Body Sculpting of Difficult Body Areas with 3D-Cryolipolysis. Prospective Study Following 604 Sessions

Purpose: 3D-Cryolipolysis is a non-surgical technique for localized fat reduction. We investigated the efficacy and safety of the technique when applied to more unusual body areas.

Material & Methods: A prospective study of patients treated with 3D-cryolipolysis in difficult body areas (e.g. arms, back rolls, axilla, operated/difficult abdomen, lower flanks, buttocks, inner thighs, anterior thighs, pubis, knees, lower legs, and male breasts) was performed. Clinical outcomes were assessed (according to GAIS  5-point scale) using caliper measurements, patient surveys and 2 blinded plastic surgeon’s photographs evaluation. The studies were conducted using a commercially available non-invasive medical device for cryolipolysis.  All patients received gentle massage of the treated area for 3 minutes and the follow up ranged from 3- 24 months.

Results:  308 patients (282 women and 26 men), were enrolled in our study from May 2016- May 2017. Mean age of the patients was 43 years old (19-68) and the mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 24,2 (19-39). 305 patients had treatment to one area, 145 patients to 2 areas and 58 patients in 3 areas. Overall, 592 different areas were treated. Most treated area were the arms: 158, knees: 140, back rolls/axilla: 84, inner thighs: 78, lower flanks: 40, anterior thighs: 34, pubis: 10, gynecomastia: 30, operated/difficult abdomen: 10, buttocks: 12, lower legs: 8. Comparison of the pre- and post-treatment caliper measurements demonstrated significant reduction of the treated areas at 15-40% at 2.5 months. Post-treatment 85% of patients marked the results as very much improved or much improved, 10% improved, 5% no change and 0% worse. Plastic surgeons’ photographs assessment demonstrated 65% very much improved or much improved results and 25% improved results and 10% no change. Following the treatments, 65% of the patients experienced mild edema that lasted for 24-48 hours, 27% of the patients had bruises and 32% numbness that were all resolved in 7-15 days.

Conclusion: 3D-Cryolipolysis is a safe and effective non-invasive localized fat reduction technique even for more unusual and resistant body areas. The majority of patients have good body sculpting results without the side effects of invasive procedures.