The body metabolizes the frozen fat cells as organic waste, and this process occurs over the course of approximately 4 months, resulting in continued loss of unsightly fat from the torso. As the cooled fat cells undergo apoptosis, the body releases cytokines and other inflammatory mediators that gradually digest them. Lipids from the fat cells are slowly released and transported by the lymphatic system to be processed, much like fat from food. Because the lipid clearance process is gradual, there is no harmful change in blood lipids or liver function.