FREEZE WHAT YOU CAN SQUEEZE

Fat freezing is trending, although the noninvasive treatment has existed for longer than a decade. We decided to try it under the expert guidance of Fat Freeze aka cryolipolysis experts Mareldia Jones and Allan Scott.

HOW IT WORKS

fat freezing is exactly how it sounds: a therapist applies a cold temperature to your targeted area, which causes fat cells to crystalise and expire. your lymphatic system eliminates these fat cells naturally and permanently. each treatment decreases the number of fat cells in a targeted area. once your therapist places the pod or handle on your target area, the fat freezing begins, leaving you with a slimmer, smoother and tightened body. the recommended time between treatments is 30 days. you may require only one treatment on a specified area, or you may need more. (regardless, you can use the time you spend at each treatment to catch up on sleep or enjoy a good book.)

THE EXPERIENCE

Before you go for your treatment, keep in mind it’s not as simple as freezing your fat, then continuing to make the same lifestyle choices. you need to be mindful of your food choices and be willing to make other minor changes (especially if you aren’t active). you’ve got to play your part to achieve the best results. one of the great things about this experience is the fact that you don’t need to do much before your treatment. But your therapist will advise you not to overeat as it may

cause discomfort during your treatment. Just before the treatment, your therapist covers the area with a wet-wipe-like sheet called an antifreeze membrane to protect your skin. then, a pod or handle is placed over the area, which acts as a vacuum that sucks up your fat and freezes it at subzero temperatures. you may experience initial discomfort, but the sensation disappears as the area becomes numb. another bonus is that there’s no downtime, meaning you can have the treatment during your lunch break.

WHO CAN Have IT DONE?

if your weight’s in the healthy range – not exceeding 10kg over your body mass index (Bmi) – you’ll see better results. that’s not to say you can’t have it done if you’re overweight; if you’re serious about losing weight and changing your lifestyle, it’s doable. if you’re looking for a treatment that delivers fast results due to an upcoming engagement such as a wedding, work commitment, birthday, or you’ve just given birth, then this is for you.

WHO CAN’T Have IT DONE?

• Pregnant women

• Mothers who’ve just given birth (you can only have the treatment three months after a natural birth and six months after a caesarean)

• Underage children without their parents’ consent

• People with open and septic wounds

• Cancer patients

• if you’ve recently had an operation on the area you’d like to treat

THE PROCESS

as crystallised fat cells take between 30 and 40 days to leave your body, you’re required to increase your water consumption, increase physical activity and change your eating habits slightly. after your treatment, your therapist also gives you a simple eating plan and a 10-minute exercise plan. the number of subsequent treatments you’ll need to have depends on your unique physiology and your goals.

SUITABLE AREAS

• Chin

• Tummy

• Love handles

• Back fat

• Bra fat

• Man boobs

• Below the glutes

• Inner and outer thighs

THE RESULTS

you may notice a difference on the day of your treatment, but it takes

30 to 40 days to see the full results. some people are happy after just one treatment, while other people may feel they need more. have this discussion during a consultation or on the day of your treatment. you can treat a specific area every 30 days, and an expert permanently removes the fat cells from your system. results vary depending on the individual.

Pros

• The process permanently removes your fat cells

• There’s no downtime

• There are little to no telltale signs (some may experience light bruising that disappears)

• You can resume normal life immediately

cons

• There's a risk of freezer burn if it’s not administered correctly

• A common misconception is that the longer and colder the treatment the better the benefits, but this could be dangerous and harmful.