Enhancing the Appearance of the "Six-Pack" Muscles Using Cryolipolysis: A Safe and Effective Method.

SUMMARY: Many individuals desire a defined and athletic body with "six-pack" abdominal muscles, but even with a strict regimen of diet and exercise, this result is unattainable for many. Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive method of reducing the subcutaneous adipose tissues lying above the rectus abdominis muscles, enhancing the six-pack appearance. Eleven nonobese adults with an average body mass index of 22.5 kg/m2 were enrolled in this study. All subjects were treated with the CoolSculpting cryolipolysis system, with most of them undergoing two rounds of treatment. Improvement in appearance of the abdominal muscles was rated using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, and adverse events and subjects' satisfaction scores were recorded. Treatments were well tolerated, with no reported instances of blanching, bruising, or blistering, and with only mild cases of edema, erythema, and numbness reported by some. Mean Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale rating was 1.7, corresponding to a rating of improved to much improved. Subjects were comfortable with the procedure and satisfied with the results. In conclusion, cryolipolysis is an effective and well-tolerated method for noninvasive enhancement of abdominal muscle definition.