New way to fight fat with cold temperatures shows promise

New York, March 24 (ANI): An experimental procedure has raised hopes of being a new way to decrease fatty deposits under the skin by applying cold temperatures.

The procedure, cryolipolysis, is yet to receive a green signal from the Food and Drug Administration but has been predicted as a potential "dermatologic weapon".

Dr. Mathew Avram, director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Dermatology Laser and Cosmetic Center and author of a recent review of the procedure, told ABC News cryolipolysis "takes advantage of the differential in fat's susceptibility to the cold."

"Fat freezes at a higher temperature than the rest of the skin does. Thus, at a certain temperature, you can freeze the fat but not harm the skin," the New York Daily News quoted him as telling ABC.

Avram further pointed out the results were "not comparable to liposuction, and ... not a weight-loss device," but held potential in the treatment.

Dr. Mark Berman, president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, said: "The good news is that there does not seem to be any problem caused when the body is reabsorbing the [fat]. I can see this becoming another dermatologic weapon. This is going to be a nice little device." (ANI)