Excess fat

Why some fat will not shift

Genetics, hormonal changes, age and lifestyle all influence where the body stores fat. Many people find the stomach, hips, thighs and chin hold on to it even when their weight is steady and they exercise regularly. These localised pockets are what body contouring is designed for. It is not a weight-loss treatment, and fat dissolving in particular is intended for people who are close to their ideal weight.

How the two treatments compare

• CoolTech fat freezing cools fat cells to a temperature at which they crystallise and die, while the surrounding tissue is spared. Skin House uses it to sculpt the waistline, arms and thighs. Each area takes 45 to 70 minutes, and one to three sessions per area are usually needed.
• Aqualyx fat dissolving injections are a series of small injections into the fat deposit that disrupt the fat cell membrane. Treatable areas include the double chin, stomach, thighs, arms, back and hips. A session lasts 15 to 30 minutes, and a course is typically two to four sessions.

If your concern is under the chin, fat dissolving is the option Skin House lists for that area. For the stomach, arms and thighs both methods are possible, and your practitioner will examine the area at consultation before recommending one method, or a combination across different zones.

What results look like

Neither treatment is instant. Your body clears the treated fat cells naturally through the lymphatic system, so change is gradual: results usually begin to appear after a few weeks, with the full effect visible 8 to 12 weeks after your final session. Fat cells treated with cryolipolysis are removed for good, and the result lasts as long as you keep a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.

Recovery and aftercare

Downtime is minimal for both. After fat freezing you may notice redness, swelling or numbness in the treated area, which usually resolves within a few days. Most people return to work and normal routines straight away. Keeping your weight steady between sessions makes it easier to judge progress at each review.

When the skin is loose as well

Reducing fat can leave some people more aware of slack skin over the same area. Skin House also offers Morpheus8 for body areas, which combines microneedling with radiofrequency to tighten and firm. It can be discussed at the same free consultation if laxity is part of the picture.