If you've heard of CoolSculpting, you already understand the core concept behind cryolipolysis — the clinical term for the fat-freezing technology that CoolSculpting is built on. The important thing to understand is this: CoolSculpting is a brand name; cryolipolysis is the underlying technology. Clinics around the world use FDA-cleared cryolipolysis devices from multiple manufacturers, and the results are comparable when the equipment is properly certified and the treatment is delivered by a qualified practitioner. In Lima, you can access this technology at a fraction of US or European prices.
How Cryolipolysis Technology Works
Cryolipolysis works by exploiting a biological fact: fat cells are significantly more sensitive to cold than the surrounding skin, nerves, and muscle tissue. When adipose tissue is cooled to a precise controlled temperature — typically between -5°C and -10°C — fat cells undergo a natural cell death process called apoptosis, while the surrounding tissue remains unharmed. Over the following 8–12 weeks, your immune system gradually clears the dead fat cells from the body, resulting in a measurable and permanent reduction of fat in the treated area.
The treatment is completely non-invasive. A vacuum applicator draws the tissue into the cooling chamber, where it is held for approximately 35–60 minutes. During this time, most patients read, use their phone, or rest. There is no anesthesia, no incisions, and no recovery period.
Ideal Candidates
Cryolipolysis is most effective for patients who are at or near their ideal body weight but have localized deposits of fat that resist diet and exercise — the lower abdomen, flanks ("love handles"), inner thighs, upper arms, bra area, and under the chin. It is a body contouring treatment, not a weight-loss procedure. Patients with larger volumes of fat to lose are better served by combining cryolipolysis with a nutritional and exercise program, or by exploring surgical options with a qualified plastic surgeon.
- Abdomen and lower belly
- Flanks and "love handles"
- Inner and outer thighs
- Upper arms
- Bra-line fat and back rolls
- Double chin (submental fat)
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Each session reduces fat in the treated area by approximately 20–25%. Most patients achieve satisfying results with 1 to 3 sessions per zone. Dr. Geldres evaluates your anatomy during the free consultation and provides a realistic recommendation — including how many areas can be treated in a single visit if your schedule is limited. For traveling patients, it's often possible to treat multiple zones in one or two sessions during a short stay.
Results Timeline
Results from cryolipolysis are gradual and natural-looking. The first visible changes typically appear around 3 weeks post-treatment. Optimal results are seen at 2–3 months, which is the time required for the body to fully process and eliminate the treated fat cells. Because the results develop gradually after you return home, the treatment is particularly well-suited to traveling patients — you invest the time in Lima, and the results emerge over the weeks following your trip.
Cost Comparison: Lima vs. the United States
In the United States, a single CoolSculpting cycle typically costs $600–$1,200, with full treatment plans often running $2,000–$4,000 or more. At Elyzea in Lima, cryolipolysis is available at a substantially lower price per session using internationally certified equipment and under physician supervision. The savings across a multi-area treatment plan can easily offset the cost of flights and accommodation, making the trip a financially rational decision in addition to a genuinely pleasant one.