Cryolipolysis and Skin Tightening

Jean Carruthers, MD, FRCSC, FRCOphth, W. Grant Stevens, MD, Alastair Carruthers, MBBS, MRCP, FRCPC, and Shannon Humphrey, MD, FRCPC, FAAD

BACKGROUND Anecdotally, there have been reports of skin tightening after cryolipolysis, but this has not been studied or reported in the literature.

OBJECTIVE This clinical evaluation of patients treated with cryolipolysis in the thighs, abdomen, arms, and back assesses changes to skin texture, laxity, and cellulite at 2 study centers.

METHODS From the Vancouver site, a comprehensive review of cryolipolysis treatments was performed toassess treatment areas and retreatments. While reviewing data, investigators were struck by the noticeable skin tightening shown in clinical photographs. Subsequently, a survey of Vancouver patients was conducted to assess changes to skin texture and laxity. At the Marina del Rey site, subjects undergoing a clinical study for lateral thigh cryolipolysis were evaluated for changes to skin texture, laxity, and cellulite.

RESULTS Independent assessments by patients and investigators found consistent improvement in skin texture and laxity for treatments to the outer thighs, abdomen, arms, and back. Outer thighs also showed mild-to-moderate improvement in cellulite.

CONCLUSION This clinical evaluation demonstrates consistent improvement in skin texture, laxity, and cellulite after cryolipolysis as independently assessed by patients and investigators. Prospective clinical studies should be conducted to objectively study and quantify skin tightening after cryolipolysis.

The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

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