The Safety and Efficacy of Cryolipolysis: A Systematic Review of Available Literature
In the past decade, the practice of body contouring using cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting, Zeltiq, Pleasanton, California) has increased tremendously. While numerous, anecdotal reports extol the efficacy of this product, the majority of these studies are small, retrospective case-series that lack control groups. Here, the authors aim to systematically review available literature in an effort to better illustrate the efficacy and safety of this new procedure.
Methods/Technique:
A systematic literature review performed using Medline, Embase, Pubmed and Cochrane databases identified all published studies evaluating use of cryolipolysis for body contouring. Articles up to October 2013 were included. Inclusion criteria included Level 1 and Level 2 studies, retrospective reviews. Exclusion criteria were non-English articles, case reports, and studies not involving human subjects.
Results/Complications:
A total of 32 articles published prior to October 2013 were identified. Eleven articles were selected and examination of the texts was performed. Nine articles matched the selection criteria and were included in the analysis.
A total of 662 patients had reportable data for analysis of the safety profile. Twenty-eight (4%) patients reported complications, with the most common complication being transient numbness at the application site (93%), followed by procedural pain (7%). All cases of numbness resolved within 4 weeks and no patient reported persistent pain after the first week.
A total of 183 patients had objective data for evaluation of tissue reduction. The mean time from procedure to objective outcome evaluation was 3.4 months. The mean reduction of subcutaneous tissue as measured by ultrasound evaluation or caliper thickness was 22.05% with respect to a designated control site.
Conclusion:
Selective cryolipolysis appears to reliably decrease subcutaneous tissue deposits in patients at short-term follow-up. Reported complications are uncommon, and appear to resolve without intervention within 4 weeks. Future studies should aim to optimize patient selection while obtaining long-term follow-up results.