Fat Freezing vs Radiofrequency (RF): What’s the Difference — and When Should You Combine Them?

January 2026 | Reading time: 7 minutes

Non-Surgical Body Contouring Options

Non-surgical body contouring is popular because it can improve shape without surgery or long downtime. Two of the most searched options are fat freezing (cryolipolysis) and radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening.

They aren’t true “either/or” competitors. In most real-world plans, fat freezing is the primary option for reducing stubborn fat, while RF is used to complement results by improving skin firmness—especially if you’re concerned about looking “softer” after reducing volume.

Quick answer (most people only need this)

• Choose fat freezing if your main goal is reducing pinchable fat on areas like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, upper arms, or under the chin.
• Choose RF if your main goal is firmer skin (mild to moderate laxity), smoother texture, or a subtle tightening effect.
• Combine them if you want fat reduction plus a smoother, tighter finish (typically fat freezing first, then RF later).

Fat freezing vs Radio Frequency at a glance

How fat freezing (cryolipolysis) works

Cryolipolysis uses controlled cooling to target fat cells beneath the skin. The aim is to cool the fat layer enough to trigger a natural clearance process while protecting the skin and surrounding tissue.

What a session feels like

• At the start you may feel suction and intense cold.
• The area often becomes more comfortable after a few minutes.
• Treated areas can feel tender, numb, or “odd” temporarily afterwards.

Why results take time

Fat freezing isn’t instant. Results appear gradually as your body processes treated fat cells over the following weeks. Many people notice changes building over a few months rather than days.

What fat freezing is (and isn’t)

• Designed for stubborn, pinchable fat pockets.
• Not designed for weight loss or deep visceral fat.
• If skin laxity is a concern, RF (or another tightening method) may be recommended to refine the finish.

How Radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening works

Radio Frequency uses controlled energy to gently warm deeper layers of the skin. This heat response can support collagen remodelling, improving how firm and smooth the skin looks over time.

What Radio Frequency feels like

• Most people describe a warm, comfortable “hot stone massage” sensation.
• You may look slightly pink or feel warm afterwards, usually short-lived.

Radio Frequency can help contour — but it’s not a replacement for fat freezing

Radio Frequency can create subtle contouring in some cases, but if your goal is a noticeable reduction of a fat bulge, fat freezing is usually the better primary option. Radio Frequency is best viewed as a complementary treatment for skin quality.

Benefits and limitations of Fat Freezing and Radio Frequency

Fat Freezing — Key Benefits

• Targets stubborn fat pockets that don’t shift easily with diet and exercise.
• Non-surgical and typically minimal disruption to your routine.
• Results build gradually, which many people find looks natural.

Fat Freezing — Considerations

• Results take time (weeks to months).
• Multiple sessions may be needed depending on your goal and starting point.
• It does not reliably tighten loose skin.

Radio Frequency Skin Tightening — Key Benefits

• Improves firmness and texture for mild to moderate laxity.
• Little to no downtime for most people.
• Useful after fat reduction treatments to refine the finish.

Radio Frequency Skin Tightening — Considerations

• Usually requires a course of sessions, and sometimes maintenance.
• Not designed for large fat reduction.

Which one is best for you?

Combining fat freezing + RF (the best order)

If you’re aiming for fat reduction and a smoother finish, most plans follow a simple logic:

1. Fat freezing first to reduce the stubborn fat pocket.
2. Radio Frequency afterwards to support firmness and refine the contour as results develop.

Example treatment timeline (guide only)

Note: Timing varies by device, area, and your clinician’s protocol.

Results timeline: what to realistically expect

Fat freezing

• Early changes: often within a few weeks.
• More visible change: typically over the following months.
• Best assessed: once the full results window has passed for your plan.

Radio Frequency skin tightening

• Results tend to build gradually across a course of treatments.
• Skin texture and firmness improvements can continue as collagen remodels over time.

Safety, side effects and recovery

Both treatments are widely performed, but suitability depends on your medical history, your skin, the area being treated, and the device used. A proper consultation and consent process is essential.

Fat freezing: common temporary effects

• Redness, swelling, bruising
• Tenderness, tingling, temporary numbness

Fat freezing: rare but important risk to know (PAH)

A rare complication called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) has been reported, where the treated area can become firmer or appear larger weeks to months later. A reputable clinic should explain this risk and what happens if it occurs.

Radio Frequency: common temporary effects

• Mild redness or warmth, usually short-lived

Radio Frequency: key risk to avoid

The main risk is overheating the skin, which can increase the chance of burns. This is why training, correct settings, and good technique matter.

Aftercare (both treatments)

• Stay hydrated and keep moving normally unless told otherwise.
• Follow your clinician’s advice about exercise, massage, and skincare.
• Contact Vivo Body Studio if symptoms feel severe, unusual, or persist unexpectedly.

Cost: what changes the price

Pricing varies based on the treatment area and the plan required:

• Fat freezing is often priced by area/applicator and number of sessions.
• Radio Frequency is often priced per session or per course.
• Best value usually comes from a personalised plan rather than chasing the cheapest single session.

How to choose a provider

• Ask which device they use and why it suits your goal.
• Confirm who performs the treatment and what training they have.
• Ensure they screen for contraindications (pregnancy, implanted medical devices, cold-related conditions, etc.).
• Expect clear consent that covers realistic outcomes and risks.
• Choose a clinic that can support you with follow-up and aftercare.

Next steps with VIVO Body Studio

If you want a plan where fat freezing is the primary fat-reduction treatment and Radio Frequency complements the finish, start with a consultation to confirm suitability and the best sequence for you.

• Fat Freezing
• Radio Frequency Skin Tightening
• Find your nearest clinic: /clinics/
• Book a consultation: /book/

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Results vary and all cosmetic treatments carry risk. A consultation is required to confirm suitability.