Utilisation of Cryolipolysis among Asians: A Review on Efficacy and Safety

Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive fat reduction method that is capable of reducing subcutaneous fat significantly without damaging surrounding tissues, by applying cold temperature to induce adipocyte apoptosis. Most of the clinical studies in cryolipolysis were conducted in the Caucasian population, and only a few numbers in Asian, who has darker skin with Fitzpatrick skin type III to V. Higher rate of pigmentary changes were reported with the use of cryotherapy in darker skin. Therefore, this report is aimed to provide a comprehensive review regarding utilisation, efficacy and safety profiles of cryolipolysis among Asians. Currently, there are only four clinical trials conducted exclusively in an Asian population. Two studies were conducted in Korea, whereas others in China and Thailand. Cryolipolysis was performed in the abdomen, arm, inner thighs, and submental regions. The reported side effects were mild and transient, including erythema, hematoma, numbness, and pain. There were no pigmentary changes reported. Although only limited data available, those studies have proved that cryolipolysis utilisation among Asians or darker skin types provides the same efficacy and safety profiles as in Caucasians. Therefore, cryolipolysis might be proposed as the first treatment choice for Asian patients who opted to do body contouring.