Non-invasive fat reduction of the flanks using a new cryolipolysis applicator and overlapping, two-cycle treatments.
OBJECTIVE
A sharply contoured cryolipolysis vacuum applicator was developed to improve fit and tissue draw in the abdomen and flanks to better accommodate a range of body types and a variety of treatment sites. This study was carried out to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the new applicator for treatment of flank fat ("love handles").


METHODS
A cryolipolysis vacuum applicator with a sharply contoured cup and curved cooling plates was used to treat 20 flanks. Two treatment cycles were delivered sequentially to each flank (60-minute cycle at a Cooling Intensity Factor of 41.6). Efficacy was evaluated 12 weeks post-treatment by physicians performing blinded, independent review of clinical photographs. Safety was assessed by the treating physician monitoring subjects for side effects and adverse events.


RESULTS
Four blinded, independent physician reviewers properly identified the pre- and post-treatment photographs 94.4% of the time. Improvement was scored from 0 (none) to 10 (complete) and showed an average 4.3 point (43%) improvement. Side-effects were limited to erythema, edema, bruising, and numbness or tingling at the treatment site, and resolved without treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple treatment cycles from a new improved-fit cryolipolysis applicator are safe and effective for reduction of flank fat bulges. A high degree of improvement was reported by blinded, physician evaluation of standardized photographs.
Main Line Center for Laser Surgery, Ardmore, Pennsylvania, 19003; Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104.
Eric F
EF
Bernstein
Jason D
JD
Bloom
Lisa D
LD
Basilavecchio
Jessica M
JM
Plugis
D000005:Abdomen; D000328:Adult; D001415:Back; D015992:Body Mass Index; D017679:Cryotherapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015187:Lipectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D050151:Subcutaneous Fat / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
cryolipolysis; flanks; multiple cycles; non-invasive body contouring; non-surgical fat reduction