Get answers to the most common questions about fat freezing, from candidacy requirements to results timelines. Each answer is backed by clinical research and our extensive experience performing cryolipolysis treatments.
Fat freezing is a body contouring treatment, not a weight loss solution. The procedure works best for targeting stubborn fat pockets those frustrating areas that resist diet and exercise. An ideal fat pocket is at least 3cm when pinched. Think of it as sculpting and refining your shape, not dramatically reducing your size. Not sure you’re the ideal candidate? A complimentary consultation ensures you’re guided toward the most effective treatment for your body and desired outcome.
You can perform a simple ‘pinch test’ at home. Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch the area you’d like to treat. For vacuum-based applicators to work effectively, you need approximately 20mm (about 3cm) of pinchable fat that’s the soft fat layer that sits just beneath your skin, above the muscle. During your consultation, we’ll assess each area and recommend the most appropriate approach suitable to your goals and body.
This depends on your condition’s severity. Historically, all Raynaud’s patients were excluded from treatment. However, 2021 research has updated this guidance: patients with mild-to-moderate Raynaud’s disease may now be considered on a case-by-case basis, particularly when treating areas away from the extremities. Severe Raynaud’s remains an absolute contraindication due to the risk of vascular complications from cold exposure. If you have Raynaud’s, please disclose this during your consultation so we can properly assess your suitability and discuss any precautions. In the event it is allowed, you will need to retrieve medical clearance from your Doctor.
No, and this is a critical distinction. Weight loss shrinks fat cells throughout your body, while fat freezing permanently eliminates fat cells in specific treated areas. You can expect 20-30% fat reduction each session in the targeted area, but your scale weight may not change significantly because you’re reducing volume, not necessarily kilograms. Fat freezing is body contouring reshaping your silhouette by targeting stubborn pockets—rather than a method to reduce overall body weight. During your complimentary consultation, your therapist will guide you toward the treatments best suited to your body and goals.
Several conditions are absolute contraindications for cryolipolysis treatment:
Absolutely! The post-treatment massage is one of the most important elements of your treatment. Clinical research demonstrates that manual massage after cryolipolysis improves fat reduction by up to 68% compared to treatments without massage. The massage helps break up the crystallised fat cells and accelerates the inflammatory response that triggers fat cell elimination. That’s why we include a thorough post-treatment massage as part of every fat freezing session. It’s not optional, it’s essential for maximising your results.
The gel pad serves as a cryoprotectant barrier between your skin and the cooling panels. This protective membrane allows precise cooling of the subcutaneous fat layer while insulating your skin from potential cold injury. The gel pad ensures that the controlled cooling targets only the fat cells which freeze at higher temperatures than surrounding tissues while protecting your skin, nerves, and other structures. It’s a critical safety component that makes fat freezing a non-invasive procedure.
When fat cells are cooled to crystallisation point, they undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis). Your immune system recognises these damaged cells and initiates an inflammatory cascade. Over the following weeks, specialised white blood cells called macrophages engulf and digest the dead fat cells through a process called phagocytosis. The cellular debris is then processed through your lymphatic system and metabolised by the liver the same natural pathway your body uses to process dietary fats. This gradual elimination is why results develop over 12 weeks rather than appearing immediately.
Each treatment area requires 40-50 minutes depending on the applicator used. However, our technology allows dual applicators to work simultaneously, meaning we can treat two areas at once both love handles in one session, for example. Many clients use their treatment time productively: reading, working on a laptop, watching videos, or simply relaxing. The treatment is comfortable enough that some clients even nap! During your consultation, we’ll relay your total session time based on how many areas you’d like to address.
No, fat freezing is classified as a cosmetic procedure and does not have a Medicare item number. Private health insurance typically doesn’t cover cosmetic treatments either. However, we offer several payment options to make treatment accessible, including Afterpay, Humm and Zip, which allow you to spread the cost over interest-free instalments. We’re transparent about pricing during consultations, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before committing to treatment.
Fat freezing results develop gradually as your body processes the damaged fat cells. You may notice initial changes from 4-6 weeks, with optimal results visible at 12 weeks from your final appointment. Complete fat cell elimination can continue for up to six months. This gradual timeline means changes appear natural—no one will suspect you’ve had a procedure, just that you’re looking great. Our Clatuu 360° technology often shows results faster than older systems due to its advanced 360-degree cooling design, which treats more fat cells per session.
Clinical studies consistently demonstrate 20-30% fat reduction per treatment area, each session. A comprehensive meta-analysis of cryolipolysis research found average waist circumference reduction of -3.56cm. Ultrasound measurements show fat layer reductions of 5-6mm on average. Results vary based on the treatment area, individual physiology, and starting fat thickness. Most patients achieve their goals from a two session plan for up to a 50% permanent fat reduction.
Yes—fat cells destroyed by cryolipolysis do not regenerate. Once eliminated, they’re gone for good. Long-term studies provide compelling evidence: research by Bernstein (2016) followed patients for 5-9 years after treatment and confirmed results remained stable throughout this period. The key to maintaining results is weight stability. While killed fat cells can’t return, remaining fat cells throughout your body can still expand if you gain weight. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle protects your investment in treatment.
Patient satisfaction rates for fat freezing are consistently high. The Royal North Shore Hospital study reported 89% patient satisfaction, while a multinational trial found 89.6% were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with their results. A meta-analysis spanning 3,158 patients across multiple studies found an overall satisfaction rate of 80.4%. These high satisfaction rates reflect both the effectiveness of the treatment and the importance of proper patient selection and realistic expectations—which is why we invest time in thorough consultations. At Body Catalyst, our 4.9-star Google rating, over 10 years leading in the industry, and more than 40,000 treated clients reflect this same commitment to results, safety, and client satisfaction.
If you gain weight after treatment, the additional fat will be distributed across your remaining fat cells—including those in areas you didn’t treat. However, because you have fewer fat cells in treated areas, those areas will still appear proportionally smaller than before treatment. Think of it this way: if you treated your stomach and later gain 5kg, that weight distributes across your entire body. Your untreated thighs might gain more than your treated stomach, so relatively speaking, your stomach still looks better than it would have. That said, maintaining a stable weight maximises your long-term results.
Every person’s body is unique, and you may have questions specific to your situation. Our expert consultations address your individual concerns, assess your suitability, and create a personalised treatment plan.
Book a complimentary consultation to discuss your goals and learn exactly what fat freezing can achieve for you.
