How fat freezing works
Cold harms fat cells more readily than it harms skin. An applicator draws a fold of fat between cooling panels and cools it for a fixed cycle under monitoring. Affected fat cells undergo programmed cell death, and your body clears them through normal metabolic pathways.
The treated area is massaged after the panels are released. Dr Sin Yong first decides whether your anatomy fits. If it does, he carries out the treatment himself. The consultation can also end with advice not to treat. Fat freezing is one of several non-surgical options, and it only makes sense for the right kind of pocket.
Areas that may be treated
Including love handles.
Where a discrete pocket can be pinched.
Inner and outer thighs.
Where the fold can be drawn in.
Only after assessment, as it has several possible causes.
Who is suited to fat freezing treatment in Singapore
It may suit you if you have a discrete, pinchable pocket on the flanks, lower abdomen, thighs or bra-line. Your weight should be stable, with the pocket persisting despite diet and training. Skin over the area should be of reasonable quality. You also need to accept that this contours a pocket and does not reduce weight.
Who should not have it
Please wait while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Cryoglobulinaemia, cold agglutinin disease or cold urticaria.
A hernia in or near the area, poor circulation, impaired skin sensation, an open wound, infection or skin disease at the site.
A past episode of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia.
When another route fits
Better to wait, as this is for contouring.
Liposuction or abdominoplasty, through referral to a plastic surgery specialist.
Doctor-supervised weight management.
Onda Pro Coolwaves, a microwave-based option.
Z Sculpt addresses diffuse contour and tone. 4K Body Lift is radiofrequency body contouring.
What fat freezing cannot do
It treats a pocket, not the body as a whole.
Fat inside the abdomen is out of reach.
Laxity needs a different approach.
Cellulite is not a target.
It does not take the place of surgery for large volumes.
Risks and side effects
During treatment you will feel intense cold, pulling and then numbness. Afterwards, redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness are expected and normally settle. Altered sensation can last for a period, and numbness may take some weeks to fade. Uncommon problems are skin injury from cold, ongoing discomfort and contour irregularity. A rare risk is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, where the treated area enlarges and firms. This is discussed with you beforehand, and it may need surgery.
What to expect
Aftercare
Most people return to usual activities. On the first day, numbness, redness and tenderness are expected. Wear loose clothing, and use gentle massage if advised. In the first week, swelling, bruising or altered sensation are expected. Do not press hard on the area, and keep to normal activity as advised. Protect the area from the sun until the skin settles. Use a gentle moisturiser and avoid scrubbing. Contact the clinic the same day for blistering, skin that looks dark, white or ulcerated, severe or worsening pain, numbness that does not settle, an area that becomes firmer and larger, or spreading redness, warmth or discharge.
How fees are set
Fees are not published. They depend on the areas treated, applicator size and consumables, the number of zones or paired areas, and whether fat freezing is combined with skin tightening or another body treatment. A written quote is given at consultation.