Application of cryolipolysis in adipose tissue: A systematic review.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review of randomized controlled and self-controlled trials
PubMed 35869825 · doi:10.1111/jocd.15265
What was done
A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted across multiple databases without date limits to evaluate the efficacy, adverse effects, and participant satisfaction of cryolipolysis for subcutaneous fat reduction. Eligible studies included human trials using randomized controlled or self-controlled designs published in English or Portuguese. Study quality was appraised using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool.
What was found
From 381 initial articles, seven met eligibility and five were included after RoB 2 appraisal. Most studies reported significant localized fat reduction following cryolipolysis. Standalone cryolipolysis did not alter lipid profiles or liver enzymes; these improved only when cryolipolysis was combined with a dietary intervention. Adverse effects were rare and resolved within one month. The abstract reports no numerical effect sizes or participant counts.
Why it matters
This review synthesizes controlled human evidence confirming cryolipolysis as an effective, low-risk method for localized fat reduction, while clarifying that systemic metabolic improvements depend on dietary changes rather than cold-induced lipolysis alone.
Limits
The evidence base is very small, with only five studies meeting quality criteria. The abstract omits quantitative effect sizes, pooled estimates, and total participant count, and search eligibility was restricted to English and Portuguese language articles.
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