I definitely wouldn’t call myself a fitness girlie, but I do love my pilates and cardio classes and try my best to stick to a routine. Despite staying active and eating healthy, my tummy holds onto some fat that doesn’t quite help my confidence. It also makes me feel a little defeated at times. As I looked into some options for help, ruling out those surgical and invasive ones, I learned that ZLipo is still one of the most tried-and-true solutions out there for targeted fat reduction. So, when I had the chance to try the treatment at Bright Clinic, I said yes to let it freeze my fat cells away.
What’s ZLipo?
ZLipo is an FDA-approved cryolipolysis treatment that uses cold energy to break down fat cells. “The targeted fat cells will be frozen to apoptosis and naturally metabolised from our body through the lymphatic system,” Dr Stephanie Chong explains. She continues, “This technology has been longstanding as it works on everything, from double chin and arms to larger areas like the abdomen and back where injectables just aren’t practical.”
Why ZLipo?
“ZLipo is a lunch-break alternative to invasive procedures; it’s definitely safer and no less effective,” Dr Chongadds. With different sizes of applicators, it goes as low as -7°C to target stubborn pockets of fat that are challenging to lose through lifestyle changes alone, commonly found in the belly, love handles, arms, thighs, hips and chin. Each session takes about 35 minutes, requires no downtime or aftercare, and most importantly, it’s pain-free — just a gentle suction sensation that is easily tolerable.
“The pulsating suction helps encourage lymphatic drainage and metabolism,” she explains. According to her, the higher the intensity, the more noticeable the reshaping results can be. “However, we always start with a safe and effective level for the first session,” she assures.
What happens during ZLipo?
After careful consultation with Dr Chong, my session started with taking my measurements: weight, height, BMI, waist and hip ratio, and fat thickness in the area of concern (in my case, the belly). I was then comfortably tucked into the treatment bed, and Dr Chong prepped my skin with a gel pad which she told me helps to protect my skin from ice burn. As soon as the treatment began, I could feel the applicator cupping my belly with a cooling sensation. Throughout the process, I didn’t feel any discomfort at all, but I think it also depends on individual conditions and pain threshold.
My treatment ended with a 10-minute massage for added comfort and to enhance the excretion of the dead fat cells.
What’s after ZLipo?
Whilst ZLipo technically doesn’t require any aftercare, the suction may cause redness or bruising. “They will naturally fade away, but a warm massage can be really helpful and also speed up the metabolism,” says Dr Chong. She also shares what to expect from a ZLipo session, “Every single treatment can reduce fat cells by up to 20 to 30 per cent, and the results will become visible in six to eight weeks.”
So, will it rebound? It’s possible. “Once the targeted fat cells are frozen and excreted from our body, they are gone for good. But if one doesn’t maintain a healthy lifestyle, the remaining fat cells can grow in size, leading to new deposits of fat,” Dr Chong explains.
The Takeaway
With low risk and zero downtime, ZLipo is a worthwhile option for those struggling to lose stubborn fat in tricky areas or feeling discouraged by slow fitness progress. It’s only been a few days since my treatment, and while I’m patiently awaiting visible results, I’ve already gotten back to my regular workouts and am being more mindful of my diet. Hoping it will give me a confidence and motivation boost to stay on track with my health goals!
Bright Clinic is located at A-01-09 Sunway Geo Avenue Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Sunway South Quay, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Selangor.
