Safety, tolerance, and patient satisfaction with noninvasive cryolipolysis.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive assessment of safety, tolerance, and patient satisfaction has not been established from noninvasive body contouring techniques, such as low-level laser therapy, ultrasound, radiofrequency, and infrared light, for reduction of subcutaneous fat.

OBJECTIVE: This multicenter study investigated the clinical outcomes of noninvasive cryolipolysis in European subjects.

METHODS: A retrospective study was performed at clinical sites in Belgium and France. Safety was assessed according to reports of side effects. Tolerance was evaluated according to pain scores and patient perception of treatment duration. Clinical outcomes were assessed according to patient surveys, caliper measurements, and assessment of photographs.

RESULTS: The investigators treated 518 patients. No significant side effects or adverse events were reported. The procedure was well-tolerated, with 89% of respondents reporting a positive perception of treatment duration and 96% reporting minimal to tolerable discomfort. Survey results demonstrated 73% patient satisfaction and that 82% of patients would recommend the cryolipolysis procedure to a friend. Caliper measurements demonstrated 23% reduction in fat layer thickness at 3 months. Abdomen, back, and flank treatment sites were most effective, with 86% of subjects showing improvement per investigator assessment.

CONCLUSIONS: With proper patient selection, cryolipolysis is a safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment method for reduction of subcutaneous fat.