There is no doubt that both technologies are well-known and widely used within the beauty industry. There are many online reviews of the results that can be achieved. Comparing their differences does not aim to find out which treatment is “better” than the other. Instead, it is more meaningful to discover which treatment is more suitable in which circumstances and whether or not they can be combined.

What is Ultrasound Cavitation treatment and how it works?

Cavitation, also known as Fat Cavitation or Cavitation Liposuction, utilizes low a frequency ultrasound (ranging from 28 to 42kHz, usually around 40kHz) to penetrate the fat deposit tissue beneath the dermis layer. Ultrasound frequency of around 40kHz is not sensitive to tissue-like epidermis, dermis, muscle or bone, but it is sensitive to fat tissue. The 40kHz ultrasound will resonate with the membranes of the fat cells and destroy the entire fat cells. This is called the “Cavitation” effect. The broken fat cells are then identified by the body and naturally expelled. Macrophages cells will come along to clear the broken fat cells and the released free fatty acid will be drained to the blood circulation and decomposed in the liver.

-Cavitation Advantages

This treatment method is non-invasive, not painful and does not require anaesthesia. For the customer, there is no downtime needed and no or minimal side effects. The treatment targets localised fat tissue to contour the body while the total weight is reduced. For example, if a female customer wants to reduce her waist circumference and sizes of thighs while wanting to keep her buttocks chubby, Cavitation Lipo treatment can do this.

What is Cryolipolysis Fat freezing and how it works?

Cryolipolysis uses a low temperature (+5 to -1.5 Celsius) to freeze the fat cells. In this temperature range, the fat cells are frozen yet causes no harm to other tissue (dermis, muscle, fascia). The frozen fat cells will be identified by the macrophages cells and be cleared from the body naturally.

-Cryolipolysis Advantages

This treatment method is non-invasive and does not require anaesthesia. For the customer, no downtime is needed and most will feel coldness on the targeted area during the treatment. The treated area will turn red after treatment and will remain red for a few hours post-treatment. Usually, there is no need to treat the redness, it will fade and go away naturally. Cryolipolysis can be used on targeted areas such as the abdomen, tummy, flanks, thighs, waist, etc. So for example, if a male customer has a fat deposit just on the tummy and the other area like the legs, arms are not concerning him, then the use of Cryolipolysis to freeze the tummy fat only is appropriate.

As described above, Cryolipolysis and Cavitation are not overriding each other. Comparing the differences is more significant to understand in which circumstances which treatment provides the best results.

1. Differences in Fat Loss Theory
Cavitation utilizes 40kHz ultrasound waves to break the fat cells and the Cryolipolysis uses controlled low temperature (close to 0 Celsius) to freeze the fat cells.

2. Differences in Feelings to the treatment
For Ultrasound Cavitation treatment, the customer will feel a ringing in the head during treatment. This feeling is similar to travelling through a tunnel by train. This sensation stops once the Cavitation handpiece is removed from the skin. For Cryolipolysis treatment, the customer will experience a mild cold or numb feeling on the targeted area. This sensation will reduce and cease in a few hours. Both treatments are not harmful.

3. Differences in Instant and Future Results
Ultrasound Cavitation results are immediately visible after each session. In contrast, as the body requires time to eliminate the frozen fat cells, Cryolipolysis results will take some time to show.

4. Differences in Treatment Course
Cavitation results are immediate but not always stable. As such more sessions are required to reach the desired goal. in contrast, Cryolipolysis results take longer to show but the results are much more stable. therefore, fewer sessions will be needed to reach the desired goal.

5. Differences in Operating Skills
The Cavitation handpiece must be moved in order to focus the ultrasound energy on the entire targeted area. In contrast, the Cryolipolysis handpiece doesn’t require moving around the skin. It is fixed on the very targeted area until the treatment is complete.

6. Differences in Indication
Both Cavitation and Cryolipolysis are suitable for the removal of localised fat. Both will reduce fat in a specific area without affecting the overall fat metabolism of the body. If someone has a stubborn fat deposit that does not reduce via diet or exercise, then either method will help. Both treatments are available to men and women and are a personal preference.

Combining Cavitation and Cryolipolysis is highly recommend. Each customer has the same goal: reduce the fat and reduce it fast and permanently. After comparing both treatments, we understand that Cavitation reduces fat fast and Cryolipolysis keeps the fat reduced permanently. So combining both treatments will make the fat loss results faster and more permanent.

Ultrasonic Cavitation RF and Cryolipolysis Sculpting all have a place and can be used for different treatments.

Overview:-

Cryolipolysis is a beauty treatment that relies on controlled cooling for non-invasive localised fat reduction in problematic areas of the body. It is a way to reshape body contours.
Cryolipolysis is suitable for treating moderate and dense localised fat that appears in different body areas, such as the abdomen, flanks (side of the body between the ribs and hips), arms, back (especially the bra area), knees and subtrochanteric area (hip to thigh region). The cooling technique penetrates around 2cm below the skin’s surface and is highly effective in treating and reducing adipose tissue in the surrounding area, without disturbing the normal temperature of the epidermis.

Cavitation (also known as Fat Cavitation or Ultrasound-Cavitation) is a non-invasive and pain-free fat reduction treatment. It’s a true alternative to Lipo-Surgery as it avoids surgical operations and anaesthetics, which makes it risk-free.

Cavitation is a skin treatment based on ultrasonic waves. Low-frequency ultrasounds reduce fat by depleting fat cells under the skin. A single session can remove up to 1 to 1.5 cm in body contour. Six to twelve sessions in localised areas may remove up to 12 cm. Cavitation, has become and proves to be the most effective treatment in reducing cellulite.

Cryolipolysis and Cavitation have similarities as they both are non-invasive treatments against localised fat, have no side effects and the effectiveness of both treatments is based on the rupture of the membrane of the adipocyte in order to remove fat.

But what are the main differences between them?

– Fat reduction method: Cavitation uses ultrasounds whilst Cryolipolysis operates with controlled low temperatures focused on the problematic area.

– Results:
Cavitation: results are perceived faster, but sometimes the effects are not as durable or definite.
– Cryolipolisis: Results may take longer to be achieved and generally are only noticeable about a month after the start of the treatment, but they are more stable and durable.
– Number of sessions: To get the same effects in the same area, Cavitation requires a greater number of sessions compared to Cryolipolysis.
Therapist skills: Results achieved with Cavitation do not depend exclusively on the equipment used, but also on the skills of the expert who applies the treatment. Results achieved with Cryolipolysis generally do not depend on the skills of the person operating the equipment.

Combining Cryolipolysis and Cavitation
Salons and clinics are seeing the benefits of combining Cryolipolysis, Cavitation, Radiofrequency for a more effective cellulite fighting, skin firming and body slimming treatment. Combining them, localised fat on the body and face can be treated but also tightens the skin around the area.

1st Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis reduces body fat without damaging other tissues. The fat then enters the liver through the lymphatic system, is decomposed and leaves the body via the urinary tract.

2nd Cavitation
Cavitation is a type of ultrasound treatment that works effectively for cellulite reduction and local fat loss.

3rd Radiofrequency
For further fat or cellulite reduction, collagen building and skin firming.

The combination of Cryolipolysis, Radiofrequency and Cavitation comprise the most powerful and comprehensive technology available today for the treatment of cellulite, skin laxity and localised fat deposits on the face and body.

However, it is important to remember it that can take up to a few weeks to see the results.

Although research is still limited, Fat Freezing is generally viewed as a safer, non-invasive type of fat reduction surgery than traditional procedures, such as liposuction.
Most people do not feel anything during the procedure, aside from a tugging sensation where the skin is between the device’s two cooling panels.

As the procedure does not involve any cutting, tissue manipulation, or anesthesia, most people do not need any recovery time and can immediately resume normal activities.
The only noticeable side effects of the procedure tend to be minor and occur only around the area of treatment. Most minor side effects reduce or go away within a few days to weeks after the procedure.

It is normal, however, to experience numbness or loss of sensation in the treatment area for around a month.
Common immediate side effects of Fat Freezing include:

• redness
• firmness
• pinching sensation
• minor swelling
• tenderness
• bruising
• stinging
• tingling
• numbness
• skin sensitivity
• mild to moderate pain
• muscle cramping

A person may continue to experience these side effects for a few weeks after the procedure. Other common side effects that a person may experience in the first few weeks after Fat Freezing include:

• itchiness, especially a few days after the procedure
• diarrhoea, as dead fat cells are removed from the body
• a feeling of fullness in the throat after treatments involving the neck or chin region

Fat freezing is  effective on a limited number of body areas. Body regions where Fat Freezing is considered safe and effective for removing minor fat deposits include:

• abdomen
• thighs
• under the chin or upper neck
• flanks
• under the armpit
• back
• buttocks and under the buttocks

Fat freezing is considered a safe, effective way to reduce the number of fat cells in a small target area. It is not considered a form of weight loss and is not recommended for the treatment of obesity.

The procedure is designed to help dissolve stubborn fat cells that usually only shrink through diet and exercise.

People with weakened immune systems are not ideal candidates for treatments such as fat freezing. People with certain conditions that weaken or change the body’s ability to handle the cold can also experience serious medical complications. Conditions that rule out the use of Fat Freezing include:

• pregnancy, attempting to become pregnant, and breast-feeding
• cryoglobulinemia, a disorder where proteins that usually only increase in response to cold are in abnormally high concentrations
• cold agglutinin disease, an autoimmune condition where temperature change kills red blood cells
• paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, a condition where red blood cells die in response to temperature change
• Raynaud’s disease
• chilblains
• reduced circulation or skin sensation at the treatment area
• nerve conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy
• skin conditions related to the immune system, such as eczema and psoriasis
• inflammatory skin conditions, such as dermatitis and hives
• a recent injury to the skin area being treated, including scar tissue
• long-term use of blood thinning medications
• bleeding conditions that thin the blood
• history of a hernia or a hernia in or near the treatment area
• active, implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers
• allergy to propylene glycol or isopropyl alcohol
• chronic pain conditions
• severe anxiety disorders

The procedure can be done in a technicians office or your home: Instead of having to go to the hospital, you can easily have this procedure done in the comfort of your doctor’s office during your lunch break.

There is no pain: While you might feel a sucking sensation during the treatment along with feeling cold in the area of concentration, the overall treatment does not hurt.

There is no downtime: You can get this procedure done and go right back to work the same day. You don’t have to worry about taking it easy or about changing any bandages.

The results are impressive: You’ll be able to see results within a few treatments and they will last as long as you continue with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

The Cons of Cryo Sculpting Treatments

While this type of treatment can be an excellent choice for many who want to look and feel their best without undergoing surgery, there are things to consider beforehand. This is not a treatment that will help anyone who is severely overweight. This treatment is for people who need help with unwanted bulges in problem areas that they have not been able to get rid of on their own with diet and exercise.

Common Side Effects

There are also some side effects to consider before you undergo any Cryo Sculpting treatments. Below are a few of the common side effects some people have endured after their treatment:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Reduced sensation in targeted area
  

While these side effects can be bothersome, they are temporary and won’t stop you from going about your day-to-day routine. This type of treatment does not harm the skin cells or the muscle tissues since it does not cut into the area, just merely massages and freezes the unwanted fat cells.

Extreme Side Effects

The common side effects are the ones that most people endure after their Cryo Sculpting procedure, but there are certain occasions where others have experienced more severe problems such as the following:

• Extreme pain around the area
• Severe numbing on the skin
• Bloated along the area of contact

How Long Will Side Effects Last?

The common side effects of redness, bruising and swelling can occur right after the treatment and last for a day or a couple of weeks. Usually, these side effects are not permanent and don’t last long, but if you find that you’re experiencing these problems for a longer period of time, it’s best to speak with your doctor. The more severe side effects can last only a few days but they can be also last for much longer and should be checked out by a doctor if the problem still persists in a few days after the initial treatment.

Your doctor will go over all the side effects that can be endured after Cryo Sculpting and will go over all the proper precautions so that you will get the best results without any aggravated extreme side effects.

Like with any procedure, you should always get a proper consultation with a trained professional to learn more about the treatment, how it works, what the results are and what side effects can be endured. A proper consultation will allow you to speak with a doctor but also get a quick evaluation to help determine how many sessions you will need and how well the procedure will work on your given skin type and muscle mass. Be sure to work with a dermatologist who works primarily with cosmetic treatments such as Cryo Sculpting so that you get the best results possible. You want someone who is used to using treatments like this and who will be able to answer all of your questions before and after the procedure.

Clinical trials have confirmed that fat cells are killed when placed in certain cold conditions. This is because Fat cells crystallise when exposed to cold at certain temperatures for certain periods. Fat freezing is targeted by breaking down only the fat cells whilst not impacting all the other tissue like the skin, muscle and nerve fibres in the area that is being frozen. This is because they freeze at a much lower temperature than fat cells so are not affected by the temperatures used.

1. A handpiece generates a vacuum effect with the suction of skin & adipose tissue. The tissue remains fixed and isolated which allows protecting the rest of tissues and collagen.
2. The vacuum effect decreases the blood flow at the target area, getting a more accurate and controlled cooling at the target area.
3. The adipose tissue contacts with the cooling plates of the handle. These plates generate the cold effect until they reach the desired temperature.
4. The treatment takes about 45-60 minutes to get maximum cell apoptosis. When the treatment is finished, the affected fatty tissue is gradually removed, through the natural metabolic process.
5. Fat freezing handles are placed on the target area and the tissue is drawn into these handles via vacuum pressure.
6. Due to the vacuum, blood circulation in the treatment area is temporarily interrupted.
7. The treatment area has a separation of tissue in which fat cells have been isolated from the rest of the living / surrounding structures.
8. The living structures have thus been protected from the extreme cold temperatures.
9. After a minimum treatment duration of 45 minutes, the fat cells die off (crystallise) and are released into the lymphatic system where the natural metabolic process takes over and rids the body of toxins.

Treatment is most effective in the following areas:

• The lower abductors
• The flanks
• Abdomen
• Hips
• Arms
• Thighs
• Bra bulges
• Back fat
• Flabby knees

This is not a procedure for weight loss or for people who are obese. It works best for people who have isolated pockets of resistant fat.

1 to 3 treatments are needed depending on the thickness of the resistant fat. Treatments can be repeated at 45-day intervals. It can be used on all skin types and ages

Studies showed that an average reduction of 5.3 cm which can be seen after 45 days in the treated area. The results are delayed and take from 8 weeks to 6 months to be noticeable and optimal. More than one treatment per area may be needed to achieve the desired result depending on the initial amount of fat to be reduced. The results are visible within a short time frame but a final result is usually attained after 3 to 4 months.