The news and TV segments have been abuzz lately about getting rid of stubborn fat by freezing it away through a process called Cryolipolysis.  Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive cooling of fatty tissue that causes lypolysis, which is the breaking down of these fat cells.   The mechanics behind CoolSculpting are based on solid science tested by dermatologists from The Wellman Center for Photomedicine, which is a teaching arm of Harvard Medical School.  The fat removal process is based on something called apoptosis, which is programmed cell death.  Exposing the fatty tissue to cooling energy releases to cytokines and other inflammatory mechanisms, and over time they gradually eliminate the treated fat cells.  The inflammatory cells act like little “Pac Men” and eat up the affected fat cells in the weeks and months following CoolSculpting treatment.  The lipids from these fat cells are slowly released and cleared from the body by the lymphatic system.  It is this process that reduces the thickness of the fat layer.  The research conclusion was that prolonged and controlled local tissue cooling induces selective fat cell reduction followed by a loss of subcutaneous fat, which does not damage the overlying skin.  West Houston Dermatology offers CoolSculpting for patients following a consultation to make sure the patient is a good candidate. West Houston Dermatology recently appeared on FOX News Houston with an actual patient to discuss the treatment and how it works.  If you want to know if CoolScuplting is right for you, then contact West Houston Dermatology Laser and Skin Care Center today.