Declaring cold war on fats

Dr Quah explained how cryolipolysis works.

The battle of the bulge has been waged since time immemorial. Both men and women have for generations strove to achieve the ideal physique – slender and toned, with curves in all the right places.

To cater to this, many fat-busting techniques and diets have been created, ranging from exercise regimes and trending diets to invasive surgical procedures. Despite the many choices available, getting rid of stubborn fat for that perfect figure remains an arduous task for most people.

Now with the advent of technology and innovation, there is hope.

In 1970, researchers observed that some children developed dimpling in their cheeks when sucking on popsicles.^{₍₁₎₍₂₎} As such, they realised that cold could selectively affect fat. It was this observation that gave rise to cryolipolysis technology.

According to Allergan ANZ and Asia sub-regional medical director, Dr George Labib MD, “This technology was used by Allergan, one of the leading medical aesthetics companies to develop the first cryolipolysis device known as CoolSculpting. Allergan exclusively holds and licenses global patents for cyrolipolysis.”⁽³⁾⁽⁴⁾

Backed by over 20 years of research and development, ⁽⁵⁾ CoolSculpting is today widely accepted as a safe, efficient and non-invasive procedure.⁽²⁾⁽⁶⁾ Follow-up studies also indicate long-lasting results.⁽²⁾

Revival Medical Clinic medical director Dr Lynda Quah May Lu explained, “Cryolipolysis works by targeting and cooling fat cells to a point where they break down without damaging the skin, nerves, vessels and muscles.⁽¹⁾

“These dead cells are then expelled through the body’s natural process, leaving a leaner appearance in the targeted area(s).”⁽⁶⁾

Dr Lim said after receiving cryolipolysis treatments, patients unanimously shared positive feedback.

Sharing his experience, Clique Clinic medical director Dr Lim Ting Song said, “Many people practice healthy lifestyles. Yet they remain concerned about certain body parts that seems to be resistant to diet and exercise, especially around the lower abdomen, flanks, arms and inner thighs.

“Many of those who have undergone cryolipolysis treatments shared positive feedback that even after seven years, they were able to maintain their post–procedure results.”

Ensure It’s The Real Deal

Dr Ong’s advice is to choose a medical doctor with the right expertise and experience.

Nonetheless it remains important that patients also do their research and consult qualified professionals about cryolipolysis.

“As with any medical procedure, patients should do their due diligence. Cryolipolysis is a complex treatment and choosing the right medical doctor with the expertise and experience is of utmost importance.

“It is also vital to ensure the doctor is trained and has the authentic device in his practice, not an imitation machine which could be detrimental to the patient,” advised Retreat Clinic consultant aesthetic physician and founder Dr Ong Jin Khang.

Dr Labib advises, “It is also crucial to know how to discern between the authentic devices such as CoolSculpting from imitation products. With over seven million treatments conducted⁽⁷⁾ to date, CoolSculpting is the first non-surgical fat reduction technology to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).⁽⁸⁾

“It is developed upon numerous patented technologies including Freeze Detect and CoolControl, featuring various CoolAdvantage applicator cups designed to target specific areas of the body.^{(9)(10)(11)(12)}

“Together, these advanced technologies work to enhance patient safety and yield optimum results.”^{(9)(10)(11)(12)}

To be sure that the centre you are consulting at is using genuine CoolSculpting products, look out for the CoolSculpting certificate of authenticity. With such technology in the market, that dream physique could be well within your reach. For more details, visit my.coolsculpting.com.

^References

^{[1] Ingargiola, M. J., Motakef, S., Chung, M. T., Vasconez, H. C., & Sasaki, G. H. (2015). Cryolipolysis for Fat Reduction and Body Contouring. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 135(6), 1581-1590. doi:10.1097/prs.0000000000001236}

^{[2] Bernstein, E. F. (2016). Long-term efficacy follow-up on two cryolipolysis case studies: 6 and 9 years post-treatment. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 15(4), 561-564. doi:10.1111/jocd.12238}

^{[3] https://www.allergan.com/news/news/thomson-reuters/allergan-successfully-completes-zeltiq-aesthetics}

^{[4] Allergan DOF. INT/0485/2018. Number of CoolSculpting patents. October 2018}

^{[5] Allergan DOF. INT/0586/2018. CoolSculpting science and evolution. October 2018.}

^{[6] Sadick, N., Luebberding, S., Mai, S. V., & Krueger, N. (2014). Cryolipolysis for noninvasive body contouring: Clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 201. doi:10.2147/ccid.s44371}

^{[7] Allergan DOF. INT/0484/2018. Number of cycles, systems and accounts to date. October 2018.}

^{[8] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/denovo.cfm?ID=DEN090002}

^{[9] Allergan CoolSculpting system user manual. BRZ-101-TUM-EN4-H. Dec 2016.}

^{[10] Allergan. CoolAdvantage family instructions for use. 2017}

^{[11] Allergan CoolMini instructions for use. 2017.}

^{[12] Allergan CoolSmooth PRO instructions for use. 2017.}