Cryolipolysis and Skin Tightening

• Published in: Dermatologic surgery Vol. 40 Suppl 12; no. Supplement 12; pp. S184 - S189
• Main Authors: Carruthers, Jean, Stevens, W. Grant, Carruthers, Alastair, Humphrey, Shannon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 01.12.2014
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Cosmetic Techniques; Cryotherapy; Female; Humans; Lipectomy; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Subcutaneous Fat - surgery; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1076-0512; 1524-4725; 1524-4725
• DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000229

BACKGROUNDAnecdotally, there have been reports of skin tightening after cryolipolysis, but this has not been studied or reported in the literature. OBJECTIVEThis clinical evaluation of patients treated with cryolipolysis in the thighs, abdomen, arms, and back assesses changes to skin texture, laxity, and cellulite at 2 study centers. METHODSFrom the Vancouver site, a comprehensive review of cryolipolysis treatments was performed to assess treatment areas and retreatments. While reviewing data, investigators were struck by the noticeable skin tightening shown in clinical photographs. Subsequently, a survey of Vancouver patients was conducted to assess changes to skin texture and laxity. At the Marina del Rey site, subjects undergoing a clinical study for lateral thigh cryolipolysis were evaluated for changes to skin texture, laxity, and cellulite. RESULTSIndependent assessments by patients and investigators found consistent improvement in skin texture and laxity for treatments to the outer thighs, abdomen, arms, and back. Outer thighs also showed mild-to-moderate improvement in cellulite. CONCLUSIONThis clinical evaluation demonstrates consistent improvement in skin texture, laxity, and cellulite after cryolipolysis as independently assessed by patients and investigators. Prospective clinical studies should be conducted to objectively study and quantify skin tightening after cryolipolysis.