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Does Fat Freezing Work? The Honest Answer for St. Petersburg

Fat freezing (cryolipolysis) is FDA-cleared and shown in studies to reduce fat layer thickness. But not every cold treatment is the same, and results depend on the technology used.

Does Fat Freezing Actually Work?

Yes, fat freezing works when we are talking about cryolipolysis. This is the technology behind CoolSculpting, which is FDA-cleared and supported by peer-reviewed research showing measurable fat reduction in treated areas.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses confirm that sustained, controlled cooling (typically 35 to 60 minutes per area, often with suction) reduces fat layer thickness when measured by ultrasound or caliper.

But not every cold treatment is fat freezing in that sense.

What the Research Actually Says

Cryolipolysis was developed for localized fat reduction, not weight loss. Studies show it works best on stubborn areas that do not respond to diet or exercise: abdomen, flanks, thighs, under the chin.

Results are gradual. Fat layer reduction builds over 8 to 12 weeks as the body processes the treated tissue. Multiple sessions are often needed for more noticeable change.

Cryolipolysis research has been published in journals like Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and reviewed in PMC12843028 (2025). It is a medical procedure cleared by the FDA.

A treatment room at KRIDO Wellness in St. Petersburg.
A treatment room at KRIDO Wellness in St. Petersburg.

Not All Cold Treatments Are the Same

The term "fat freezing" is often used broadly to describe any cold-based body sculpting treatment. That can be confusing.

Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting and similar FDA-cleared devices) uses sustained cold with suction, over a longer period, to trigger a specific process in fat cells.

Other cold technologies use shorter bursts of alternating hot and cold, no suction, and different mechanisms. These treatments are not FDA-cleared as medical devices and have not been studied the same way.

If you are researching "does fat freezing work," make sure you know which technology you are asking about. The science for one does not transfer to another.

What KRIDO Offers: Cryo Body Sculpting

KRIDO Wellness offers Cryo Body Sculpting, a non-invasive treatment using controlled cooling to help reduce stubborn fat and tighten skin. It is a cosmetic aesthetic technology, not a medical device, and is not FDA-approved or FDA-cleared.

Cryo Body Sculpting works differently than cryolipolysis. It uses short alternating warm and cold phases, with no suction. The only published data is a small manufacturer-sponsored study (16 people, one Paris clinic, no control group) showing an average 19% reduction in abdominal fat thickness measured by ultrasound after a course of treatment.

Evidence for this device is limited. Results vary. Many clients notice firmer, smoother contours and measurable inch loss (on average 0.5 to 1 inch in the first session), but it is not the same as the fat-cell elimination seen in cryolipolysis studies.

What Happens at a Session

Each visit takes about an hour. We start with measurements so progress is tracked in inches, not guesswork. Then comes the cooling treatment, followed by red light therapy (research suggests this may support collagen and skin quality) and manual lymphatic drainage, which can temporarily reduce puffiness and fluid.

Most clients see their best results over 5 to 10 sessions. We recommend starting with at least 3 sessions for subtle refinement, 5 for visible change, and 10 for a complete course.

This is body sculpting, not weight loss. The goal is shape, definition and skin firmness in areas that do not respond to diet or exercise.

After debating for a few years to book a treatment like abdominal cryotherapy, I am so unbelievably happy that I chose KRIDO and Amber! She is so informational, trustworthy and talented. My results are everything I hoped for & I will absolutely be back for more.

Rebecca Duncan, Google review

At KRIDO Wellness in St. Petersburg.
At KRIDO Wellness in St. Petersburg.

If You Want CoolSculpting or Cryolipolysis

KRIDO does not offer CoolSculpting or cryolipolysis. If you are specifically looking for FDA-cleared cryolipolysis, talk to a medical provider who offers it.

If you are open to a non-invasive cold-based option that focuses on inches, contour and skin tightening rather than medical fat reduction, Cryo Body Sculpting may suit you.

How Cryo Body Sculpting Compares

FeatureCryolipolysis (CoolSculpting)Cryo Body Sculpting (KRIDO)
FDA statusFDA-cleared medical deviceCosmetic aesthetic technology, not FDA-approved
ResearchSystematic reviews, peer-reviewed RCTsOne small manufacturer study
MechanismSustained cold + suctionAlternating warm/cold, no suction
Session time35 to 60 min per areaAbout 1 hour (includes red light + drainage)
DowntimeTemporary numbness, bruising possibleNone
Best forStubborn fat pockets, medical-grade reductionSculpting, tightening, inch loss

Who Cryo Body Sculpting Suits

You want to refine specific areas (abdomen, arms, flanks, thighs) that do not respond to exercise. You are looking for contouring and firmer skin, not dramatic weight loss. You want measurable progress tracked in inches. You prefer a non-medical, relaxing treatment with no downtime.

This is not a substitute for medical fat reduction or liposuction. If you want the research-backed permanence of cryolipolysis or surgical fat removal, talk to a medical provider.

KRIDO Wellness is awesome. I’d recommend them for facials, fat reduction/skin tightening for your body or face, and even permanent make up. Kristina, the owner, is absolutely incredible and truly cares so much about KRIDO, her team, and her clients. Both women and men would be happy they checked out KRIDO Wellness in Downtown St Pete.

Chase Shelly, Google review

Pricing and Packages

Single session: $299 per area (includes cryo, red light therapy and lymphatic drainage).

5-pack: $1,300 ($260 per session, save $195).

10-pack: $2,300 ($230 per session, save $690). Most clients see their best results over this course.

Packages are valid 12 months from purchase.

Your First Visit

Start with a consultation. We measure, assess your goals and build your plan. Then we do your first Cryo Body Sculpting session. You pay for the session.

We are at IMAGE Studios in downtown St. Petersburg, at 11 7th St N, Suite 220. Free 3-hour parking is right out front. We are open Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM, by appointment.

Book your consultation at /book, or call the studio at 727-513-3925.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cryo Body Sculpting the same as CoolSculpting?

No. CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared cryolipolysis with sustained cold and suction. Cryo Body Sculpting uses alternating warm and cold with no suction. It is a different technology, not FDA-cleared, and has not been studied the same way.

Does KRIDO’s treatment permanently remove fat?

We do not claim permanent fat elimination. Results are tracked in inches and what many clients notice: firmer contours, smoother skin and measurable reduction over a course of sessions. Results vary.

How many sessions will I need?

Most clients start with at least 3 sessions. Five sessions is where many clients notice visible change, and 10 sessions complete a full course. Your plan will be personalized at your consultation based on your goals.

What should I expect after a session?

No downtime. You may look flushed briefly. Light movement like walking helps support lymphatic drainage. We recommend avoiding sugar for 2 hours before and after your session, per studio guidance.

Who should not book Cryo Body Sculpting?

The team reviews your health history at the consultation. Conditions like pregnancy, cold sensitivity disorders, cardiovascular issues or uncontrolled diabetes may make the treatment inappropriate. You must be 18 or older.

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