Devices, application systems and methods with localized heat flux zones for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells

A method of operating a device for cooling subcutaneous lipid-rich tissue, comprising:

• cooling a cryoprotectant to a base temperature below 37° C.;
• passing the cryoprotectant through a flexible contact member of an interface element;
• and
• selectively heating at least one heating element of an array of heating elements carried by the flexible contact member to a temperature different than other heating elements of the array and thereby heating cryoprotectant proximate to the heated heating element to a contact temperature higher than the base temperature.

A method of cooling subcutaneous lipid-rich tissue of a person, comprising:

• placing a front side of a flexible contact member against a portion of the epidermis of the person;
• cooling a cryoprotectant to a base temperature, wherein at least a portion of the cryoprotectant is at a backside of the flexible contact member;
• passing the cryoprotectant through the flexible contact member such that the cryoprotectant contacts the epidermis of the person;
• and
• selectively heating at least one heating element of an array of heating elements carried by the flexible contact member to a temperature different than other heating elements of the array and thereby heating cryoprotectant proximate the heated heating element to a contact temperature higher than the base temperature.