Cryolipolysis is among the newest non-invasive treatments to reduce fatty deposits on the body. Other laser liposuction technologies melt the fat, but cryolipolysis - sometimes referred to as cryogenic liposuction, does the exact opposite. This procedure effectively freezes the adipose (fat) tissue, leaving other tissues and structures untouched.

Essentially, the fat cells are destroyed by turning the water in them into ice crystals, which are then flushed from the body naturally. There is no pain, no anesthesia, no needles, no downtime and no lengthy recovery. No kidding. The procedure was developed by researchers from Harvard University and the Massachusetts General Hospital, and received FDA approval last year.

Cryolipolysis works by placing the head of the unit on the skin's surface. The device gently suctions up the area for treatment into the head, and for between 5 and 20 minutes the skin is cooled. Each session typically takes about an hour, and a typical patient requires follow-up appointments to complete the treatment.

Now, unlike surgery, where there's an immediate noticeable change, cryolipolysis offers gradual change, as it takes the frozen fat crystals some time to break down and eventually leave the body through waste. The majority of individuals who undergo cryolipolysis continue with follow-up visits to achieve maximum results, usually over a period of two to four months.

Worried about frostbite? You needn't be. Yes, the fat cells are frozen, but fat cells don't need to hit the freezing point to crystallize; that's why only the fat cells are affected and there's no damage to your skin or nerve tissues. The specially designed application has sensors embedded within which monitor your skin's temperature, so that the procedure is consistently and uniformly performed. The temperature can be controlled at any time by the professional administering it.

The results from the procedure have been shown to be as long-lasting as other fat reduction processes, including liposuction. If you're considering between liposuction and cryolipolysis, consider the major difference: invasive or non-invasive.

Also consider this, with cryolipolysis the results are gradual and more natural looking, so if you're the type of individual who wants discretion then cryolipolysis is the way to go.

Cryolipolysis is ideal for the person who is generally physically fit, but perhaps with a couple of bulges in the wrong places that they'd like taken care of and for which regular diet and exercise didn't work.