Cryolipolysis
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Cryolipolysis is a medical treatment used to destroy fat cells. Its principle relies on controlled cooling to near sub-zero temperatures for non-invasive localized reduction of fat deposits in order to reshape body contours. The exposure to cooling is set so that it causes cell death of subcutaneous fat tissue without apparent damage to the overlying skin. The procedure is billed as a nonsurgical alternative to liposuction. "Cryolipolysis" is a portmanteau of "cryogenic" and "lipolysis."[citation needed] Generically the process can also be known as "Fat Freezing". Specific treatments are using medical devices called CoolSculpting, a US registered trademark,[1] owned by Zeltiq Aesthetics, Inc.. In Europe cryolipolysis machines are available in aesthetic clinics and spas.
Method of action and animal studies
Lipolysis procedures attempt to "dissolve" fat cells by nonsurgical means. A number of methods have been attempted, including the use of laser, ultrasound, and Radio frequency current.[2] Popsicle panniculitis is a dermatologic condition that shows that exposure to low temperatures can selectively damage subcutaneous fat while leaving skin intact.[3] Based on the premise that fat cells are more easily damaged by cooling than skin cells, Cryolipolysis was developed to apply low temperatures to tissue via thermal conduction. In order to avoid frostbite, a specific temperature level and exposure is determined. Physicians Dieter Manstein and R. Rox Anderson at The Wellman Center at Massachusetts General Hospital originated the concept, explored it in a number of experiments on pigs, and reported their data in 2008.[2][4] While the process is not fully understood, it appears that fatty tissue that is cooled below body temperature but above freezing undergoes localized cell death followed by a local inflammatory response, a local panniculitis,[2] that gradually over the course of several months results in a reduction of the fatty tissue layer.[5] When exposed to extreme cold, the body's usual response is to restrict circulation to keep the core of the body at the correct temperature. Cryolipolysis makes use of a powerful vacuum which adds to the inflammatory response by drawing blood up to the surface layers of the skin.
Experience in humans
The first human study appeared in 2009 when Coleman et al. reported results after cryolipolysis had been applied to love handles in a single session to ten patients, each patient being their own control. A session takes less than an hour and does not require anesthesia. With a single treatment subjects had a 20% reduction after two months and 25% reduction at six months in the fat layer as assessed by ultrasound.[5] The lipolytic effect of treatment takes place within about two to four months.[3] It appears primarily applicable to limited discrete fat bulges.[6] With the small number of patients treated, clinical data remain scarce, thus it is not known how long the treatment effect will last, or when and if later treatments would be necessary to maintain the result.
Side effects
Side effect data are based on a limited experience. Transient local redness, bruising and numbness of the skin are common side effects of the treatment and are expected to subside.[5][6] Typically sensory deficits will subside within a month. The effect on peripheral nerves was investigated and failed to show permanent detrimental results.[5] No serious long-lasting side effects were encountered during follow-up time of six months.
FDA approval
In September 2010, the Food and Drug Administration approved the cryolipolysis procedure.[7] Zeltiq Aesthetics of Pleasanton, California, which developed this cryolipolysis device was founded by Scott Wolf, with funding from venture capital companies including Advanced Technology Ventures, Frazier Healthcare Ventures, Venrock and Aisling Capital. It has been approved to cool skin for pain reduction in selected applications and is used off-label for cryolipolysis.
References
- ^ Trademark
- ^ a b c Manstein, D; Laubach, H; Watanabe, K; Farinelli, W; Zurakowski, D; Anderson, RR (2008). "Selective cryolysis: A novel method of non-invasive fat removal". Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 40 (9): 595–604. doi:10.1002/lsm.20719. PMID 18951424.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|displayauthors=ignored (|display-authors=suggested) (help) - ^ a b Avram, MM; Harry, RS (2009). "Cryolipolysis for subcutaneous fat layer reduction". Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 41 (10): 703–8. doi:10.1002/lsm.20864. PMID 20014262.
- ^ Zelickson, B; Egbert, BM; Preciado, J; Allison, J; Springer, K; Rhoades, RW; Manstein, D (2009). "Cryolipolysis for noninvasive fat cell destruction: Initial results from a pig model". Dermatologic Surgery. 35 (10): 1462–70. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01259.x. PMID 19614940.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|displayauthors=ignored (|display-authors=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d Coleman, SR; Sachdeva, K; Egbert, BM; Preciado, J; Allison, J (2009). "Clinical efficacy of noninvasive cryolipolysis and its effects on peripheral nerves" (PDF). Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 33 (4): 482–8. doi:10.1007/s00266-008-9286-8. PMID 19296153.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|displayauthors=ignored (|display-authors=suggested) (help) - ^ a b Nelson, AA; Wasserman, D; Avram, MM (2009). "Cryolipolysis for reduction of excess adipose tissue". Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 28 (4): 244–9. doi:10.1016/j.sder.2009.11.004. PMID 20123423.
- ^ Black, Rosemarie (September 15, 2010). "Freeze! Cryocosmo nonsurgical fat reduction approved by the FDA". Daily News. New York. Retrieved October 15, 2010.