Cryolipolysis prices in Switzerland

Cryolipolysis cools the fat beneath the skin to a temperature that destroys some of the fat cells without damaging the skin. An applicator draws in the fat roll and cools it for about an hour. The destroyed cells are gradually eliminated by the body over two to three months. The technique requires neither anaesthesia nor time off work, but its effect is modest: it is suitable for small localised fat pockets in people close to their ideal weight. Its price is calculated per applicator and per session, and several sessions are often needed. For the technique, see our page on cryolipolysis.

Cryolipolysis is billed per applicator and per session. A small area requires one applicator, a stomach several, and one to three sessions per area are common. The cost per session is lower than liposuction, but the cumulative cost for a stomach treated over several sessions can come close to it, for a more modest result. It is not covered by insurance.

Each area requires a number of applicators depending on its size. The total price depends on the number of applicators multiplied by the number of sessions.

Liposuction removes more fat in a single procedure, with a sharper result, but it requires anaesthesia, incisions and a few days of recovery. Cryolipolysis avoids all that, but its effect is more modest and often requires several sessions. For a small fat pocket, cryolipolysis can be appropriate; for a larger volume, liposuction is generally more effective and, in the end, not necessarily more expensive. See the price of liposuction.

A cryolipolysis session with two applicators costs a little less outside the major cities; here are the differences by city and canton.

In rare cases, a few months later the treated area shows an increase in fat rather than a decrease: this is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. It often requires liposuction to correct, at additional cost. This risk should be explained before treatment.

Cryolipolysis is offered by medical practices and sometimes beauty salons. A medical setting makes it possible to check the indication, rule out a hernia or another cause of the bulge, and manage any adverse effect. Devices also differ in their effectiveness.

After the session, the area is red, numb and sometimes tender for a few days to a few weeks. Normal activities resume immediately. The result appears within two to three months.

Compare the number of applicators, the number of planned sessions, the brand of the device, the medical setting and the total cost of the protocol.

A slim woman with a small love handle: one applicator per side, one to two sessions. A man with a small double chin: one applicator. A person with a large stomach: liposuction instead.

No time off, possible massages, additional sessions.

As with liposuction, the destroyed cells do not come back, but weight gain can enlarge the remaining cells. A stable weight preserves the result.

Fat cells are more sensitive to cold than skin, muscles or nerves. Cooled to a controlled temperature for long enough, some of them enter a process of programmed cell death and are then slowly eliminated by the body over several weeks. The skin, protected by a gel membrane, is not damaged. This selectivity explains why there is no incision or downtime, but also the limit of the effect: only a fraction of the cells in the area is destroyed at each session, hence the need for repeated sessions for a visible result.

A complete protocol includes the number of areas, the number of applicators per area and the number of sessions. For example, a stomach treated with three applicators over two sessions amounts to six applications. It is this total that should be compared, not the price of a single application. Some practices offer a package per protocol, which is easier to understand.

A massage of a few minutes just after the applicator is removed appears to improve the result. It is part of the session in most practices.

Cryolipolysis gives its best results on a well-defined, pinchable fat roll, in someone close to their ideal weight with firm skin. It is less suitable for very firm or very widespread fat and for loose skin, and it is not appropriate in the case of a hernia in the area or certain cold-related diseases. A prior examination avoids paying for an unsuitable treatment.

Men use it mainly for the flanks, stomach and double chin. Male fat, which is firmer, sometimes lends itself less well to being drawn into the applicator; the prior examination checks this.

The medical aspects, from assessment to follow-up, are covered on our page Cryolipolysis in Switzerland.

Compare with related procedures

• Laser tattoo removal: prices in Switzerland
• Laser hair removal: prices in Switzerland
• Botulinum toxin injections: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

• Guide to aesthetic medicine in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Everything about price, in a few lines.

Cold against fat: your questions

Is cryolipolysis suitable after pregnancy? For a small fat pocket, once your weight has stabilised.

Are the results measured? Before-and-after photos and measurements make it possible to judge them.

Do I need to diet at the same time? A balanced diet helps maintain the result.

Does the numbness last? A few days to a few weeks.

Can several areas be treated on the same day? Yes, by carrying out the applications one after another.

Does a hernia rule out treatment? Yes, in the area concerned.

Does firm fat respond well? Sometimes less well, depending on whether it can be drawn into the applicator.

How long does an application last? About an hour.

Why several sessions? Each session destroys only some of the cells.

Is massage after the session useful? It appears to improve the result.

Is the skin protected? Yes, by a gel membrane.

Can I work during the session? Often, you can read or use your phone.

Should I compare the price of a single application? It is better to compare the cost of the complete protocol.

How is the price calculated? Per applicator and per session, depending on the area.

How many applicators for the stomach? Often two to four depending on size.

How many sessions are needed? One to three per area, often two months apart.

Does the fat decrease much? Moderately, in the order of a partial reduction in thickness per session.

Is the result visible quickly? It appears gradually over two to three months.

Is the result permanent? The destroyed cells do not come back, provided your weight remains stable.

Does cryolipolysis make you lose weight? No, it reduces a localised fat pocket.

Who is it suitable for? For a small fat pocket in someone close to their ideal weight.

Is loose skin improved? No.

Is anaesthesia needed? No.

Is the session painful? An intense feeling of cold at first, then numbness.

Do I need time off work? No.

Are there side effects? Redness, numbness, tenderness for a few days.

Does paradoxical hyperplasia exist? Yes, a rare, paradoxical increase in fat can occur.

What happens in the event of paradoxical hyperplasia? Liposuction is often offered.

Is cryolipolysis covered by insurance? No.

Can a double chin be treated? Yes, with a suitable applicator.

Can the thighs and arms be treated? Yes, with suitable applicators.

Should cryolipolysis be performed by a doctor? A medical setting is recommended.

Does the price vary from canton to canton? A little, according to our tables.

Is a multi-session package offered? Often.

Are all devices equivalent? No, the brand and the applicator influence the result.

Can it be combined with liposuction? The two are alternatives; liposuction is more effective.

Tell us your canton: we will refer you free of charge to a medical practice equipped for cryolipolysis.