Does freezing fat cells kill or preserve them?

CoolSculpting has FDA approval for fat reduction since 2010. CoolSculpting freezes the fat cells. Fat cells are more susceptible to damage by freezing than the other cells, (nerve, vessel, bone, etc.), around them. The fat cells die via a process called apoptosis, (programmed cell death). The number of fat cells are therefore reduced. This happens over a period of time, so the body is not overwhelmed with dead fat cells. The body will take these cells up, process them and excrete them, just as any other cell. The remnants are filtered through the liver, and then excreted eventually via stool. CoolSculpting now has an applicator for thighs.  CoolSculpting had been used in this area with good results. See an experienced CoolSculpting practice, they will determine if you are a candidate.  Best to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  They will be able to tell you of the different options, (CoolSculpting, Liposuction, Direct excision, etc.).           

Freezing the fat cells essentially kills them.  The research has shown that the fat cells die off in a process termed apoptosis. 

Coolsculpting is a safe and effective procedure that safely delivers precisely controlled cooling to gently and effectively target the fat cells underneath the skin. The treated fat cells are crystallized (frozen), and then die. Over time, your body naturally processes the fat and dispenses these dead cells, leaving a more sculpted you. I recommend going to a consultation to see if you are specifically a good candidate and how many treatments you would need.

Coolsculpting uses a scientific process called cryolipolysis to have a systematic elimination of the fat cells (apoptosis).

This is an interesting question. First off, CoolSculpt uses a process called cryolipolysis to kill fat cells. It doesn't kill all of the fat cells, and the temperature is low enough to damage fat cells but not the overlying skin (i.e. no frostbite). Approximately 15-20% of the fat cells are killed or injured in one CoolSculpt treatment. The remnants of these cells are carried away by cells in the body and excreted naturally. So, CoolSculpt damages or kills a percentage of the fat cells in the area being treated.In fat that is harvested and stored in a freezer to be used for injection later it is possible that some of those fat cells are damaged or killed when they are harvested or in the freezing process (probably not nearly as much as the CoolSculpt procedure). However, the majority of those cells are preserved and may survive after thawed and injected at a later date. The difference may be in the temperature and the fact that in CoolSculpt the fat cells are still in the body. The freezing causes apoptosis or programmed cell death. Also, when the injured fat cells thaw in the body they may cause damage to other nearby fat cells, thus increasing the effect of CoolSculpt.

Cool Sculpting is a great tool for freezing your fat and reducing both the inner and outer thighs. Cool Sculpting freezes the fat in a given area and then your body naturally dissolves these fat cells.  Cool Sculpting has two new adaptors - the coolfit for the inner thighs - and coolsmooth for the outer thighs.  For the best results please find a board certified dermatologist with a lot of experience with Cool Sculpting.

The treated fat cells are removed through a natural cell death (Apoptosis) and then processed as waste with results seen as early as 3 weeks. The skin and surrounding tissue remain safe and intact with no rise in triglycerides or cholesterol levels in the body, which makes Coolsculpting a healthy alternative for body contouring. Since the numbers of fat cells in the body are set after adolescence, you will not regenerate new fat cells. Making the results lasting and easier to maintain!

The coolsculpting procedure kills fat cells and  are removed from our body by our own natural mechanisms . Fat cells can grow and shrink but cannot multiply therefore those that have been destroyed are gone forever. Fat which is harvested from an area of the body and frozen is a different story. The idea is that the fat when transferred back into a different area of the body would  " take" and live . You would need to speak with your plastic surgeon regarding this particular procedure .

Yes of course this is confusing.  The harvest of fat to be used later is a different process that freezing your own fat and having your body remove it naturally. 

When fat cells in the body (in vivo) are exposed to sustained low temperatures for a period of time, they undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis) and are permanently removed from the body via the actions of the immune cells called phagocytes. The fat cells must be present in a living person in order for programmed cell death (apoptosis) to occur. When fat cells are harvested from the body and frozen, programmed cell death (apoptosis) can no longer occur and the harvested fats cells can be preserved for future use. I hope this helps.