For many individuals, stubborn fat deposits on the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and arms resist even the most disciplined diet and exercise. Surgical liposuction remains an option, but its risks, downtime, and potential complications deter countless people. Enter cryolipolysis – a non‑invasive fat reduction technology that freezes and eliminates fat cells without surgery, scars, or recovery time. At InBeauty Medical Aesthetics, we use Cooltech®, a medical‑grade cryolipolysis system, to help clients achieve noticeable, permanent fat reduction in just one to three sessions. This blog explains how Cooltech works, what results you can expect, and why it has become one of the most popular body contouring treatments worldwide.
What Is Cryolipolysis and How Does Cooltech Work?
Cryolipolysis is based on the principle that fat cells are more susceptible to cold than surrounding tissues like skin, nerves, and muscles. When exposed to precisely controlled cooling (down to -8°C), fat cells undergo apoptosis – a natural, programmed cell death. Over the following weeks and months, the body’s lymphatic system processes and eliminates these dead fat cells, reducing the thickness of the fat layer in the treated area.
Cooltech by Sinclair is a dedicated cryolipolysis platform that uses six ergonomic applicators to fit different body shapes and fat fold thicknesses. The device can treat two areas simultaneously, cutting session time in half while ensuring symmetrical results. Each applicator features a patented Cool Gel Pad with a -50°C cryoprotective gel that shields the skin from extreme cold, ensuring safety and comfort throughout the 60‑minute session (per area). The result: a 26‑28% reduction of localised fat in the treated area after just one session.
The Science Behind Permanent Fat Elimination
Unlike weight loss, which only shrinks fat cells, cryolipolysis permanently removes them. Adults do not generate new fat cells; once a fat cell is eliminated, it is gone for good. However, remaining fat cells can still enlarge if you gain weight, so maintaining a stable weight through healthy habits is essential for long‑lasting results. Clinical studies have confirmed that cryolipolysis reduces fat layer thickness by up to 25% after a single treatment, with optimal results visible three months post‑session.
Cooltech’s advanced design includes a smart‑contact cooling system that monitors skin temperature in real time, preventing any risk of frostbite or tissue damage. The applicators come in Straight, Curved, Double, Tight, Tiny, and Oval shapes, allowing precise treatment of everything from small double‑chin areas to large abdominal regions. The Tight applicator, for example, is designed for narrow fat folds like the inner knees or bra bulges, while the Double applicator covers the entire abdomen in one session.
Which Areas Can Be Treated?
Cooltech is FDA‑cleared for the abdomen, flanks (love handles), back, thighs (inner, outer, and saddlebags), arms, and submental (double chin) area. At InBeauty, we commonly treat:
- Abdomen and flanks – Most popular area, often showing a 4‑6 cm circumference reduction after 1‑2 sessions.
- Thighs (inner and outer) – Reduces saddlebags and chafing, improves leg contour.
- Back and bra bulges – Smooths the upper back, making bras fit better.
- Arms – Targets “bat wings” with the Tiny applicator.
- Knees – Addresses stubborn fat pads above and below the kneecap.
A typical treatment plan involves one to three sessions, spaced six to eight weeks apart, allowing the body to fully process the crystallised fat cells. Many patients achieve their desired result with just one session, especially for smaller areas.
The Cooltech Treatment Experience: What to Expect
Your journey begins with a consultation, where your clinician assesses your fat distribution, measures skinfold thickness, and selects the appropriate applicator. Photos and anthropometric measurements (circumference, fat fold height) are recorded to track progress.
During the session, you recline comfortably while a Cool Gel Pad membrane is applied to the treatment area. The applicator is placed, and a gentle vacuum suction draws the fat bulge between two cooling panels. For the first 5‑10 minutes, you may feel intense cold and pulling, but this quickly subsides as the area becomes numb. Most patients read, watch videos, or even nap during the remaining 50‑60 minutes. Because two applicators can run simultaneously, a 1‑hour session can treat both sides of the abdomen or both inner thighs at once.
After the applicator is removed, the treated area may look and feel like a frozen, stiff slab of tissue. Your therapist will perform a 5‑7 minute massage to break up the crystallised fat, which can be slightly uncomfortable but significantly enhances results. You can immediately return to work, exercise, and normal activities – no downtime required.
Results and Longevity
Visible fat reduction typically appears within three weeks, with the most dramatic improvement at three months post‑treatment. Studies show an average fat layer reduction of 26‑28% after a single Cooltech session. Because the fat cells are permanently destroyed, results are long‑lasting as long as you maintain your weight. A healthy diet and regular physical activity are strongly recommended to optimise and preserve your new contour.
Some patients opt for a second session after three to four months to further reduce fat in the same area or to treat a different body zone. Maintenance sessions are rarely needed unless significant weight gain occurs.
Safety, Side Effects, and Contraindications
Cooltech is extremely safe, with millions of treatments performed worldwide. Common temporary side effects include redness, bruising, swelling, tingling, or numbness in the treated area. These typically resolve within a few days to a few weeks. Rare side effects include paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) – a painless, firm enlargement of the treated area that may require liposuction to correct. PAH occurs in less than 0.05% of treatments.
Contraindications include pregnancy, cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, and active infections or wounds in the treatment area. Patients with implanted devices (pacemakers, defibrillators) or severe Raynaud’s phenomenon should consult their physician before treatment.
Combining Cooltech with Other Modalities for Superior Results
At InBeauty Medical Aesthetics, we often combine Cooltech with other technologies to maximise body contouring outcomes. For example, a Cooltech session can be followed immediately by a TESLA Chair session (functional magnetic stimulation). The TESLA Chair’s intense muscle contractions increase metabolism, activate the lymphatic system, and help flush out the crystallised fat cells more quickly. Alternatively, combining Cooltech with Endymed RF (Contour or Shaper) adds skin tightening to fat reduction, addressing both volume and laxity. These combination protocols are tailored to your unique anatomy and goals.
Why Choose InBeauty for Cooltech Treatments?
Our clinic is a luxury medical aesthetics destination with certified Cooltech providers. We use only genuine Cooltech equipment and consumables (Cool Gel Pads are single‑use, sterile, and sourced directly from Sinclair). Every treatment begins with a thorough consultation (400 ZAR, 30 minutes) to ensure you are a suitable candidate and to manage expectations. We offer transparent pricing: R2,500 for one area, R4,600 for two areas, and R6,900 for three areas (prices may vary with packages). Payfast instalments with zero interest are available, making Cooltech accessible without financial strain.
Ready to Freeze Away Stubborn Fat?
If you have tried diet and exercise but still struggle with localised fat pockets, Cooltech cryolipolysis offers a safe, non‑surgical, permanent solution. Book your consultation today via our website, call 0720457333, or email bookings@inbeauty.co.za. Visit us at 134 Aramist Avenue, Menlyn Square Office Park, Newlands, Pretoria. Discover why millions of people worldwide trust Cooltech to reveal their true silhouette.