You may already have heard of lipolysis, but do you really know what it is? Here we explain what the term means, the role fat plays in the body and the practices that often come up when people talk about it. You will also find an overview of the various aesthetic and medical techniques linked to lipolysis, from laser lipolysis to cryolipolysis, along with their approximate cost.
What exactly is lipolysis?
Lipolysis is a natural process in which adipose tissue is broken down, in other words, body fat. To give you an idea, these fat deposits are thought to represent between 15% and 25% of an individual’s total body weight (men and women combined). If these fat cells take up such a large place in our body, it is because they are necessary. In fact, these fats, also known as lipids, actually represent our emergency energy reserve. These are the reserves our body draws on when it does not receive enough energy intake.
It is worth knowing that when we lose weight, we do not actually lose fat mass. In fact, stored fat simply decreases in volume but does not disappear. That is why when we gain weight, these fat deposits grow and can even multiply. A study demonstrated this phenomenon and the fact that fat cells do not die but shrink or expand. (1)
What does ‘lipolytic’ mean?
The adjective ‘lipolytic’ describes anything relating to lipolysis. You might see the phrase ‘lipolytic action’, for instance, used to refer to this process of releasing stored fat, particularly in connection with the aesthetic and medical techniques covered further down this article. You may also come across the term ‘lipolytic area’, which refers to a part of the body targeted by one of these techniques, such as the stomach, thighs or hips.
How can you activate lipolysis naturally?
Here are some of the practices that often come up in discussions about lipolysis:
Exercise
First of all, exercise is the best-known practice when it comes to lipolysis. Regular physical activity that suits your fitness level is simply common sense. Walking, swimming, cycling, dancing or strength training: the key is to choose an activity you enjoy, so that you can keep it up regularly without injuring yourself. If you are getting back into exercise after a long break, build up gradually.
Fasting
Fasting is also sometimes mentioned in connection with lipolysis. Before fasting or making any changes to your diet, ask your GP or another medical professional for advice.
Caffeine, green tea and dietary supplements
In addition, some substances are often mentioned, such as caffeine or green tea, as well as dietary supplements made from plants or amino acids. Before taking any of them, ask your GP or a pharmacist for advice.
Different techniques to increase lipolysis
Although lipolysis is a natural process, beyond the everyday techniques mentioned above there are also various procedures, some aesthetic and others medical. These procedures are presented as alternatives to liposuction and are used to target localised fat deposits.
Vibrating massage devices
Cellublue also offers a wireless massage device, which combines massage with high-speed rotations and vibrations on the skin.
The cordless massager: 2 900 rotations per minute to stimulate your skin
- A deep mechanical massage: rotations and vibrations, up to 2 900 turns per minute, knead the skin on your thighs, stomach, arms and bottom
- 2 complementary heads: the ball head kneads deep down, then the wave head smooths and tones the surface
- 5 intensity levels on a touchscreen, a blue light, cordless and quiet
Laser lipolysis
Laser lipolysis is a medical technique used locally on specific areas: the stomach, thighs, hips, knees, inner thighs and arms. Its cost ranges between €1,000 and €1,500 (which remains less expensive than liposuction). A study published in 2011 in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology looked at this technique (2). To find out whether it is right for you and what to expect, speak to a doctor.
Injection lipolysis
Injection lipolysis also targets localised areas: thighs, stomach, chin, underarms… The price generally ranges between €600 and €1,500, which represents a real budget. Several sessions may be necessary. To find out about the indications and the risks specific to your situation, speak to a doctor.
Ultrasound lipolysis
Ultrasound lipolysis is generally used in addition to another technique. It also targets localised areas: arms, hips, thighs, stomach… Its cost is generally between €1,500 and €4,500, and a session lasts on average between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes. To find out about the risks and whether this technique suits your situation, speak to a doctor.
Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis is a technique combining cryogenics and lipolysis, using a device that goes down to -5°C. It targets localised areas such as the stomach, love handles and even the back. A session costs around €300 and lasts about 1 hour, and several sessions are generally required. Studies have looked at this technique (3). To find out whether it is right for you, speak to a doctor.
At home, you can also use cryotherapy-inspired products, to add to your routine on the areas you would like to focus on. These include the cryo gel for the stomach and hips and the cryo gel for the thighs and buttocks from Cellublue.
The cooling gel that leaves the skin on your stomach firmer
- Arctic Algae, Prosveltyl® & Menthol, combined in a formula designed for the stomach and hips
- Sorbet texture: it absorbs faster and makes the fresh sensation last longer
- 🍃 98.3% natural-origin ingredients
The cooling gel that leaves thigh skin firmer
- Immediate cooling effect: menthol kicks in as soon as it is applied, then skin is firmer under your fingers (keep the gel in the fridge for even more intensity)
- Caffeine & Lipothetic®, a patented active ingredient, at the heart of a formula designed for thighs and buttocks
- Sorbet texture: it absorbs faster and makes the feeling of freshness last longer
Whether aesthetic or medical, these procedures are costly. They focus only on small, specific areas and do not work in a generalised way, which can result in differences between areas. They are not recommended for everyone either: they may be advised against during pregnancy or for people with illnesses. Before considering any of these procedures, speak to a doctor, who can tell you whether it is suitable for your situation.
Sources and references
(1) C. Girotti-Chanu, Thesis: Study of lipolysis and the synthesis of dermal compounds under the effect of cirsimarine, a flavone extracted from microtea debilis, 2006. http://theses.insa-lyon.fr/publication/2006ISAL0016/these.pdf
(2) McBean, Jason C and Bruce E Katz. “Laser lipolysis: an update” Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology vol. 4,7 (2011): 25-34. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3140909/
(3) http://www.cryolipolyse-marche.be/pages/etudes-sur-la-cryolipolyse.html
Frequently asked questions
What is lipolysis?
Lipolysis is a natural process in which adipose tissue, in other words body fat, is broken down. These fats, also known as lipids, make up the body’s emergency energy reserve. To find out more, see the section ‘What exactly is lipolysis?’.
How can you activate lipolysis naturally?
Exercise, fasting and certain substances such as caffeine and green tea are often mentioned in connection with lipolysis (see the section ‘How can you activate lipolysis naturally?’). Before fasting, changing your diet or taking dietary supplements, ask your GP or another medical professional for advice.
How much does a lipolysis session cost?
The price depends on the technique. As a rough guide, expect to pay between €1,000 and €1,500 for laser lipolysis, between €600 and €1,500 for injection lipolysis, between €1,500 and €4,500 for ultrasound lipolysis, and around €300 per session for cryolipolysis. Several sessions may be needed.
Useful categories: Everything You Need to Know About Slimming.
