In-clinic treatment
Cryolipolysis (fat freezing)
Controlled cooling applied to a pinchable area of fat through an applicator.
Indicative cost
£150.00–£600.00 per area
Downtime
Numbness, swelling and tenderness for days to a couple of weeks.
Typical course
One to three sessions per area, reviewed after 8-12 weeks.
Keeping it up
Depends on the area and lifestyle.
How it works
An applicator cools tissue to a set temperature for a fixed time; fat cells are more sensitive to cold than surrounding tissue.
What a session actually involves
The area is drawn into an applicator for 35-70 minutes with intense cold, then numbness and a firm massage afterwards.
What people usually consider it for
- Firmness and tone
This reflects what the treatment is commonly used for — not a claim that it will work for you.
When it may not be suitable
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have a hernia in the area
- You have cold-related conditions such as cryoglobulinaemia
- You are seeking weight loss rather than contouring
This list is not exhaustive. A qualified practitioner should assess you before any treatment.
Things to weigh up
- — Not a weight-loss treatment
- — Ask specifically about paradoxical adipose hyperplasia
- — Choose a provider with medical oversight
What the evidence looks like
A recognised but uncommon complication is paradoxical fat growth, where the area enlarges. Ask any provider how they handle it.
Questions worth asking first
This is body contouring for small pinchable areas, not a weight-management approach. Discuss with your GP or physician first if you have any health concerns.
What tends to sit alongside it
- Body moisturiser
- Movement and hydration
Others people compare it with
Treatments and devices are listed for information only. Nothing here is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a promise of a result. Suitability depends on your health, skin and the specific device or practitioner — always check with a qualified professional first.