FREEZE FRAME
We put pro-grade body contouring to the test
WHAT IT IS: Clatuu 360° Freeze is a non-invasive cryolipolysis treatment performed at Body Catalyst clinic (in Sydney and Melbourne) that promises to eliminate those stubborn centimetres that get harder to shift as you age, thanks to a slower metabolism, less time spent exercising and muscle loss.
BEFORE: A thorough consultation is paramount to Body Catalyst’s philosophy, so I settle in for a 45-minute chat. My technician, Amy, first quizzes me on the nitty-gritty of my exercise and diet habits. “This shouldn’t be ‘instead of’ living a healthy lifestyle, but rather ‘in addition to’,” she says, reiterating that while cryolipolysis (fat freezing) has a record of excellent results, it won’t really work to its full potential if pizza, ice-cream and a few glasses of shiraz is a regular Friday (and Tuesday) night. Expectations are another important part of the discussion – Clatuu isn’t designed to eliminate kilos of fat but rather address stubborn pockets that won’t budge with the aforementioned healthy lifestyle. My area of concern: bra bulge (aka back fat). You know, the pudgy stuff that hangs over a strap – I find it annoying as fitness bras and tops seem to cut into it just so. Yes, it’s a petty concern and not detrimental to my health, but no amount of butterfly presses targeting my traps makes a difference. Amy is confident Clatuu will smooth the area with one treatment.
DURING: Clatuu works by freezing fat cells to death. The machine uses powerful suction to grab the area of concern and cool it to -9°C. This is the magic temperature, as fat cells die but other cells are totally unaffected. The body then gradually eliminates the dead cells (around 25 per cent of fat cells in the treated area) through the liver. Amy prepares me for the worst: the first 15 minutes might be a little unpleasant. It’ll get cold, potentially tingly to the point of discomfort before going numb as the area freezes for the duration of the hour-long treatment. Honestly, the worst part of the experience is the initial step: application of cold protective silicone gel sheets, which send goosebumps down my arms. The rest of the time? Completely comfortable – I actually almost fall asleep. Once the suction is released and the handpiece removed, Amy gives the area a massage to further break down the fat cells. As circulation returns, it can cause tingly after-pain and nausea, which passes in about 10 minutes. Luckily, I fare without either. The treatment does lower the body temperature, so my fingers are cold for about 30 minutes post-treatment and I have slight bruising for a few days after, but you can definitely return to normal activity asap.
AFTER: In a word (or two): it works. After just a few weeks, the area is smoother and there’s less pudge to squeeze. Does anyone notice the results? Probably not. But I certainly do, and that extra bit of confidence is worth the investment.
Clatuu 360° Freeze treatment, $595 for one area with a variety of pricing packages available, BODY CATALYST, bodycatalyst.com.au