How does 'fat freezing' work - is one of our most commonly asked questions on Social Media and initial client consultations.

The answer to that question in one sentence would be: Cryostar technology uses cold temperatures to penetrate deep into the skin and kill fat cells through the process of Apoptosis.

What is Apoptosis?

Apoptosis is the natural process of programmed cell death. It’s something our bodies do naturally, allowing it to balance out old and new cells, and remove any unwanted cells, for example the body would try to remove any pre-cancerous cells via the process of Apoptosis.

The Apoptosis process happens with fat cells when they are exposed to controlled thermal reduction. It is the cold temperatures that encourage the process of Apoptosis to begin in fat cells.

With Cryostar technology, this process works when a trained Cryostar technician applies a wand directly to the area of the body they would like to treat, after applying a gel to protect the skin. The wand bounces between warm and cold temperatures. The warmest temperatures used are up to 4c and the coldest can be -4c. The range of temperature used is dependent on what area of the body is being treated and the results desired.

Once the temperature is reduced, the fat cells can no longer sustain life. As fat cells are more susceptible to cold temperatures than other cells, fat freezing activates Apoptosis in the fat cells only, achieving the desired result without causing any collateral damage to skin or other cells.

CryoToning vs CryoSlimming

Both of these treatments use the same Cryostar technology and fat freezing process. However the procedure for each treatment uses different techniques, timeframes and temperatures that target different layers of the skin producing different outcomes in results.

CryoToning is designed to address loose skin, cellulite and signs of ageing. Whilst CryoSlimming is designed to target localised fat reduction.

The procedure for CryoToning targets the dermal layer of the skin - the middle part where all the important cells and proteins live; 80% of the dermis is made up of collagen and elastin fibres. Collagen and elastin act as the ‘scaffolding’ to the skin, it keeps the dermis strong so that the epidermis (the part of the skin you see) lays flat on top. Unfortunately as we age, collagen and elastin depletes therefore the dermis loses its strength and structure, which is why we begin to see fine lines, wrinkles and sagging.

CryoToning works by using the wand set to cold, generally not below -2c to massage the skin. The therapist's hand (warm) follows massaging the areas which causes the blood vessels to alternate between constriction and dilation in the dermis. This improves the oxygenated blood flow (microcirculation) - the blood vessels are then able to deliver fresh nutritious blood to the other cells in the dermis; this in turn boosts collagen and elastin production, as well as improving the quality of these fibres. This helps build up the skin making it appear smoother and tighter. CryoToning is a great treatment to reduce cellulite or target areas of loose skin following weight loss.

The procedure for CryoSlimming is much more localised and targeted at fat loss. This treatment starts off with our therapists warming up the treatment area for a couple of minutes, using the wand set to warm, around 4c. This preps the area by bringing blood to the surface and preparing the fat cells for the drop in temperature. An immediate controlled drop in the temperature then follows; by using the correct technique, the therapist can bring the temperature down quickly to -4c, which gets deep into the Hypodermis layer of skin, where that stubborn subcutaneous fat lives. The temperature set is dependent on the area of the body being treated, for example the therapist would use a colder temperature on the abdomen and glutes than on the arms.

After the cold temperature has worked its magic, it's time to warm the treatment area back up for another couple of minutes. The treatment is followed with a nice massage, to send the broken down fat cells towards the nearest lymph nodes. The Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system and act as little washing machines to flush all the toxins and waste out of the body, including these broken down fat cells. CryoSlimming is perfect for flanks i.e. 'love handles’, upper and inner thighs, also to slim a double chin - the visual results for this are instant and amazing!

MAINTAIN A BALANCED LIFESTYLE & AFTERCARE

This really is such a simple fat freezing technology for body contouring and fat reduction, however fat freezing treatments are best used as a part of an overall health and fitness program, not as a replacement for.

An ideal scenario would be if a client is maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle - eating well, taking regular exercise and wanting to focus on a specific area of their body to contour or focus on an area of stubborn fat.

A big factor to the success of the treatments and getting the results you desire come from a good aftercare routine.

It is encouraged after every treatment and in between each session to up your water intake, this allows the body to flush out those broken down fat cells through your lymphatic system. A lymphatic massage is also a great follow up treatment, to boost the lymphatic system, remove waste, toxins and dispose of them via bowel waste, urine, sweat and breath. Here are a few other simple ways to boost your lymphatic system.

We hope this article helps answer some of your questions about our fat freezing technology works. Please feel free to reach out with any other questions. To discuss which treatment would work best for you, reach out to a therapist near you and book a free consultation.

#shapethebodyyouwant