Technology guide
Alternating heat and cold in cryolipolysis
Some cryolipolysis devices insert warm phases between the cold phases. The principle, the intended effects and how it unfolds during a session.
The principle
Conventional cryolipolysis applies controlled cold throughout the session. With alternation, the main cold phase (around -10 °C) is followed by short rewarming cycles (up to +42 °C) and then returns to cold, before a gradual rewarming at the end of the session.
What we aim to achieve
Cold crystallises the lipids in the adipocytes and triggers their programmed cell death. The rewarming that follows causes an influx of blood into the cooled area. According to the source, this influx strengthens the natural inflammatory response and the arrival of macrophages, the cells responsible for clearing the destroyed adipocytes.
How a typical session unfolds
A gradual drop in temperature, a main cold phase of about 45 minutes, then two or three cycles alternating heat and cold for a few minutes each. The session ends with gentle rewarming of around fifteen minutes to avoid thermal shock. Allow about 90 minutes including preparation.
Client comfort
The warm phases are often welcomed after the intense cold and can improve tolerance. For a client who is sensitive to cold, the cold phase can be shortened. Severe Raynaud's syndrome and cryoglobulinaemia remain contraindications to cryolipolysis, with or without alternation.