A new machine that promises to freeze away the flab has been developed by scientists. Reportedly cheaper than liposuction and with patients able to go home almost immediately, the new procedure is sure to spark plenty of interest in cosmetic surgery enthusiasts.

The new machine is known as the ‘CoolSculpting Device’. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have already approved it’s use and one machine is already operating in a London clinic.

CoolSculpt is said to cost around a quarter of the price of a similar liposuction operation and the patient can expect to be worked on for between one and three hours. Because the CoolSculpt treatment is non-invasive, patients are able to go home immediately after the beauty treatment has been completed.

The CoolSculpting device has been developed by Californian company Zeltiq. Scientists there realised that although fat freezes at a lower temperature than other types of tissue, skin and muscles can survive sub-zero temperatures without suffering lasting damage. CoolSculpt takes this principle to help freeze and kill fat cells. A gel patch is clamped onto the relevant body part and the fat cells there are frozen. The sub-zero temperatures cause the fat cells to die and the body naturally then flushes them away over the coming months. Patients should not feel any pain during the procedure however they may feel an ‘intense cold’ around the area which should disappear after a short period of time. The results are not instant however the fat in the localised area should begin to recede over the coming days and months.

The company claims that they have followed several patients over a three year period and the fat has not returned.

The CoolSculpt beauty treatment is suitable for those looking to get rid of their bingo wings, love handles, beer belly or small areas of excess fat. It is not suitable for those who are obese.

(Photo Credit: Konrad Mostert)