Is fat freezing good for lipedema?

Fat freezing—also known as cryolipolysis or Cool Sculpting—uses cold temperature to reduce fat deposits in certain areas of the body. The procedure is designed to reduce localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. It is not intended for people who are obese or significantly overweight.

Currently there is no published research on cryolipolysis for lipedema. Most lipedema fat is not the type of localized fat deposit for which this procedure is intended.

Anecdotally, members of the Lipedema Education Group report that patients who have had fat freezing treatment were not pleased with their results.

Lipedema can be treated with conservative therapy and a specialized form of liposuction. See the Standard of Care for Lipedema in the United States for details.

Author: Chuck Ehrlich

Reviewers: : Steven Dean, DO, FACP, RPVI, Bethanie Noll, MOT, OTR/L, CLT, Ginni Rosenfeld, MD, Molly Sleigh, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA

Review dates: 2022-07-07

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