Cryolipolysis and Subcision for Treatment of Cellulite

Summary

This study intended to investigate and compare the changes that may occur in response to cryolipolysis (localized cool exposure) and subcision (surgical technique) on cellulite. The cryolipolysis cooling device used is FDA approved for skin cooling, but still investigational in the treatment of cellulite. It has previously been used for fat reduction on love handles or back fat. During cryolipolysis, the system drew fat tissue into an applicator then exposes the extracted fat tissue to cold temperatures. The cold exposure caused fat cells to die, with the goal to decrease the raised areas of cellulite. Subcision is a process used to treat scars left behind by acne or other skin diseases and has been noted to improve moderate to severe cellulite. Subcision is a simple surgical procedure that is performed by inserting a specially designed needle under the skin after local numbing medication is injected. The needle is moved in a repetitive motion parallel to the skin to separate the surface tissue from the deeper scar tissue with the goal to improve the dimpling caused by these tissues sticking together. This study was a pilot study designed to determine feasibility of these procedures.

Conditions

• Cellulite

Interventions

DEVICE

cryolipolysis

During cryolipolysis, the system drew fat tissue into an applicator then exposed the extracted fat tissue to cold temperatures. The cold exposure caused fat cells to die, with the goal to decrease the raised areas of cellulite

PROCEDURE

Subcision

Subcision was performed by inserting a specially designed needle under the skin after local numbing medication is injected. The needle is moved in a repetitive motion parallel to the skin to separate the surface tissue from the deeper scar tissue with the goal to improve the dimpling caused by these tissues sticking together.

OTHER

Control

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Northwestern University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Murad Alam, MD · Northwestern University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2010-10-31

Primary Completion

2011-09-30

Completion

2011-09-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations