Fat freezing — clinically called cryolipolysis — became widely available in the UK over the past decade and remains one of the most Googled non-surgical treatments. Before you book, it is worth understanding exactly what the procedure involves, what the evidence supports, and what your options are if it is not suitable for you.
This guide sits alongside the broader non-surgical body sculpting UK pillar and the dedicated fat freezing guide, which covers the treatment in greater depth.
What Is Fat Freezing and How Does It Work?
Cryolipolysis works by applying a controlled cooling applicator to the skin surface. Fat cells (adipocytes) are more sensitive to cold than surrounding tissue. At temperatures typically between -5°C and -10°C, fat cells undergo a process called apoptosis — a controlled cell death — over the following weeks.
The body then processes and removes the dead cells through the lymphatic system. This is gradual: most people see early changes around four weeks after treatment, with fuller results visible at two to three months.
The technology was originally developed in the United States by dermatology researchers at Harvard Medical School and has been cleared for use in several countries, including the UK, subject to clinic compliance with relevant regulations.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
Cryolipolysis is most commonly used on:
- Abdomen (upper and lower)
- Flanks and love handles
- Inner and outer thighs
- Upper arms
- Bra-line and back rolls
- Submental (double chin) area — using smaller applicators
The treatment works best on areas where there is a pinchable layer of subcutaneous fat (the fat just beneath the skin). It is not a treatment for visceral fat, which sits deeper around the organs, and it is not a weight-loss procedure.
What the Evidence Says
Peer-reviewed studies published in journals such as Lasers in Surgery and Medicine and Aesthetic Surgery Journal report average fat-layer reductions of around 20–25% in the treated area following a single session, though individual results vary considerably.
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) regulates devices used for cryolipolysis. If you are considering the treatment, always confirm that the clinic uses a CE-marked or UKCA-marked device and that the practitioner can evidence their training and insurance.
A rare but documented adverse event called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) — where the treated area enlarges rather than reduces — has been reported in a small percentage of patients, more commonly in male patients. It is important to ask your provider about this risk.
Costs of Fat Freezing in the UK
Prices in the UK typically range from around £150 to £600 per applicator cycle, depending on the clinic, the device used, the size of the treatment area, and the location. Central London clinics tend to charge at the higher end.
Most people require more than one cycle per area, so total costs can be significantly higher than headline prices suggest. Be cautious of heavily discounted deals that do not include a proper consultation, as suitability assessment is genuinely important for safety.
Risks and Side Effects
Common side effects include:
- Redness, bruising, and swelling at the treatment site
- Numbness or reduced sensation (can persist for several weeks)
- Temporary aching or sensitivity when the area thaws
- Skin surface irregularities in some cases
Less common but more serious considerations include paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (see above) and, in people with certain cold-related conditions, serious systemic effects. A thorough medical history review is not optional — it is a clinical necessity.
Is Fat Freezing Right for You?
Cryolipolysis tends to give the most noticeable results for people who are already close to their target weight and have localised pockets of fat that have not responded to exercise and a healthy diet. It is not a solution for larger amounts of weight or for generalised fat distribution.
If you have any of the following, cryolipolysis is contraindicated and you should not proceed:
- Cryoglobulinaemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- Active skin conditions, rashes, or wounds over the treatment area
- Hernias in or near the treatment area
Always seek a thorough consultation with a qualified practitioner before committing to any non-surgical procedure. For a deeper look at what the treatment involves, see the fat freezing guide.
Non-Surgical Alternatives Available at Wumi Body & Face Studio
Please note: Wumi Body & Face Studio does not offer fat freezing or cryolipolysis. However, Wumi provides a range of effective non-surgical alternatives that are well-suited to similar goals — reducing the appearance of stubborn areas, improving skin tone, and sculpting body contours — all with no downtime.
These include:
- Ultrasound cavitation — uses low-frequency sound waves to disrupt fat cell membranes
- Radio frequency (RF) — delivers controlled heat to tighten skin and improve the appearance of the treated area
- Lipo laser — uses low-level laser energy to target fat cells
- Vacuum therapy — promotes circulation and lymphatic drainage while working on body contours
- Wood therapy (maderotherapy) — a manual sculpting technique using wooden tools
You can read more about the science behind some of these approaches in the ultrasound cavitation and RF guide, or explore all available options on the non-surgical fat reduction service page.
These treatments are part of a broader approach to non-surgical body sculpting and can be combined as a course for gradual, cumulative improvement.
Booking a Consultation
If you would like to discuss which non-surgical body treatment might be appropriate for your goals, Wumi offers a 30-minute consultation at the Dartford studio or as part of the mobile service across Kent, London, and Essex. Book a consultation or get in touch to find out more.
Non-surgical treatments have no downtime, but results build gradually and vary between individuals. Not a weight-loss or medical service. A consultation and suitability check are required; you must be 18 or over.