Diet and exercise are fundamental to health — but they don't always shift fat from specific areas. If you're carrying stubborn pockets of fat on your abdomen, flanks, thighs, or elsewhere that haven't responded to lifestyle changes, cryolipolysis fat freezing offers a clinically proven, non-surgical solution.
At Skin Health Practice, fat freezing is one of our most popular body contouring treatments. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is Cryolipolysis?
Cryolipolysis — commercially known as fat freezing — is a non-invasive body contouring treatment developed by scientists at Harvard Medical School. It works on a simple biological principle: fat cells are more sensitive to cold than surrounding tissue.
By applying precisely controlled cooling to the skin surface, cryolipolysis reduces the temperature of fat cells to the point where they undergo apoptosis — a natural cell death process — while leaving the skin, nerves, and muscle unharmed.
Over the following 8–12 weeks, the body's lymphatic system gradually removes the destroyed fat cells. Unlike fat cells that have been dieted away (which shrink but remain, ready to refill), cryolipolysis permanently eliminates fat cells from the treated area. The fat loss is lasting.
Which Areas Can Be Treated?
Cryolipolysis is suitable for a range of body areas with localised fat deposits:
- **Abdomen** — upper and lower belly - **Flanks** — love handles and side fat - **Inner and outer thighs** - **Upper arms** — bingo wings - **Bra fat and back rolls** - **Double chin** (with specialist applicator) - **Knees**
The treatment works best on pinchable, soft fat rather than hard, visceral fat (deep abdominal fat that cannot be pinched). At your consultation, we will assess whether the areas of concern are suitable for treatment.
What Happens During a Session?
A gel pad is placed on the skin to protect the surface, and the cryolipolysis applicator is applied to the treatment area. The device uses gentle suction to draw the tissue between cooling panels, exposing the fat cells to precisely controlled cold temperatures.
Most clients experience a strong cold sensation in the first few minutes, which quickly becomes a numbness. The applicator remains in place for approximately 35–60 minutes per area, during which you can read, work on your phone, or simply relax.
After the applicator is removed, the practitioner performs a brief massage of the treated area to enhance the breakdown of the crystallised fat cells.
Results: What to Expect
Because the elimination of treated fat cells is a biological process, results appear gradually. Most clients begin to notice a visible reduction in the treated area from 6–8 weeks after treatment, with optimal results typically visible at 10–12 weeks.
Clinical studies show an average fat reduction of 20–25% per session in the treated area. For more significant results, 2–3 sessions spaced 6–8 weeks apart may be recommended.
Is Fat Freezing Right for You?
Cryolipolysis is ideal for clients who:
- Are close to their goal weight but have specific areas of stubborn fat - Want a non-surgical alternative to liposuction - Have a BMI within the healthy to slightly overweight range - Are committed to maintaining results through a healthy lifestyle
It is not a weight-loss treatment and is not suitable for clients with obesity, cold-related skin conditions, or certain medical contraindications. A full consultation is carried out before any treatment.
We currently offer **up to 30% off** cryolipolysis packages. Book your free consultation at Skin Health Practice — call **020 3886 1313** or visit 65-73 Staines Road, Hounslow, TW3 3HW.