CoolSculpting
Cryolipolysis, popularly known as CoolSculpting,[1][2] is a medical device used to destroy fat cells. Its principle relies on controlled cooling for non-invasive local reduction of fat deposits 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. The name Cryolipolysis is a portmanteau of "cryogenic" and "lipolysis." Cryogenic lipolysis is the process of controlled cooling to reduce localized fat deposits used in CoolSculpting.
Method of action and animal studies
Lipolysis procedures attempt to "dissolve" fat cells by nonsurgical means.[3] A number of methods have been attempted, including the use of laser, ultrasound, and rf current.[4] Popsicle panniculitis is a dermatologic condition that shows that exposure to low temperatures can selectively damage subcutaneous fat while leaving skin intact.[5] 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, MD, PhD and R. Rox Anderson, MD 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. [4][6] 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,[4] that gradually over the course of several months results in a reduction of the fatty tissue layer.[7] 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.[8]
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.[7] The lipolytic effect of treatment takes place within about two to four months.[5] It appears primarily applicable to limited discrete fat bulges.[9] 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.[7][9] Typically sensory deficits will subside within a month. The effect on peripheral nerves was investigated and failed to show permanent detrimental results.[7] No serious long-lasting side effects were encountered during follow-up time of six months.[7] Scarring, ulcerations, or changes in blood lipids or liver functions have not been reported.[9]
FDA approval
In September 2010, the Food and Drug Administration approved the cryolipolysis device.[10] Zeltiq Aesthetics of Pleasanton, California, which developed the Cryolipolysis device was founded by Scott Wolf, MD, with funding from venture capital companies including Advanced Technology Ventures, Frazier Healthcare Ventures, Venrock and Aisling Capital. It had already been approved to cool skin for pain reduction in selected applications and was used off-label prior to FDA approval for cryolipolysis. Zeltiq applied for trademark protection of the term Cryolipolysis, but it was refused as being merely descriptive. The application was abandoned as of October 6, 2011.[11]
References
- ^ Herbert, Emily (3 October 2011). "Lose Weight – Get Toned Thighs on ELLE". Elle. Retrieved 8 April 2012.
- ^ Cooke, Linda; Germain, Marguerite (April 2011). "Understanding the Liposculpting Spectrum from Surgery to Cryolipolysis". Practical Dermatology. Retrieved 8 April 2012.
- ^ Laser Clinique (May 2013), Coolsculpting is the Most Efficient Way to Reduce Fat
- ^ 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 Surg Med. 40 (9): 595–604. doi:10.1002/lsm.20719. PMID 18951424.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b Avram MM, Harry RS (2009). "Cryolipolysis for subcutaneous fat layer reduction". Lasers Surg Med. 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". Dermatol Surg. 35 (10): 1462–70. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01259.x. PMID 19614940.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c d e Coleman SR, Sachdeva K, Egbert BM, Preciado J, Allison J. (2009). "Clinical Efficacy of Noninvasive Cryolipolysis and Its Effects on Peripheral Nerves" (PDF). Aesthetic Plast Surg. 33 (4): 482–8. doi:10.1007/s00266-008-9286-8. PMID 19296153.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Blackburn, C, (July 2013) Cryolipolysis inflammatory response http://www.evolutionsclinic.co.uk/how-cryolipolysis-works/
- ^ a b c Nelson AA, Wasserman D, Avram MM. (2009). "Cryolipolysis for reduction of excess adipose tissue". Semin Cutan Med Surg. 28 (4): 244–9. doi:10.1016/j.sder.2009.11.004. PMID 20123423.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Black, Rosemarie (September 15, 2010). "Freeze! Zeltiq and Zerona Nonsurgical Fat Reduction Approved by the FDA". Daily News. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
- ^ Trademark