While women complain about gaining weight on their hips, buttocks and thighs, men tend to grumble about their belly and love handles. A rather charming name for the fat that accumulates around the hips, often the result of a rich diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Could cryolipolysis help men shed those stubborn love handles? A closer look at this ice-cold technique!
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What is cryolipolysis?
Cryolipolysis (also known as Coolsculpting) is a form of cold therapy (cryotherapy). It was developed in the United States following the observation of the apoptosis phenomenon — the “death” of adipocytes (subcutaneous fat cells) triggered by cold exposure. Cryolipolysis is therefore quite different from the natural process of lipolysis, which only causes adipocytes to release their fat content, rather than destroying them altogether.
Cryolipolysis works by applying targeted cold to specific areas of the body, including love handles, in order to eliminate adipocytes which, once destroyed, are flushed out through the lymphatic system — the lymph being responsible for removing toxins and waste from the body.
The cold is applied as follows:
- The area to be treated is coated with a protective gel (to prevent any risk of burns) and suctioned using an applicator known as a “suction cryode”, which works similarly to a large suction cup.
- Cold is then delivered to the suctioned area. The temperature drops to around –8o The cold, combined with the suction, triggers a crystallisation of the fat cells.
- After 45 minutes (for the first session, one hour for subsequent ones), the applicator is removed and the skin is massaged to warm it back up and complete the process of breaking down the adipocytes. Within 5 minutes, the skin returns to its normal appearance.
Why use cryolipolysis to get rid of love handles?
First, it helps to understand why men tend to store fat around the abdominal area — belly and love handles included. The reason is hormonal and goes by the name of testosterone. Women, biologically predisposed to childbearing, tend to accumulate fat in the lower body (hips, buttocks, thighs). Men, on the other hand, have a genetic and hormonal predisposition to building up fat around the midsection. As they age, testosterone levels decline, and fat gradually settles in — giving rise to a growing belly and well-established love handles…
Cryolipolysis is effective on men’s love handles because it targets and destroys the adipocytes in that area — the ones overloaded with fat and responsible for that characteristic “roll” appearance.
Where is cryolipolysis performed?
This non-invasive technique, requiring no anaesthesia, is performed by a qualified medical professional: dermatologist, aesthetic medicine practitioner or plastic surgeon. It is not recommended to undergo cryolipolysis outside of a medical setting. It is also essential to ensure that the equipment used carries the appropriate certification (medical CE marking).
Why a doctor? Because a prior assessment is essential. Before any procedure, the practitioner evaluates the skin quality and the thickness of the fat layer (in this case, around the love handles). After the session, any redness or swelling can be monitored as part of a medical follow-up protocol.
What about cost, effectiveness and side effects?
1- Cost
A cryolipolysis treatment costs approximately €300 to €400 per area and is not covered by health insurance, as it is considered an aesthetic procedure. For love handles, at least two sessions are required — one for each side. Budget a minimum of €600–800.
2- Effectiveness
Results improve with repeated sessions, provided the necessary conditions are met. In the short term, results become visible after 1 to 3 months — the time needed for adipocytes to break down and be naturally eliminated. According to device manufacturers, around 20% of fat cells are destroyed following a cryolipolysis protocol. Enough to notice a real difference in your love handles! Effectiveness may be more limited for:
- People who are significantly overweight
- People with water-retention or fibrotic cellulite : cryolipolysis has no effect on water retention and may worsen fibrosis by increasing inflammation
Cryolipolysis is not recommended for:
- Pregnant women, children and teenagers
- Immunocompromised individuals (cancer, autoimmune conditions, etc.)
- People with chromium deficiency
- People with diabetes or liver conditions
- Pacemaker wearers
- People with serious circulatory disorders or skin conditions
Finally, cryolipolysis does not eliminate fat permanently in the long term, for two reasons:
- Fat cells do not reproduce, true — but the remaining adipocytes will continue their “mission” of storing fat. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle remains essential.
- The body renews 10% of its adipocytes every year. Any destruction of fat cells will inevitably be followed by compensatory regeneration — and the return of your love handles.
3- Side effects
Cryolipolysis on love handles may cause a few unpleasant side effects, though nothing comparable to an invasive procedure. The most common side effects are:
- A numbing sensation in the skin and possible temporary loss of sensitivity
- Cramps or muscle soreness
- Mild swelling and possible bruising
Can you slim down with cold at home?
Gentlemen, if you’d rather skip the cryolipolysis clinic, you can still enjoy the benefits of cold on your love handles! Our Icy Slimming Gel, enriched with menthol (cooling effect) and caffeine (a natural fat-burner that stimulates thermogenesis), is your ultimate anti-fat ally! When applied, your body works to release the fat stored in fat cells in order to maintain its temperature. A daily massage of your love handles over 3 to 4 weeks should help you achieve a more defined waistline, free from those unwanted rolls!
