The cryolipolysis is used in people who are slightly overweight to do disappear localized fat cells and that sport or a diet have not succeeded in making them disappear. Cryotherapy, on the other hand, mainly concerns high-level athletes, to relieve inflammation for example, or promote muscle recovery.
What is the process for the two types of sessions? The desired results? Who are the people concerned? How much does it cost ? Which professionals to turn to? Learn in detail about cryolipolysis and cryotherapy, their similarities and differences.
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How do cryotherapy and cryolipolysis work?
Cryotherapy involves applying cold, either locally on a part of the body that has suffered a trauma, or on the whole body. In local application, an ice pack or a cryogenic spray is used; in global application, one can immerse oneself directly in a cold bath or use a cryotherapy cabin. Cryolipolysis, also called coolsculpting ‒ which you may have heard of following the bad experience of Linda Evangelista ‒, consists of placing an applicator on a specific bead. The applicator will lower the temperature of the bead to -8°C, which produces a crystallization of the fat cells which decrease in size and end up dying. After one hour, the practitioner releases the skin and warms it up by massaging it to restore its natural appearance.
Cryolipolysis or cryotherapy: how to choose the most suitable treatment?
Both techniques use cold to relieve and they do it effectively, however, they do not address the same ailments. Cryolipolysis aims to remove fat cells, so it is a treatment for people complexed by a localized cluster of fat. and difficult to eliminate otherwise (abdominal swelling due to pregnancy, for example). On the other hand, cryotherapy is mainly aimed at athletes, in that it aims to prepare the body for physical exertion or to accelerate the recovery phase. It soothes pain due to trauma (muscle, tendon or ligament), and it can also be used immediately after a shock to reduce edema or hematoma. It may also relieve symptoms for people with osteoporosis or fibromyalgia. You must therefore choose according to the problems encountered: if you want to eliminate a bead that you find unsightly, it is towards cryolipolysis that you must turn; if you suffer from a sprain or chronic joint inflammation, cryotherapy can help you!
Which professionals can perform these cold treatments?
Cryolipolysis and cryotherapy are not invasive methods, but they are sometimes accompanied by undesirable effects, these two practices are therefore strictly supervised and cannot be practiced by everyone. Only doctors and physiotherapists can perform cryotherapy. As for cryolipolysis, it can be performed by doctors (most often dermatologists and plastic surgeons) and by aesthetic professionals with degrees in the field.
Cryolipolysis and cryotherapy: what contraindications?
The contraindications are similar for both methods: obesity, pregnancy, cold pathologies (Raynaud’s disease, cryoglobulin…), open wound, hernia. In the case of cryotherapy, four other contraindications are added: wearing a pacemaker, kidney disease, high blood pressure and sensitivity disorders. In any case, it is important to seek the advice of your doctor before performing a cryolipolysis or cryotherapy session.
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Photo credits: GETTY – Pascal Broze
