Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry for evaluating body composition following cryolipolysis

Abstract

Objectives: Cryolipolysis provides a nonsurgical treatment option for reducing excess subcutaneous fat. Although widely used, clinical outcomes such as photographs, patient questionnaires, and caliper measurements may be affected by subjectivity and operator- dependency. The current case series study evaluated changes in body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in patients who underwent cryolipolysis treatment. Methods: between 2019 and 2020, 5 patients underwent cryolipolysis at a dermatology practice in São Paulo, Brazil. Patients were treated in different body regions using a cryolipolysis medical device (CoolSculpting®; ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc., Pleasanton, CA, USA) with the CoolAdvantage™ or CoolAdvantage Plus™ vacuum applicators (ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc). Pre- and post-treatment, body weight and abdominal circumference were recorded. Fat and lean mass measurements were also obtained using a total body scanner. Results: five patients (4 females, 1 male; mean age, 34 years) were treated in a total of 8 areas (2 cases in the flank, 3 cases in the abdomen, and 3 cases in the back). Three months post-treatment, body weight was reduced in 3 out of 5 (60.0%) patients, and abdominal circumference was reduced in 2 out of 3 (66.7%) patients. Most patients showed reductions in total fat mass (80.0%) and lean mass (60.0%). The percentage change in body weight was also correlated with the percentage change in total fat mass (R=0.81). Region-specific alterations in fat content were also observed. Conclusions: most patients showed changes in body composition, including lower fat mass (5%-36% reductions) 3 months after cryolipolysis treatment. The results suggest that DEXA can be used to objectively visualize and quantify body composition changes following cryolipolysis treatment.