Fat freezing, or cryotherapy, is a non-invasive technique that freezes fat cells so that they die. This procedure is used for sculpting and contouring, rather than major weight loss, but it can be a helpful procedure for those trying to tone up some mildly flabby areas. Advanced Family Chiropractic and Rehabilitation in Imperial, MO, offers fat freezing to our patients interested in looking their best.

What Does Fat Freezing Really Do?

It's already known that cold temperatures can affect how the fat in your body behaves. For example, "brown" fat (you have different types of fat called brown fat and white fat) reacts with cold temperatures and starts releasing heat to help keep you warm. Prolonged cold exposure can force white fat, which is the stubborn fat, to start burning up to release heat.

However, exposing yourself to that much cold can be dangerous, mainly because of the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. A safer way is to target the fat with fat freezing, in which a device is held against the area to create a cold environment for the fat. The device can cup the fatty area and direct the cold temperatures. The cold creates an inflammation reaction that kills off the fat cells, which are then absorbed by your body. It can take time for results to show, so it's important to remember to be patient.

What Are the Side Effects?

After you have the procedure, you might feel numbness or irritation at the application site. The area may be reddish or bruised, too. Give that a few days to resolve. If the issue does not eventually go away, contact us for a proper assessment. After the procedure, wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritation from friction. Also try to stay active. You don't have to go mountain climbing, but don't spend all week in bed. Remember that you still have some fat cells even after the procedure, and if you overeat, those remaining cells can expand.

Contact Us for Body Contouring in Imperial

Advanced Family Chiropractic and Rehabilitation in Imperial, MO, offers fat freezing in the form of cryotherapy. Our professional staff is committed to providing our patients every aspect of health care they may need. Call us today at (636) 464-5900 to make an appointment for a consultation.