Fat Cavitation vs Fat Freezing: Which Treatment Is Right for You?

If you’ve been researching body contouring treatments, chances are you’ve come across fat cavitation and fat freezing. Both are non surgical ways to target stubborn fat, but the technology, treatment process, and results are quite different.

Let’s break down fat cavitation vs fat freezing so you can decide which option best fits your body goals but before we do, here is a fun fact for you.

FUN FACT: As of age 5, you have all of the fat cells your body will develop. As we put on weight, the cells are expanding, and as we lose weight, they shrink. The cells do not multiply or re-develop (unless you have a condition called Lipedema - which is a story for another time)

Stay with me... this is important information to know as we talk about both fat cavitation and fat freezing.

What Is Fat Cavitation?

Fat cavitation (also known as ultrasonic cavitation) uses low frequency ultrasound waves to disrupt fat cell membranes. These vibrations break down fat cells into liquid, which is then naturally metabolised and eliminated by the body through the lymphatic system. So basically you are emptying the fat contents out of the cell - similar to when you lose weight. (see the fun fact)

How many sessions are required?

Most clients need around 6–10 sessions, spaced about a week apart, to see noticeable results. This is because cavitation works gradually, and repeated treatments help the body keep flushing out liquefied fat.

What areas can be treated during a fat cavitation session?

Fat cavitation is best for larger, softer areas of fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, and arms. It’s less about tiny stubborn pockets and more effective for broader areas where fat tends to accumulate.

How long does it take to see results after a fat cavitation session?

Results appear gradually as your body metabolises the fat. Some people notice a result straight after the session, although most people start to see changes after a few weeks, with the best outcomes showing after completing the recommended treatment course.

Is there any downtime after fat cavitation?

There’s no downtime with fat cavitation. You can return to your normal activities straight after treatment, though it’s recommended to stay hydrated and keep active to support lymphatic drainage.

Who shouldn’t have fat cavitation?

Fat cavitation is not suitable for:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

• Anyone with metal implants or pacemakers

• People with severe liver disease or kidney disease

• Those with uncontrolled health conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart disease)

What Is Fat Freezing?

Fat freezing (commonly called cryolipolysis) works by using controlled cooling technology to freeze and destroy fat cells. Once frozen, the fat cells crystallise and die off, and the body naturally eliminates them over the following weeks. So we are killing the entire cell during this treatment making it a more permanent solution (see the fun fact).

How many sessions are required?

We recommend a minimum of 4 sessions, spaced 3-4 weeks apart, to see noticeable results. This is because the fat freezing process works gradually, your body needs time to crystallise and flush out the dead fat cells through your lymphatic system.

What areas can be treated during a fat freezing session?

Fat freezing is best for pinchable, stubborn pockets of fat such as the upper and abdomen, love handles, upper arms, inner and outer thighs, hips, banana rolls (the part of your leg just below the bum), braline. It’s ideal for smaller, well defined areas that don’t respond to diet and exercise.

How long does it take to see results after a fat freezing session?

You’ll usually notice results from fat freezing within 6–12 weeks post treatment. Some people notice a change after their second session with the full results developing after your full course of fat freezing. As the body gradually eliminates the crystallised fat cells, the treated area appears slimmer and more sculpted.

Is there any downtime after fat freezing?

There’s no downtime with fat freezing. Most people return to work or normal activities immediately. You may experience temporary redness, numbness, tingling, or mild bruising in the treated area, but this usually resolves within a few days to weeks.

Who shouldn’t have fat freezing?

Fat freezing is not suitable for:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

• Anyone with cold related conditions (e.g. Raynaud’s, cold urticaria)

• People with active hernias in the treatment area

Comparison Summary

Features	Fat Cavitation	Fat Freezing
How it works	Ultrasound waves vibrate and disrupt fat cell membranes, releasing their contents for the body to metabolise.	Controlled cooling crystallises and destroys fat cells, which the body then flushes out permanently.
Sessions Required	6–10 sessions in total spaced out weekly.	Minimum 4 sessions spaced out 3-4 weeks.
Results Timeline	Gradual; some see changes straight away, but best after several weeks of sessions.	Noticeable within 6–12 weeks, with best results after a full course.
Contraindications	Not suitable for pregnancy, breastfeeding, metal implants/pacemakers, severe liver/kidney disease, uncontrolled medical conditions.	Not suitable for pregnancy, breastfeeding, cold-related conditions (Raynaud’s, urticaria), hernias in treatment area,
Cost (prices based on our clinic)	$129 per session	$250 per session

So which one should you choose?

Start with taking a look at your medical history. Do you have any current conditions that may be a contraindication for either treatment?

• If yes, then choose the one which you can have, safely.

• If no, then look at your lifestyle next.

Fat Cavitation is best if you want quicker, less permanent results.

Fat Freezing is best if you want a more permanent reduction in stubborn fat pockets with fewer sessions, and don’t mind waiting longer for results.

Both are effective non surgical fat reduction options, the right choice depends on your medical history, goals and lifestyle.

If you're still not sure which option is right for you, Book your consultation at Oceanelle Medispa or your nearest body sculpting clinic.