Having a flat, toned stomach is a common goal for both men and women. However, despite a balanced diet and regular exercise, certain areas of fat, particularly on the abdomen, often prove resistant to these efforts. Cryolipolysis or abdominal coolsculpting is now emerging as an effective, non-invasive cold-based solution that is popular in aesthetic medicine, with results visible within a few weeks.
Why does fat accumulate on the stomach and love handles?
Abdominal fat and love handle fat generally result from consuming more calories than the body expends. This fat, called subcutaneous fat, is stored directly under the skin and often constitutes energy reserves that the body stores in anticipation of future needs.
Factors such as heredity, hormonal changes, chronic stress, ageing and a sedentary lifestyle particularly promote the accumulation of this fat around the abdominal area. In women, especially after menopause, and in men due to genetic and hormonal predispositions, subcutaneous fat tends to concentrate around the stomach and hips.
It is important to distinguish this subcutaneous fat from visceral fat. Visceral fat is located deeper, surrounding internal organs such as the intestines, liver and stomach. It is associated with increased health risks such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Visceral fat is generally less accessible to aesthetic treatments such as cryolipolysis, as it requires overall weight loss and lifestyle changes to be effectively reduced. This visceral fat can be reduced with Emsculpt Neo sessions on the abdomen, which increase the basal metabolic rate.
What is abdominal cryolipolysis?
Medical cryolipolysis, or Coolsculpting, is an innovative cosmetic technique that uses cold temperatures to eliminate fat cells. This non-surgical treatment works by controlled cooling of fatty tissue to gradually destroy fat cells without damaging surrounding tissue. Results are visible within a few weeks.
This cold treatment, approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), has become one of the most sought-after techniques in aesthetic medicine for permanently removing localised fat deposits on the abdomen or elsewhere on the body.
Cryolipolysis is based on the scientific principle that fat cells (adipocytes) are particularly sensitive to cold compared to other cell types. When exposed to extremely low temperatures, adipocytes undergo immediate crystallisation, leading to programmed cell death, or apoptosis, within 2 to 3 months. The process is gradual and natural, allowing for gentle elimination that is non-traumatic to the surrounding tissue through the application of applicators.
Who can benefit from abdominal cryolipolysis?
Medical abdominal cryolipolysis is particularly suitable for people with localised fat deposits that persist despite a healthy and active lifestyle. It is not a treatment for obesity, but a body contouring technique.
Generally, ideal candidates have a slight excess of fat located on the abdomen and flanks, but are close to their ideal weight overall. Before any treatment, a thorough consultation with a specialist is essential to ensure eligibility and establish a suitable protocol.
What are the benefits of cryolipolysis for the stomach and love handles?
Cryolipolysis has many advantages:
Non-invasive technique: it does not involve surgery or general anaesthesia to remove fat from the targeted area.
No recovery period: everyone can resume their daily activities immediately.
Proven effectiveness: numerous positive results supported by clinical studies in both women and men.
Targeted treatment: specifically designed to treat problem areas without affecting surrounding tissue.
Natural and long-lasting results: the gradual elimination of fat cells over 2 to 3 months produces subtle and harmonious results.
How does an abdominal cryolipolysis session work?
Before the session
The treatment begins with a detailed consultation during which the practitioner examines the target area to be treated, discusses the person’s expectations, and gives advice on how to optimise results for each case, such as good hydration, regular exercise, and a balanced diet low in sugar. The doctor checks that there are no contraindications to medical cryolipolysis. The doctor measures the fat fold in the area to be treated and checks the appearance of the skin. They also assess the number of applicators that will be used. This will be one or two at most. They also explain that the fat cells will be gradually eliminated over a period of 2 to 3 months via the lymphatic system.
How a cryolipolysis session for the abdomen works
A protective gel may be applied, followed by the applicator, which gently sucks in the targeted area and cools the fat cells. The session usually lasts 45 to 60 minutes per area. Initially, a sensation of heat followed by intense cold may be felt, but this subsides very quickly. This thermal shock is caused to make the treatment more effective. The patient is made as comfortable as possible on a bed and can read or rest during the treatment. No pain is felt throughout the entire treatment.
After the session
The treated area is massaged to facilitate blood circulation and optimise the natural elimination of destroyed fat cells. Temporary redness or numbness may occur, but this will disappear within a few hours or days. Patients can resume their normal activities without restriction.
Is one cryolipolysis session for the stomach sufficient? If not, how many are needed?
A single cryolipolysis session may sometimes be sufficient for the abdomen, especially if the area has a slight excess of localised fat. However, it is generally common to require two to three sessions to achieve optimal and visible results, particularly if the goal is to significantly reduce abdominal fat.
The need for additional sessions depends mainly on:
-The importance of initial adipose tissue;
-The individual body’s reaction to cryolipolysis;
-The result desired by the patient.
It is therefore important to have a preliminary assessment with a beauty professional who can determine exactly how many sessions will be necessary based on your individual case.
How long should I wait between two cryolipolysis sessions on my stomach?
The recommended interval between two cryolipolysis treatments on the same area is generally between 6 and 8 weeks. This interval allows the body to naturally eliminate the fat cells destroyed during the first session, while providing sufficient time to properly evaluate the results obtained on the silhouette.
However, this timeframe may vary slightly depending on:
-The patient’s individual reaction
-The targeted area treated
-The protocol recommended by the aesthetic professional
It is therefore advisable to follow the practitioner’s specific recommendations based on your particular case.
What will be the price of a cryolipolysis session at Maison Magnifisens in 2025?
The cost of a session is €350. One or two applicators may be used, depending on the shape of the abdomen and individual needs.
What are the contraindications for abdominal cryolipolysis?
Although abdominal cryolipolysis is recognised for its effectiveness and safety, cryolipolysis has certain contraindications that must be strictly observed to ensure patient safety:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
the effects of cryolipolysis on the foetus or breast milk have not yet been sufficiently studied.
Hypersensitivity or intolerance to cold:
people suffering from Raynaud’s syndrome or other conditions related to sensitivity to cold should avoid this treatment.
Severe circulatory disorders:
patients suffering from conditions such as phlebitis, thrombosis or any other severe circulatory disorder should not use this treatment.
Skin diseases or active infections:
skin with infections, open wounds, inflammation or certain severe dermatological conditions must be treated before cryolipolysis can be considered.
Untreated abdominal hernias:
treatment may aggravate a pre-existing hernia, so it is necessary to resolve this medical issue before undergoing any cryolipolysis sessions.
Implanted medical devices:
Individuals with pacemakers or other electronic medical devices should avoid cryolipolysis due to the effects of cold on these devices.
A thorough medical consultation is always necessary to verify the compatibility of the treatment with the patient’s state of health.
How can the results of cryolipolysis be optimised?
To maximise the benefits of treatment, adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential:
-A balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables and lean protein.
-Regular hydration to help eliminate toxins.
-Regular physical activity, including cardiovascular exercise and muscle strengthening through sport.
In conclusion
Abdominal cryolipolysis is now an essential solution in aesthetic medicine for effectively slimming the figure and eliminating stubborn localised fat. Its gentle, safe and scientifically validated approach makes it an attractive alternative to invasive methods such as liposuction. However, personalised support from a qualified professional remains essential to ensure the best possible results.
To the effort. Abdominal cryolipolysis is now emerging as an effective, non-invasive and popular solution in aesthetic medicine.
