Men: cryolipolysis for love handles?

While women complain about gaining weight on their hips, buttocks and thighs, men tend to grumble about their belly and love handles. It’s a rather charming name for the fat that builds up around the hips, often the result of a rich diet and a fairly sedentary lifestyle. Could cryolipolysis help men shed those stubborn love handles? This article covers how a session works, why men store fat around the hips, the medical setting, cost, limitations and side effects, and an at-home alternative. A closer look at this ice-cold technique!

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 applies targeted cold to specific areas of the body, including the love handles, to target the adipocytes in that area.

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 much like a large suction cup.
• Cold is then delivered to the suctioned area. The temperature drops to around –8 °C. The cold, combined with the suction, triggers 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, including the belly and love handles. This is due to hormonal factors, including 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, their testosterone levels decline and fat gradually settles in, giving rise to a growing belly and well-established love handles…

Cryolipolysis can therefore be considered for men’s love handles, as it targets the adipocytes in that area. These are the fat-laden cells responsible for that characteristic “roll” appearance.

Where is cryolipolysis performed?

This non-invasive technique, which requires no anaesthetic, is performed by a qualified medical professional: a dermatologist, aesthetic doctor or plastic surgeon. It is not advisable to undergo cryolipolysis outside a medical setting. You should also make sure 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

Repeating sessions may enhance the effect of the technique, provided the necessary conditions are met. The first changes are generally seen after 1 to 3 months. According to device manufacturers, around 20% of fat cells may be eliminated following a cryolipolysis protocol. The difference around the love handles therefore varies from person to person. The effect may be more limited in:

• 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, 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

Cold at home: what are the options?

Gentlemen, if you’d rather skip the cryolipolysis clinic, you can still enjoy the sensation of cold as part of your daily routine. Our gel, enriched with menthol (cooling effect) and caffeine, is massaged into the waistline. When applied, your skin feels a pleasant sense of freshness. A daily massage of the area can easily become part of your routine for taking care of your skin.

Related articles

• 5 Best Sports to Slim Your Waist
• How to slim your hips: causes and possible solutions

Useful categories: Slimming the Hips, Slimming the Belly.