Cryolipolysis for Noninvasive Contouring of the Periumbilical Abdomen With a Nonvacuum Conformable-Surface Applicator

BACKGROUND

Although most cryolipolysis treatments are performed with vacuum applicators, some patients may have areas of fibrous, nonpinchable fat or find vacuum suction to be uncomfortable.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates a nonvacuum conformable-surface applicator for cryolipolysis of the periumbilical abdomen.

METHODS/MATERIALS

Twenty subjects with periumbilical subcutaneous fat were treated with a nonvacuum cryolipolysis applicator in this prospective, single-center, open-label clinical trial. Each subject underwent a single treatment cycle with an optional second treatment 10 weeks later. Efficacy was evaluated by blinded review of digital photographs. Subject satisfaction was assessed at 10-week follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty subjects completed one treatment, of which 6 underwent the optional retreatment. Independent review demonstrated 77% correct identification of baseline photographs after one treatment, which improved to 100% after a second treatment. Patient questionnaires after one treatment revealed 50% satisfaction, with 60% willing to recommend the procedure and 60% reporting visible fat reduction. After second treatment, however, 100% were satisfied, 83% were willing to recommend, and 100% reported visible fat reduction.

CONCLUSION

Cryolipolysis with a nonvacuum conformable-surface applicator is safe, effective, and well tolerated for noninvasive reduction of fibrous periumbilical abdominal fat. Efficacy and subject satisfaction is significantly greater with 2 treatments than with a single session.

The Safety and Efficacy of Cryolipolysis: A Systematic Review of Available Literature

BACKGROUND

In the past decade, the practice of body contouring using cryolipolysis has increased tremendously. While numerous anecdotal reports extol the efficacy of this product, the majority of these studies are small, retrospective case-series that lack control groups.

OBJECTIVE

The authors aim to systematically review available literature to better illustrate the efficacy and safety of this new procedure.

METHODS

A systematic literature review performed using MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases identified all published studies evaluating cryolipolysis for body contouring.

RESULTS

A total of 34 articles up to February 2015 were identified. Nineteen articles matched the selection criteria and were included in the analysis. Sixteen were evaluated in the final analysis. A total of 1445 patients had reportable data for analysis of the safety profile. Twelve patients (0.82%) reported complications with the most common being diminished sensation lasting greater than 4 weeks. An aggregate total of 295 patients had objective data for evaluation of tissue reduction. The mean time from procedure to objective outcome evaluation was 3.83 months. The mean reduction of subcutaneous tissue was 19.55% with respect to a designated control site.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective cryolipolysis appears, at short-term follow-up, to reliably decrease subcutaneous tissue deposits. Reported complications are uncommon and appear to resolve without intervention. Future studies should aim to optimize patient selection and treatment characteristics while obtaining long-term follow-up data.