Does fat freezing hurt?
Considering fat freezing but concerned about possible pain and discomfort?
There is no straight forward answer to the question "does fat freezing hurt", as each person is different, and different areas of the body respond differently. The level of discomfort also depends on the equipment used.
So lets break it down. The below process is applicable to the treatment from Fat Freezing Manchester using the premium Quattro Pro equipment from Sculpt Pro.
When it comes to fat freezing, the first minutes of the treatment is generally the most uncomfortable part of the treatment. Once the applicators are fitted the treatment becomes comfortable and relaxing for most.
The fat freezing treatment process
What to expect from your treatment
We start by placing an anti freeze membrane on the skin, which feels cold and wet. Then we start the treatment by placing the fat freezing applicator on the treatment area and press start. This is where most feel some level of discomfort and hurt.
The reason for the discomfort is the suction. The fat freezing applicator suctions the target fat into the applicator head. Its like someone tugs at your fatty bits to the point where it feels very tight, and for some this hurts. The level of discomfort from the applicator suction depends on the person and the treatment area. Fat freezing looser areas tend to hurt less than areas that are tight.
For example,
Imagine if someone tugs on the fat in the middle of the tummy. Because most of our tums are a bit squashy it won't hurt as much as the outer thighs where the fat may be a lot tighter. On the tighter areas the fat freezing applicator pulls harder to fill the application cup. Other areas are more delicate and therefore can be more painful. More delicate areas include the chin and inner thighs.
Fat freezing applicators can fit on the chin, male chest, arms, stomach, back, flanks, thighs, hips and calves.
Good news though...
For almost everyone undergoing fat freezing treatment the tugging feeling stops hurting within minutes! Even where the fat freezing treatment started off hurting, after 10 minutes you likely will feel quite relaxed.
Does fat freezing hurt more on certain areas of the body?
Yes, it definitely often does. Not all areas of the body feel the same when undergoing fat freezing treatment.
Some areas have softer, looser fat which is easier for the applicator to suction into the cup. Other areas have firmer fat or tighter skin, and these can feel a little more uncomfortable when the suction starts. Where there are larger pockets of fat, say for someone on a more significant weight loss journey, the treatment will also generally feel easier
The stomach is a good example. For many people the fat around the stomach is quite soft, so the applicator can pull the fat into the cup without too much discomfort. Other areas that are generally considered easy are the mons pubis and chin.
Compare that with an area such as the outer thighs, where the skin and fat can be much tighter. The applicator needs to create enough suction to hold the treatment area in place, and that pulling sensation can feel stronger.
Although the chin treatment is less uncomfortable due to the suction and cooling, sometimes this treatment can be more uncomfortable due to the applicator pushing into a sensitive area. For some this causes difficulty swallowing or talking during the treatment.
Just because an area is tighter, or that it is commonly known to be a more uncomfortable target area, it doesn't automatically mean your treatment will hurt. Everyone has a different tolerance to discomfort, and some people barely notice the suction or cooling at all. Plenty of our clients find treatments overall very relaxing and can fall asleep once the applicators have settled.
Does it hurt when the fat freezing applicators are removed?
This is another part of the treatment that people sometimes worry about. Once the treatment has finished, the suction is released and the applicator is removed from the skin. The treated area may feel cold, numb, firm or a little sensitive.
Most people find the sensation strange rather than painful. It most often just feels numb and like it isn't quite a part of your own body until the area fully warms. Others may experience some tenderness, particularly as the area begins to warm up again.
Massaging
Depending on the treatment and equipment being used, the area may also be massaged after the applicator has been removed. This can feel uncomfortable for some people, especially if the skin is already sensitive. Massaging the area can speed along the results due to massaging stimulating the lymphatic drainage and cell break down, but it does not increase the overall results in any way. This is why we often don't massage when the area is sensitive and instead recommend regular massaging from when you get home.
The important thing to remember is that everyone responds differently. We will explain what to expect and check how you are feeling throughout your appointment.
What to expect from your fat freezing treatment
Does the freezing itself hurt?
After 3 minutes the applicator temperature starts dropping to freezing temperatures and that can also feel uncomfortable, and for some this may even hurt. For other people this part of the fat freezing process doesn't hurt at all. For most people the freezing part of the treatment is less uncomfortable in comparison to the tugging, so once the applicator is attached, the freezing will be easy.
It takes approximately 4 minutes for the temperature to change from the initial heating temperature to the final freezing point. Because the temperature we are going to is so low, it often doesn't actually feel cold. It is more likely to feel like a mild burning, stinging sensation, comparable to sunburn.
Same as with the tugging feeling, any hurt or discomfort from the temperature drop and freezing doesn't last. For most any discomfort has fully worn off after about 5 minutes. The discomfort wears off due to the low temperature numbing the area.
Does fat freezing hurt afterwards?
Most people only experience minor discomfort following fat freezing treatment. The skin might feel a bit sensitive, a bit tingly or a bit numb in the hours or days following treatment. The area may also feel a bit hard or even lumpy, but this is rare, and when it does it doesn't tend to last long.
Although very rare, some clients have a temporary jump in discomfort for a few minutes directly after the applicators are removed. It normally lasts a few to about 10 minutes after which it completely settles.
It is not common or normal for fat freezing to cause hurt after treatment.
In the very rare case that the area does hurt after the treatment you will notice an improvement within 1 to 2 weeks. You can continue all your normal activities immediately following your treatment, including going to the gym, eating and drinking.
Further side effects following treatment can include bruising, redness and minor swelling.
Discomfort compared between fat freezing and other fat loss treatments
As explained above, fat freezing can be uncomfortable during the first few minutes of treatment, but this usually eases as the area becomes numb from the cold. If you're concerned about discomfort, there are other fat reduction treatments worth considering. However, each treatment comes with its own risks, side effects and different levels of discomfort, both during and after the procedure.
Ultrasound cavitation
Of the treatments discussed here, ultrasound cavitation is generally one of the more comfortable options. Most people experience little or no pain during the procedure. However, some may find the high-pitched buzzing or ringing sound unpleasant, particularly if they have sensitive hearing. The pressure applied when moving the treatment applicator across the skin can also feel uncomfortable, especially over sensitive areas. The ultrasound gel and applicator may initially feel cold against the skin.
Although ultrasound cavitation is generally well tolerated, it isn't completely risk-free. Temporary redness or tenderness can occur, and incorrect use of the equipment can cause burns or other tissue damage.
Fat dissolving injections
Fat dissolving injections tend to cause a different type of discomfort compared with fat freezing. The needles can cause a sharp pinching sensation, while the solution (such as Aqualyx, Kybella, deso, lemon bottle) being injected into the fatty tissue may cause stinging, burning or aching. Unlike fat freezing, where the initial discomfort usually eases as the area becomes numb, discomfort from injections may occur repeatedly throughout the procedure.
Swelling, tenderness and bruising are also common afterwards and can last for several days or longer.
As the treatment involves breaking the skin, there are additional risks, including infection, allergic reactions and, in some cases, nerve damage. The level of discomfort depends on the product used, the area being treated and the individual's sensitivity. At our clinic we do not offer fat dissolving injectionsas treatments carry more risks of discomfort and side effects, with benefits not outweighing fat freezing.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical fat removal procedure, so the experience is quite different from non-surgical treatments such as fat freezing. The procedure is performed under anaesthesia, meaning patients should not feel pain during surgery when the anaesthesia is effective.
However, recovery can be considerably more uncomfortable. Bruising, swelling, soreness and tenderness are common after liposuction, with discomfort often lasting days to weeks. Swelling and changes in sensation can take several months to fully settle.
Patients are also usually required to wear compression garments for several weeks following surgery. These help manage swelling but can feel tight or uncomfortable, particularly when the treated areas are tender. In some cases, a surgeon may recommend lymphatic drainage massage, which can also be uncomfortable while the area is healing.
Unlike fat freezing, liposuction involves incisions and a period of recovery, along with the additional risks associated with surgery and anaesthesia.
So, which fat reduction treatment is the least painful?
If discomfort is your main concern, ultrasound cavitation may be one of the more comfortable options during treatment. However, do note that benefits of treatments differ significantly, and ultrasound cavitation doesn't offer the same fat reduction as fat freezing. Fat freezing can feel more intense initially because of the suction and cold temperatures, but this discomfort usually settles within minutes.
Fat dissolving injections involve needle-related discomfort and can cause noticeable swelling and tenderness afterwards, while liposuction generally involves a longer and more demanding recovery.
Ultimately, the most suitable treatment shouldn't be chosen on comfort alone. The amount of fat you want to reduce, the results you're hoping to achieve, your medical history and the risks involved are all important considerations.
Does fat freezing hurt? In summary...
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Fat freezing treatment may hurt. However, if it does hurt it very likely will only be for a matter of minutes.
Where it does hurt or feel uncomfortable we will do what we can to improve your experience. We can reduce the vacuum suction and build it up slowly, move applicators and make other adjustments to help you.
You are in full control of your treatment, you can stop and start again at any stage. If you feel discomfort, you don't tough it out, tell us and we will adjust the treatment to help you get the best results in the most comfortable way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book your next fat freezing appointment
Booking in for your next treatment is easy. Use the button below and book your appointment online or contact us by phone or email.
Consultations are optional. You do not need a separate appointment for your consultation as this can take place on the same day. However, if you have questions or are worried about the treatment discomfort and you would like to speak to us before booking in you can either book a phone or in-person consultation.
Consultations are recommended if you have any medical conditions as in some cases treatment may not be appropriate. For a full list of contra-indications (medical exclusions) please visit our suitability page.
Fat freezing pricing
Fat freezing pricing is calculated by the amount of applicators used. Pricing starts at £105 for the chin treatment and £125 for body treatments. When booking multiple applicators the price per applicator reduces. Full pricing details can be found here.
Fat freeze treatment reviews
"Very accommodating. Sophie explained everything to me and was clear and honest about everything. I was very happy and comfortable with the whole experience and would happily use again and recommend to anyone else who required any of the services offered 😃"
Dan, August 2023
"I have been going to Sophies clinic for the past few months now and since the beginning, the quality of her service has been nothing short of phenomenal. Every time I go there, she always explains the treatments provided to make sure I knew what I was getting into before we started.
I recommend her services to everyone I'm amazed with these result 10/10 👏"
Claudia, July 2023