Cryolipolysis
Pronunciation: kry-oh-ly-POL-ih-sis
A non-invasive body-contouring procedure that selectively destroys subcutaneous fat cells by controlled cooling, without damage to overlying skin.
Full Definition
Cryolipolysis is a proprietary non-surgical fat-reduction technique based on the principle that adipocytes are more susceptible to cold-induced apoptosis than surrounding skin and tissue. A applicator delivers sustained sub-zero temperatures to a targeted area, triggering a gradual inflammatory response that clears the dead fat cells over several weeks. In clinical writing and marketing copy, the procedure is often referred to by the brand name CoolSculpting, which editors must treat as a registered trademark. The term should not be hyphenated, and 'cryo-lipolysis' is considered non-standard in peer-reviewed literature. Results are described in terms of measurable fat-layer reduction rather than weight loss.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use as a synonym for liposuction; cryolipolysis is non-invasive and involves no incisions. CoolSculpting® must carry the registered trademark symbol on first use in promotional copy.
In Context
- "The patient-information leaflet must clarify that cryolipolysis reduces localised fat deposits but is not a treatment for obesity." — Patient information leaflet
- "When editing the clinical case series, the author's use of 'cryo-lipolysis' was regularised to the single-word form per journal style." — Peer-reviewed journal manuscript