Effectiveness of Cryolipolysis in Body Contouring and Fat Reduction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Cryolipolysis has emerged as a promising, non-invasive body contouring technique that employs controlled cooling to selectively eliminate adipocytes without damaging surrounding skin or tissues. As global demand rises for non-surgical aesthetic treatments, cryolipolysis offers an appealing alternative to traditional liposuction for individuals seeking fat reduction with minimal recovery time and fewer complications.

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted up to November 2024. Studies included were randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies evaluating the outcomes of cryolipolysis on body contouring. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software, calculating mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

The use of cryolipolysis was associated with decreased BMI showing MD= -1.71 (95%CI: -2.6, -0.82, P=0.0002). However, no significant difference was observed regarding weight with MD= -1.81 (95%CI: -3.93, 0.31, P=0.09). The use of cryolipolysis was also associated with decreased circumference of different body parts with MD= -3.45 (95%CI: -5.55, -1.34, P=0.001), and I2=92%, P<0.00001 and decreased fat thickness with MD= -3.56 (95CI: -4.63, -2.48, P<0.00001), and I2=95%, P<0.00001.

Cryolipolysis is effective in reducing BMI, local circumference, and fat thickness, confirming its utility for non-invasive body contouring. However, it does not significantly affect overall weight. The benefits are more pronounced in short-term follow-up and vary by body region. Further long-term and comparative studies are recommended.