April 4, 2009
For physicians looking for cosmetic answers to fatty love handles and planks, you may think thermal energy or liposuction is the solution. But, the answer may, in fact, be much "cooler."
Research at the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery's Annual Conference highlighted a novel technology, called cryolipolysis. Instead of manipulating heat energy as in laser technologies, cryolipolysis is a completely new technology that delivers controlled cooling to reduce subcutaneous fat. The results, according to those who are familiar with the treatments, are quite dramatic.
"It's similar to what we're seeing with liposuction," Jeffrey Dover, MD, a lead investigator in this prospective multi-center clinical trial, told Healthy Aging. Dr. Dover, director of SkinCare Physicians in Chestnut Hill, Mass., presented findings from the study at the ASLMS show. The research confirmed that cryolipolysis resulted in a visible contour change in a majority of the 32 subjects. Specifically, ultrasound measurements taken on a subset of 10 subjects demonstrated a fat layer reduction in 100 percent of subjects, with an average reduction of 22.4 percent at four months post-treatment, according to an ASLMS release.
Dr. Dover indicated that the treatment is painless--though patients may feel a cold sensation similar to mild numbness. The technology chills fat, firming it within 30 minutes. The fat cells in the treated area are then gradually eliminated through the body's normal metabolism over time. After treatment, patients need to wait between three and six months for the results to take full effect. These treatment requires just one single treatment.
The product, Dr. Dover noted, is only indicated for stubborn pockets of fat-such as those bulges on the back or the love handles. The product, by Zeltiq Aesthetics, is awaiting FDA-approval in United States, but Dr. Dover anticipates that it will become available in the United States later this year. For a sneak peak, you may want to fly to Europe or Canada, where Dr. Dover indicated the technology would be available any day.