CRYOLIPOLYSIS
Non-surgical fat reduction through controlled cooling
Who hasn't experienced those stubborn fat pads on the hips, stomach or thighs? Despite regular exercise and a balanced diet, they just won't go away. Until now, many people have been left alone with these problem areas, as neither exercise nor diets have helped, and liposuction, with its risks and costs, is often a deterrent.
But there is a gentle alternative: Cryolipolysis. Based on years of research at the renowned Harvard University, this innovative method enables the targeted reduction of localized fat deposits without surgery.
The development of Cryolipolysis goes back to the groundbreaking work of dermatologists Drs. Manstein and Anderson at Harvard Medical School.
How much does the treatment cost and how many treatments are required?
The prices vary depending on the number of areas treated and the number of sessions required.
During a detailed consultation, Dr. Wieners or Dr. Pantlen will create a treatment plan with you and determine the costs.
As a general guideline, the treatment of one area per session starts at €250, two areas at €500, and the stomach at €500.
Which areas of the body can be treated with Cryolipolysis?
We use Cryolipolysis for the targeted reduction of fat deposits in the following areas:
- Waist
- Hips ("Love handles")
- Back ("Christmas tree" pattern)
- Abdomen (upper and lower belly)
- Outer thighs ("Saddlebags")
- Inner thighs
- Upper arms
- Knees
- Double chin
- Gynecomastia (male fat deposits in the chest area)
- Bra fat pads
- Many other regions
However, there are certain groups of patients who are not suitable for treatment or for whom Cryolipolysis is contraindicated:
- Patients with fat tissue or liver diseases
- Severely overweight patients (morbid obesity)
- Patients with known cryoglobulinemia
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of data
- Patients with open wounds or skin conditions in the treatment area
- Patients with active cold- or pressure-induced urticaria (redness, hives, swelling)
During the individual consultation, our specialists, Dr. Wieners or Dr. Pantlen, will inform you about potential risks and determine whether this treatment is suitable for you.
For whom is Cryolipolysis suitable, and can it replace Liposuction?
For a long time, liposuction was the only effective method to combat stubborn fat deposits. Even today, liposuction remains an important treatment for excess fat tissue, as well as for medical conditions like lipedema. Larger areas are still best treated with liposuction, as cryolipolysis—even with multiple sessions—cannot fully replace the procedure in such cases.
However, more and more patients are looking for treatment methods with minimal downtime—non-invasive therapies that do not cause interruptions in daily life or require long recovery periods. Cryolipolysis is ideal for smaller, localized fat deposits on the hips, waist, upper and lower abdomen, chest, and thighs. These areas can be significantly reduced with cryolipolysis, and the procedure can be repeated to achieve even better results.
Does the treatment involve any risks or side effects, and is it painful?
Are There Risks or Side Effects, and Is the Treatment Painful?
The cryolipolysis device used in our practice is medically certified and meets the highest safety standards. Unlike many other procedures, it operates with two applicators, which means that treatment time does not double for symmetrical areas (such as both hips), as is the case with CoolSculpting® by Zeltic. We use professional CE-certified cooling membranes to provide additional protection against frostbite.
During the treatment, an initial cold sensation occurs, which typically fades after about 10 minutes due to the body’s natural cold-induced anesthesia. Immediately after the procedure, the treated area may feel slightly numb, and the skin itself will be cold. Side effects such as bruising, redness, swelling, itching, tingling sensations, and temporary numbness are generally short-lived. Some patients may experience discomfort similar to muscle soreness, but this can usually be managed with mild pain relievers—though in most cases, no medication is needed.
When can you expect to see results, and can the treatment be repeated on the same area?
When Can You See the Results, and Can the Same Area Be Treated Multiple Times?
You will notice the first changes about four weeks after cryolipolysis. The final results are usually visible after two to three months, though slight improvements may continue in the following months. For an additional treatment of the same area to optimize results (if desired or necessary), it is recommended to wait about four months.
Most patients are very satisfied with their results after just one treatment, but there is no reason why cryolipolysis cannot be performed multiple times.
What Should Be Considered After the Treatment?
At the end of the cryolipolysis session, the treated area is massaged. There is no need for bandages, plasters, or compression garments. You do not need to follow a specific diet, nor is it necessary to take medication or supplements.
How Cryolipolysis works
What is fat reduction through cold (Cryolipolysis) and how does It work?
The term is derived from the Greek words *kryo* (cold), *lipos* (fat), and *lysis* (breakdown), describing the cold-induced breakdown of fat cells (apoptosis).
During treatment, targeted areas are suctioned using a vacuum and intensely cooled. The fat cells are damaged or destroyed by the cold, preventing them from storing fatty acids in the future. This leads to a reduction in fat deposits and a decrease in body circumference in the treated areas.
Over the following weeks, the damaged or destroyed fat cells are naturally processed and eliminated through the lymphatic system and liver. Since this process occurs gradually, it is gentle on the liver, and final results are visible after 8 to 12 weeks.
What can I expect from the treatment?
Before the procedure, Dr. Wieners or Dr. Pantlen—experienced specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery—conduct a detailed consultation to address your personal needs and questions.
Cryolipolysis is particularly suitable for patients with a normal weight. While it cannot fully replace procedures like Liposuction or skin-tightening surgeries, it serves as an excellent complement. It is not a weight-loss method but rather a treatment for body contouring. Based on an individual consultation and physical examination, the most suitable treatment approach will be determined.
The Treatment Process
Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that is simple and comfortable:
- You relax on a soft treatment bed while specialized cooling applicators are placed on the marked areas.
- The treatment session lasts approximately 60 minutes. Thanks to advanced technology, two areas can be treated simultaneously.
- During the procedure, you can read, listen to music, watch a movie, or simply relax.
- At the end of the session, the treated area is briefly massaged.
- You can leave the practice immediately afterward—no anesthesia or pain medication is required. There is no need for compression garments, and you can return to your daily activities on the same day.
How long does the treatment take?
During the consultation, an individualized treatment plan is created. The actual session lasts about 60 minutes. With our modern equipment, two areas—such as both hips or thighs—can be treated simultaneously. If additional areas are treated on the same day, the session will be extended by at least 60 minutes per area.
