plus is that there isn’t really a downtime, which means most people can go to work immediately after the procedure. However, it takes anywhere between 5-12 weeks to see any significant improvements. The procedure is open for both men and women.

The price for this treatment depends on the type of equipment used and the expertise of the doctor. Generally four to five sessions are needed within a gap of three to four weeks apart. Costing about Rs 5,000-Rs 7,000 per area per session, the treatment can be on the steeper side, but well worth it. But as a rule, a consultation with your doctor is strongly suggested before going ahead.

Cryolipolysis is not suitable for people with severe heart, kidney, liver or malignant diseases, and pregnant women. People who are on anti-coagulants or who have loss of elasticity or have excessive scarring tendency should also not opt for this procedure. There is no significant impact on cholesterol level or on liver enzymes after the procedure. There can be temporary redness, swelling, numbness, bruising or frostbite like marks in the area, but those reduce quickly. All in all, Cryolipolysis is an effective non-invasive fat loss solution, worth the hype – provided you stick to the guidelines!

— The writer is a Bengaluru-based cosmetologist.