Blog Post

Cryolipolysis

  • by K
  • 18 Jan, 2021

What you need to know about fat freeze.

Cryolipolysis

We all know what it’s like to have that stubborn little problem area that no amount of diet and exercise seem to be able to shift. For the ladies it’s usually the thighs or the lower abdomen, while the gents are more often concerned about the love handles (or muffintop depending on your view!). Until recently the only way to fix the issue was with plastic surgery or liposuction (both invasive and quite expensive) but now we have another solution that is taking over the world (and Consett) – Cryolipolysis.

What is it?

Cryolipolysis, or Fat Freeze as it’s more commonly known, is a clinically proven, non-invasive procedure designed to remove fat cells from the body by freezing them.

So how does it work?

Specially designed paddles are applied to the chosen area and suction your skin and fat up in to a vacuum (which isn’t as bad as it sounds, honestly!) and once your fat hits freezing point the cells start to die. Your immune system then recognises that there is something in the body that shouldn’t be there and sends out the Macrophages (white blood cells) to come along like Mr Pacman and eat up all of the dead cells. Sounds pretty simple, right?

Is it safe?

As fat freezes at a much higher temperature there is no damage to the underlying organs and a protective membrane is applied to the skin. Being a completely non-invasive procedure means there is no recovery time needed so you could do it in your lunch break!

How long does the treatment take?

You should expect to be in the clinic for approximately an hour in total, starting off with a 10 minute discussion with Katie about how the procedure is going to work. The treatment itself lasts for 45 minutes which is followed by a 5 minute massage to break up the frozen fat cells into smaller, more manageable pieces for the body to eliminate. Just lie back, relax and let Katie’s hand work their magic!

When can I expect results?

Everybody is different but a general rule of thumb is around 4-6 weeks and it can carry on working for much longer.

How many treatments do I need?

One session of Cryolipolysis can freeze between 40% – 60% of fat cells. If you have a lot of fat cells then you might want to think about more treatments.

Will it hurt?

The initial suction can be a little uncomfortable, especially if you’re not expecting it, but once the freezing process begins, the area becomes completely numb so any discomfort disappears. It shouldn’t be painful so do speak up if you’re finding it a bit too much! You may also find some bruising in the area but these will fade within a few days.

Is it suitable for everyone?

Unfortunately not. There are certain medical conditions that would prevent a person being able to have the treatment:

- Raynauds Disease which affects the circulatory system.

- Blood clotting issues can be a problem due to the likelihood of bruising.

- If you have a hernia the suction could pull it out of place causing you a lot of pain.

- Any recent surgeries in the chosen area.

- If you’re post-partum it’s recommended that you wait at least 12 weeks before treatment and up to 3-6 months if you’re recovering from a caesarean section.

This list isn’t exhaustive so if you have any kind of medical condition please check with your doctor before considering treatment. You can also contact us if you have any concerns.

Is it permanent?

Yes and no. Yes, because once the fat cells are dead, they’re dead. Those cells are gone and aren’t coming back. However, this doesn’t prevent the growth of new fat cells. If you were to maintain an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle then you may see the fat return sooner than you’d like. We recommend drinking lots and lots of water to help flush out the system and also because it’s just really, really good for you.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about Fat Freezing then please get in touch, we’re happy to answer any of your questions

by PH800055 23 Nov, 2021

Deciding what kind of treatment you would like isn’t always as simple as simply choosing one and then going and getting it. Here at Head To Toe Aesthetics, we want to ensure that the treatment or facial you want is going to be the best fit for you, which is why we always, have a consultation with you before we do anything else. We understand that it may not feel necessary, especially if you’ve had the treatment before elsewhere, but we want to be completely certain we’re giving you the best care possible, and we can’t do that without getting right down to the nitty gritty!

 


Most importantly, the consultation is an opportunity for you to get to know us and feel comfortable with us and the environment. We want you to have the best experience possible and also give you the chance to talk about any concerns or worries you might be having about your treatment in a safe space.


 

Here are some of our frequently asked questions about what happens during a consultation, but if you have any more questions then don’t hesitate to send us a message!


 

Is the consultation really that important?

Yes, it really, really is! Not every treatment is suitable for every person and some could potentially be harmful to the wrong person, so it’s incredibly important that we make sure before we get started.

 

 

What do you need to know?

We will ask you questions about  any health problems or conditions that you have. There are some treatments that have contraindications for specific medical conditions. For example, fat freeze is not suitable for people with blood clotting issues or those who have recently had surgery, due to potential complications.

- Any medication you may be taking.
- Any allergies you might have.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some treatments are not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
- What expectations you have from your session.

It’s important that you are as honest as possible with your answers as this will help us give you the best advice.

 

 

What happens next?

Once we have your history and have a better idea of what results you’re looking for, we can then recommend the best treatment for you. We will work out a plan looking at frequency and affordability and also make recommendations of things you can do at home. For example, if better skin is what you’re after, we can take a look at your current skin care routine and find out if anything in your diet or daily routine is adversely affecting you. We will also give you advice on any aftercare needed so you know exactly what to expect before it happens so that you’re completely prepared.

 

 

What if the treatment I want isn’t available?

Every treatment and facial that we offer has been tried and tested by us, so we are able to offer you honest advice based on our experience, extensive knowledge and your history. If we feel that something isn’t suitable for you based on the information you’ve given us, we will say no. Your health and safety is the most important thing to us and we won’t do anything to compromise it, but we will always offer alternatives that we feel will get you the result you want.

 

 

If you’d like to book a consultation or if you have any questions about available treatments, then do please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!

 

by K 15 Jul, 2021
Laser and IPL Hair Removal 

We all know what it is like having those annoying ingrown hairs and the need to shave, pluck or wax unwanted hair. (Men and Women both!) Instead of having to shave, pluck, or wax this hair, there are now other solutions that are more efficient - Laser and IPL hair removal. 

What is it?
Laser and IPL hair removal are medical procedures that use a concentrated beam of light to remove unwanted hair anywhere on the body.

How does it work?
During the hair removal treatment the machine emits a light that targets the melanin in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the hair follicles within the skin that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.

Our laser has 3 different wavelengths making it very efficient for hair removal.
  • 755nm Wavelength:
    For the widest range of hair types and colour. The Alexandrite wavelength offers more powerful energy absorption by the melanin chromophore, making it ideal for the widest range of hair types and colour- especially light-coloured and thin hair. With more superficial penetration, the 755nm wavelength targets the bulge of the hair follicle and is especially effective for superficially embedded hair in areas such as the eyebrows and upper lip.
  • 808nm Wavelength:
    Half the treatment time. The classic wavelength in laser hair removal, the 808nm wavelength, offers deep penetration of the hair follicle with high average power, a high repetition rate and a large spot size for fast treatment. The 808 nm has a moderate melanin absorption level making it safe for darker skin types. Its deep penetration capabilities target the bulge and bulb of the hair follicle while moderate tissue depth penetration makes it ideal for treating the arms, legs, cheeks and beard.
  • 1064nm Wavelength:
    Specialised for darker skin types. The YAG 1064 wavelength is characterised by lower melanin absorption, making it a focused solution for darker skin types. At the same time, the 1064nm offers the deepest penetration of the hair follicle, allowing it to target the bulb and papilla, as well as treat deeply embedded hair in areas such as the scalp, arm pits and pubic areas. With higher absorption generating a higher temperature, the incorporation of the 1064nm wavelength increases the thermal profile of the overall laser treatment for most effective laser hair removal.
Is it safe?
YES! The majority of people who have had laser or IPL hair removal have had no issues during or afterwards. There seems to be no long term health risks associated with laser or IPL hair removal. We ask you to have a patch test before having the procedure to ensure you don't have any reactions or side effects. 

How long does the treatment take?
The duration of the appointment varies depending on the area you are getting hair removal. You will have to attend a consultation appointment which will be 30 minutes long and will include a discussion of the treatment plan and a patch test, which needs to be 24-48 hours prior to your first treatment appointment. For your treatment appointments they range from 30 minutes for a small area to 75 minutes for a large area. 

When can I expect to see results?
It all depends on the person but it takes 10 to 14 days after your treatment to see a difference. The hair needs to be dark enough for the treatment to work, our machine can safely treat all skin tones.⠀

How many treatments do I need?
It will take 6 to 12 treatments depending on the treatment area to get full results.

Does it hurt?
No! It can sometimes tingle a little or feel like an elastic band "twanging" off you but nothing severely painful.

Is it suitable for everyone?
It is suitable for all skin types and hair types. We do require a patch test in order to check how you react to the laser, so if you react badly we will not continue with your hair removal. However, if you have an open wound in the area you wish to have hair removal, depending on the size, we may have to rearrange for when it has healed. Additionally, we do not offer laser or IPL hair removal if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as your hormones need to balance. 

Are results permanent?
Once all the required appointments have been completed, the hair follicles that have been successfully damaged will not allow hair to regrow. However, we cannot promise that the odd hair won't grow, therefore we offer maintenance appointments. 

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch via social media or telephone. We are happy to help!
by Katie 26 Feb, 2019
This is me!
Share by: