Fat Freezing (Cryolipolysis): What It Is & How It Works

Fat freezing and cryolipolysis are two names for the same idea: using controlled cooling to reduce stubborn, pinchable pockets of fat in specific areas of the body. Clinically, cryolipolysis is the term used for this technology.

This guide explains what fat freezing is, how it works in simple terms, what happens during a session, who it suits, risks (including rare risks), the results timeline, and the most common FAQs people ask before booking.

If you want the big-picture overview first: start with our main fat freezing treatment page.

Fat Freezing (Cryolipolysis): Key takeaways

• Fat freezing is body contouring, not weight loss.
• Typical studies show measurable reduction in the treated area, but results vary by person, area and plan.
• Results are gradual (weeks to months), not instant.
• The most common side effects are temporary and local (redness, bruising, numbness).
• Rare but important: PAH (the treated area can enlarge instead of shrink) — your clinic should explain this in consent.

What is fat freezing (and what it isn’t)

What fat freezing is

Fat freezing (cryolipolysis) is a non-surgical body contouring treatment designed to reduce localised, pinchable fat in targeted areas — the kind that often doesn’t shift easily even with good nutrition and exercise.

Instead of “melting” fat, cryolipolysis uses controlled cooling applied through a specialised applicator. Over the following weeks, your body gradually clears the affected fat cells as part of a natural response.

People commonly choose fat freezing for areas like:

• Lower abdomen
• Flanks / love handles
• Back / bra line fat
• Inner / outer thighs
• Upper arms
• Under the chin (double chin)

You can find out more about how Vivo Body Studio performs its Fat Freezing treatment by clicking here.

What fat freezing isn’t

A lot of disappointment comes from mismatched expectations, so it helps to be clear:

• It’s not a weight-loss treatment. Non-invasive body contouring does not treat obesity and is not intended to produce “weight loss” outcomes.
• It’s not liposuction. Liposuction is surgical removal of fat; fat freezing is non-invasive and gradual.
• It’s not a cellulite cure. Some people notice smoothing, but cellulite has multiple causes (skin structure, connective bands, genetics).
• It’s not primarily a skin-tightening treatment. If skin laxity is your main concern, you may need a different plan (or a combination approach).

What “cryolipolysis” means (simple translation)

The word breaks down as:

• cryo = cold
• lipo = fat
• lysis = breakdown

So cryolipolysis literally refers to a cold-based process affecting fat tissue.

How cryolipolysis works (simple science)

The key idea: fat cells are more sensitive to cold

Cryolipolysis is built on “selective cooling.” In simple terms: fat cells (adipocytes) are more vulnerable to controlled cold than surrounding water-rich tissues when the device is used correctly.

What happens inside the body after cooling

Research describes a chain of events after treatment:

1. Controlled cooling targets the fat layer.
2. The treated fat cells are injured and begin a delayed cell-death process.
3. The body mounts an inflammatory and clearance response over weeks (immune cells help clear the affected cells).
4. The treated pocket gradually becomes thinner/smaller as your body processes the change.

Is fat freezing “FDA approved”?

In the United States, non-invasive body contouring devices are typically FDA-cleared for specific uses/body areas (the wording matters). The FDA also clearly states that non-invasive body contouring does not treat obesity and will not result in weight loss.

Patient takeaway: don’t get stuck on marketing words. What matters is:

• a proper consultation and medical screening
• trained practitioners
• reputable equipment
• realistic expectations and informed consent

How much fat reduction can you realistically expect?

In a major systematic review of cryolipolysis studies, average reduction measurements in the treated area included:

• Caliper measurement reduction: ~14.67% to 28.5%
• Ultrasound reduction: ~10.3% to 25.5%

That doesn’t mean:

• you lose that % of your total body fat, or
• you drop multiple clothing sizes overnight.

It means the treated pocket can look noticeably smaller over time — especially when the right person treats the right area with the right plan.

What happens in a fat freezing session (step-by-step)

Step 1 — Consultation, suitability & “marking the zone”

A proper fat freezing process should begin with a clinical consultation that covers:

• what you want to change and why
• assessment of the fat pocket (pinchable fat vs swelling vs loose skin)
• your medical history and contraindications
• realistic outcomes and how many sessions you may need
• mapping/marking where the applicator will sit for best contour

Why marking matters: small differences in placement can change the shape of the result.

Step 2 — Applicator placement and the cooling cycle

During treatment:

• a protective layer (often a gel pad) is placed on the skin
• the applicator is positioned on the chosen area
• you’ll usually feel suction/pulling, then intense cold that often settles into numbness

Typical session length: commonly around 35–60 minutes per area, depending on the device and plan.

Step 3 — What it feels like (honest version)

Common sensations include:

• strong cold at the beginning
• pulling/pressure from suction
• tingling or numbness
• mild aching, especially when the area “thaws”

For most people, discomfort is temporary — but it’s not accurate to claim it is “always painless.” Pain tolerance varies.

Step 4 — Post-treatment “thaw” and optional massage

After the applicator is removed, the treated area may look:

• firm or “butter-like”
• slightly swollen
• red or temporarily bruised

Some protocols include brief massage. It can feel intense for a short moment because the tissue is cold and numb.

Can you go back to normal life after?

Many people return to normal daily activities the same day because it’s non-surgical. The FDA lists common short-term effects like pain/discomfort, redness, swelling and bruising with body contouring devices.

Who fat freezing suits (and who it doesn’t)

Who fat freezing is usually best for

Cryolipolysis tends to suit people who:

• are near a stable weight
• have stubborn pockets of pinchable fat
• want a non-surgical option with minimal downtime
• understand results are gradual (weeks, not days)
• are willing to follow a plan (sometimes more than one session)

It’s often used for “exercise-resistant” areas like:

• love handles
• lower belly fat pockets
• under-chin fullness

Who it may not suit (expectations and body type)

Fat freezing is not the right tool when:

• the main issue is loose skin (not fat)
• the area is mostly visceral fat (deep abdominal fat)
• the priority is large-volume change fast (surgery may be discussed elsewhere)
• someone expects it to replace lifestyle foundations

A good clinician will tell you honestly if another approach is more likely to match your goal.

Contraindications & safety screening (who should NOT have it)

Cryolipolysis is contraindicated in certain cold-related blood/immune conditions and should be used with caution in cold-sensitive disorders.

Commonly listed “not suitable” conditions include:

• Cryoglobulinemia
• Cold agglutinin disease
• Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria

Caution may apply in conditions such as:

• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Cold urticaria
• certain neurologic disorders affecting sensation

Other reasons a clinic may pause treatment include:

• pregnancy/breastfeeding (policy varies)
• active skin infection, open wounds, or dermatitis in the area
• significant hernia in the area (needs clinician assessment)

Important: Suitability is individual — this is why a real consultation matters.

Side effects and risks (balanced + honest)

Common short-term side effects

Clinical reviews commonly report mild, short-term effects such as:

• redness (erythema)
• swelling
• bruising
• soreness
• numbness/tingling

Rare but important: Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH)

PAH is a rare complication where the treated area becomes larger rather than smaller over time. In a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis, the pooled incidence was 0.22% (about 1 in 455 patients), though certainty is limited and reporting varies.

A responsible clinic should:

• mention PAH in informed consent
• explain it is rare
• explain what happens if it occurs (assessment + referral pathway)

The goal isn’t fear — it’s informed decision-making.

What happens after treatment

The normal first 24–72 hours

It’s common to notice:

• tenderness like a deep bruise
• numbness or tingling
• mild swelling
• sensitivity to touch

These typically settle gradually.

Results timeline (weeks 1 to 12+)

Results aren’t instant because the body needs time to process the change. A commonly described pattern is:

• Week 1–2: numbness/tingle; visible change may be minimal
• Week 3–6: early visible change can begin for some
• Week 8–12: more noticeable contour change
• 3–6 months: some sources describe optimal results in this window

Aftercare (what actually helps)

Aftercare should be practical and focused on supporting your body:

• stay hydrated
• keep movement consistent (walks count)
• prioritise sleep and recovery
• follow clinic advice on massage/compression if recommended

Do you need more than one session?

Sometimes, yes — depending on:

• how thick the fat layer is
• the contour goal (subtle refine vs bigger change)
• how your body responds
• applicator fit and placement

Some clinical guidance suggests waiting 6–8 weeks before treating the same area again because clearance takes time.

Case study 1: Sarah T

Important: The example below is for formatting and expectation-setting. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.

Patient profile

• Name: Sarah T
• Age: 34
• Goal: Reduce love handles and improve waistline definition
• Starting point: Stable weight, consistent gym routine, stubborn flank fat that persisted
• Plan: 3 sessions over 12 weeks (clinician-led) + healthy lifestyle maintained

Treatment plan

• Session 1 (Week 0): Bilateral love handles treated; marking focused on natural contour line
• Session 2 (Week 6): Reassess + refine placement for symmetry
• Session 3 (Week 12): Final contour session for shape and blend

Lifestyle maintained (what the patient did right)

• Protein-focused meals + controlled calories
• 8–10k steps most days
• Strength training 3×/week
• Hydration + sleep routine
• No crash dieting (kept results stable)

Results (what changed)

• Early change noticed around Week 4–6
• Strongest visible contour improvement by Week 12+
• Clothing fit improved significantly; patient reported going down two waist sizes in trousers over the treatment period

Clinician notes (what made the difference)

• Patient selection was appropriate (pinchable fat, stable weight)
• Placement + symmetry mapping was consistent
• Expectations were realistic (contouring, not “weight loss”)
• Follow-up photos were standardised (same lighting, stance and distance)

Why Vivo Body Studio (and how we support you)

If you found this guide helpful, the next step is a proper face-to-face consultation where our team can:

• assess your goals and body type in person
• check medical history and contraindications
• mark and map the treatment area for best contour
• explain what results are realistic for your body
• create a bespoke plan (including whether you need more than one session)

We believe patients should feel informed, not pressured. You should leave your consultation understanding:

• whether fat freezing is right for you
• what your realistic outcome could be
• what aftercare actually matters
• what risks exist (even rare ones) and how they’re handled

Same-day treatment available (where appropriate):
In many cases, if you’re suitable and want to proceed, you may be able to have treatment on the day, from just £99 (pricing depends on area, applicator size and plan).