CoolSculpting, scientifically known as cryolipolysis, has been a rising trend in the world of aesthetic medicine. This FDA-approved, non-invasive fat reduction treatment is said to ‘freeze’ your fat cells, leading to a natural removal of them by your body. Sounds exciting, right? But what is the science behind freezing these fat cells? Let’s delve deeper into the science of cryolipolysis and try to comprehend its potential in dealing with unwanted body fat.
The Process of Cryolipolysis:
Cryolipolysis is based on the principle of Peltier effect, where controlled cooling is used to lower the temperature of fat cells in the body without causing damage to other cells or tissue. The technology takes advantage of the fact that fat cells freeze at higher temperatures than surrounding tissues.
The CoolSculpting device is placed on the targeted area of the body and through vacuum applicators, the fat cells are drawn closer to the cooling plates. This leads to the crystallization of lipids within these fat cells causing them to be destroyed without causing any harm to the surrounding tissues.
These damaged fat cells then initiate an inflammatory response, and gradually, over time, the body metabolizes and eliminates them naturally.
The Science behind the Method:
Adipocytes or fat cells are more susceptible to temperature-induced cell death than other cells. Researchers at Harvard discovered this phenomenon when they observed the effects of popsicle consumption on cheek fat in children – some children developed dimples as fat cells in their cheeks died from the cold popsicle.
Translating this science into a controlled medical treatment, researchers developed cryolipolysis – the precise application of controlled cooling to safely eliminate stubborn fat. The cooling causes cell death of subcutaneous fat tissue without damage to the overlying skin.
This phenomenon, termed apoptosis, results in the fat cells shrinking and eventually dying. Over the next few weeks and months, these dead cells are then naturally metabolized and removed from the body, thus reducing the layer of subcutaneous fat, resulting in a leaner appearance.
Why It Works?
The process of apoptosis does not affect or damage the surrounding tissues because fat cells are more vulnerable to the effects of cold, compared to other types of cells. Furthermore, this method ensures the selective reduction of fat layers without affecting the skin or muscle mass. This ensures a safe and effective treatment with minimum side effects or downtime.
Cryolipolysis, or CoolSculpting, has given people a revolutionary and non-surgical way to tackle unwanted body fat. It works on the principles of controlled cooling and apoptosis, to selectively and effectively target and destroy stubborn fat cells without causing harm to the surrounding tissues. So, the next time you’re thinking about body contouring or getting rid of those love handles, you might want to consider freezing your fat cells away with CoolSculpting.