You’ve struggled through endless sit-ups, strained through strength training, sweated through spinning, and your diet regimen is impeccable. But your love handles and fat rolls persist. If you are committed to a healthy lifestyle, but frustration with lingering fat is tempting you toward liposuction or plastic surgery, chill out. There’s a much safer and noninvasive way to eliminate those annoying stomach- and back-fat bulges—with lasting results and minimal risks. Forget plastic surgery for what a gym workout won’t fix. This body-sculpting technique may be the key to claiming the trimmer figure you’ve been striving for.

GET THAT SLEEK PHYSIQUE

Demand for cosmetic-enhancement procedures has increased by 250% in the past two decades, but as people increasingly aspire to look Mah-velous, they are also becoming savvier. Instead of risky cosmetic surgery, folks are increasingly opting for nonsurgical body-sculpting techniques, according to Neil S. Sadick, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.

Among the few nonsurgical body-sculpting techniques available, cryolipolysis, a technique that freezes fat away, has been around the longest—five years—and so more is known about its effectiveness and safety than other, newer techniques, such those that use ultrasound or radiofrequency waves to melt away fat. Cryolipolysis is also a rapid procedure—taking one to two hour-long sessions—and side effects are minimal. Plus, a small survey of cosmetic dermatologists and their patients, recently conducted by a team of researchers from the University of British Columbia and University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, showed that the procedure not only dissolves fat and has some effect on cellulite, but also tightens and improves skin texture.

Skin texture and tightness were rated as moderately to significantly improved in 93% of patients who had work done on their abdomens, arms and back. For patients who had work done on their thighs, skin texture was rated as moderately-to-significantly improved in 73%. And 82% of patients reported a moderate to significant improvement in skin tightening. But cryolipolysis’s effect on cellulite was so-so—55% of patients and 36% of dermatologists said they noticed a moderate-to-significant improvement.

JUST COOL IT

Cryolipolysis targets fat cells (adipocytes), which are more sensitive to cooling than other cells of the skin and nearby tissue. Get adipocytes cold enough, and they will ultimately be destroyed. The procedure, which is FDA-approved and marketed as CoolSculpting, involves placing cooling panels on the area to be worked on, said Dr. Sadick. Suction pulls the area into a well between the cooling panels and freezes the fat in its grip without damaging the skin or surrounding tissue. After being frozen, the fat cells crystallize, break down and pass into the bloodstream and are eliminated just like other body waste.

The technique takes one to two hours, depending on the area being worked on. No anesthesia, needles or pain medication is needed, although some people feel pulling, tugging or tingling and, rarely, cramping during the procedure. No prep or recovery restrictions are required either. Redness of the skin can last for a few minutes to a few hours immediately after the procedure. Common side effects–such as bruising and numbness of the area—usually disappear within two weeks.

But, although you can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure, don’t expect to see the slimmer, trimmer you the minute you run home to gaze in a mirror. It takes about four weeks for the fat to begin to wear away…and six months until complete results are seen.

Although most patients need only one session to achieve the desired results, some may need two or occasionally three. Most patients are happy with the results and come back for a touch up about four to six months after the procedure, Dr. Sadick said. And so long as you maintain a healthy diet and exercise program, studies so far show that results are permanent, said Dr. Sadick.

IS IT FOR YOU?

Cryolipolysis is meant for body contouring and not major weight reduction or bulk fat removal. It is commonly used on the abdomen, love handles, lower back and buttocks, and thighs and arms—and newer applicators, CoolSmooth and CoolFit, are designed to specifically treat the inner and outer thighs. The best candidates are people who are near or at their ideal weight, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet and are willing to do their part to maintain the results of cryolipolysis with smart lifestyle choices, said Dr. Sadick.

For those interested in exploring this fat-reduction option, the best place to find a cosmetic dermatologist in your area who specializes in cryolipolysis is through the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. The average cost for a cryolipolysis procedure is $1,500. Remember, since it is considered a cosmetic procedure, it mostly likely won’t be covered by your medical insurance plan.