Liposuction and CoolSculpting have helped patients remove stubborn pockets of unwanted fat cells and achieve their dream body. While seemingly similar, both procedures use different techniques and work best for different patients.
In this article, we will talk about the major differences and similarities between liposuction and CoolSculpting. We will also talk about the benefits and individual risks. Knowing the difference and how to weigh each procedure against your desired goals is an important step in choosing the best plastic surgery solution for your body. Let’s get started.
CoolSculpting – Non-Invasive Fat Removal
Best known as the non-surgical fat reduction solution, CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis also known as “fat freezing” to eliminate unwanted fat cells. Developed by Harvard scientists, the process involves freezing fat cells so that they die and are naturally absorbed by the body.
During CoolSculpting treatment, stubborn fat bulges are placed within applicator panels. The panels cool to a temperature that damages fat cells. Over the course of several months, the target area becomes noticeably smoother as more fat cells are processed out by the body. Some people may choose to have several treatments in the same area for a more aggressive fat reduction. It is reasonable to expect a 20-25% reduction in the area treated with each procedure.
Benefits of CoolSculpting Treatment
One reason why CoolSculpting is so popular is that it is completely non-invasive. Here are some of the top benefits of CoolSculpting treatment:
- Non-invasive procedure: CoolSculpting eliminates the need for incisions, anesthesia, or extended recovery periods. It is suitable for patients who want to avoid the risks and discomfort associated with surgery. The procedure utilizes controlled cooling to target and freeze fat cells, which are naturally eliminated by the body over time.
- No downtime required: Unlike surgical procedures like liposuction, CoolSculpting doesn’t require taking time off work or limiting physical activities. Patients can return to their regular routines immediately after a session, making it a convenient choice for busy lifestyles.
- Natural-looking results: Gradual fat reduction ensures changes appear subtle and natural over time. This avoids the “overdone” or artificial appearance sometimes associated with surgical procedures.
- Minimal scarring: As a non-surgical treatment, CoolSculpting involves no incisions, leaving no visible scars.
Proven results: Clinically tested and FDA-cleared, CoolSculpting offers a safe and reliable method for body contouring. - Customizable treatments: The procedure can be tailored to specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, or chin, depending on the patient’s goals. Multiple sessions can further enhance results for stubborn fat cells.
- Boosts confidence: CoolSculpting helps most patients feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance by addressing areas of concern. It provides a non-surgical approach to achieving long-lasting aesthetic improvements.
Downsides and Risks of CoolSculpting
While this non-surgical option is certainly effective, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides and risks associated with the treatment:
- Multiple treatments may be required: For starters, CoolSculpting is not a one-and-done procedure. In order for patients to fully realize their ideal results, they may require several treatments to the same area.
- Gradual results: Results are not immediate and gradually manifest within a few months. While this may seem like a downside, many patients see this as an opportunity to keep their procedure discreet.
- Applicator size limitations: The variety of applicators limits the size of areas that can be treated effectively, making it more suitable for smaller, localized fat pockets.
- Not a weight loss solution: CoolSculpting is designed for body contouring, not for significant weight loss, and is best for those already close to their target weight.
- Discomfort during treatment: During the procedure, some discomfort, such as a sensation of tugging, pinching, or intense cold, may occur, although it is typically mild and short-lived.
- Rare risk of Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH): In rare instances, the fat cells in the treated area may enlarge instead of shrinking, which could require surgical intervention to address.
- Skin sensitivity: Temporary changes in skin texture, pigmentation, or sensitivity can occur, but these usually resolve over time.
Are you a good candidate for Coolsculpting?
If you’re considering CoolSculpting, it’s important to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the treatment. Here are some factors that can help you decide:
- Patients bothered by modest fat bulges: Ideal for those with small, stubborn fat cells and areas that don’t respond to diet and exercise.
- Those wanting subtle enhancements: Best for people looking for gradual, natural-looking results rather than dramatic changes.
- People unable or unwilling to have surgery: CoolSculpting offers a non-invasive, non-surgical alternative for body contouring.
- Areas too small for liposuction: Suitable for treating smaller, localized fat pockets where liposuction may not be necessary or effective.
Liposuction Procedure
Perhaps one of the best-known fat removal solutions, liposuction is a tried and true plastic surgery procedure popularly used to help patients achieve a more contoured physique. During the liposuction procedure, small tubes called “cannulas” are inserted into the target area through tiny incisions. These tubes break up and suction out unwanted fat cells, removing excess fat and creating a smoother, more even look in areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, or love handles. With one liposuction procedure, patients can see significant contouring improvements.
Liposuction works well for targeting stubborn fat cells that don’t respond to diet and exercise. It’s a precise procedure that helps shape the body naturally. Depending on the area being treated, liposuction can be done with local or general anesthesia, making it a flexible option for many body shaping needs.
Benefits of Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most popular and effective body contouring procedures available. Here are some of the top benefits:
- Minimally invasive: Liposuction is a surgical procedure, but it’s considered minimally invasive due to small incisions and advanced techniques that reduce recovery time and risks.
- Treats large areas in one session: Unlike non-surgical treatments, liposuction can address larger areas of fat in a single session, making it an efficient solution for body contouring.
- Aggressive fat reduction: Liposuction can achieve significant fat reduction, removing 50% – 70% of fat in a single session, providing more noticeable results with less overall treatment time.
- Part of comprehensive treatment plans: Liposuction is often combined with other procedures, such as mommy makeovers or full body contouring, to help patients achieve their desired body shape.
- Quick recovery time: Thanks to advancements in techniques and tools, liposuction now requires less recovery time than in the past, allowing most patients to return to normal activities in a relatively short period.
- Long-lasting results: Once fat is removed, it doesn’t come back. With healthy diet and exercise, the results of liposuction can be permanent, helping you maintain a contoured figure.
- Local anesthesia options: In many cases, liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia, eliminating the need for general anesthesia and reducing associated risks.
- Customizable treatment: Liposuction can be tailored to target specific areas of concern, such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, or love handles, providing a personalized approach to body shaping.
Downsides and Risks of Liposuction
While liposuction offers many benefits, there are some important downsides and risks to consider:
- Surgical Procedure: Although liposuction involves small incisions and minimal scarring, it is still a surgical procedure. This means patients must be healthy enough to undergo surgery, and certain medical conditions may disqualify them from being good candidates.
- Recovery Time: Despite being less invasive than other surgeries, liposuction still requires some recovery time. Patients can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort, with full recovery taking several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the procedure.
- Risk of Complications: As with any surgery, there are potential risks, including infection, blood clots, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. In rare cases, uneven fat removal or damage to surrounding tissues can occur.
- Scarring: While the incisions are small and typically well-hidden, there will still be some scarring. However, the scars are usually minimal and often fade over time.
Are you a good candidate for liposuction?
Liposuction is most effective for individuals who are already close to their target weight but struggle with stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. If you’re generally healthy and within 30% of your ideal weight, liposuction could be a good option for you. It’s important to note, however, that it’s not a solution for major weight loss or a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.
To ensure the best results and a smooth recovery, candidates should have firm, elastic skin. If you’re considering liposuction, it’s crucial to stop using tobacco or nicotine several weeks before and after surgery. This helps promote proper healing and reduces the risk of complications.
During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your goals and determine if liposuction is right for you. Keep in mind, it’s not a replacement for healthy habits or a weight-loss solution.
FAQS: Liposuction Vs Coolsculpting
How long is the recovery period for CoolSculpting and liposuction?
CoolSculpting offers a quick recovery, with most people resuming normal activities immediately and experiencing minor side effects like redness or swelling that fade in a few days. Full results appear in 1 to 3 months. In contrast, liposuction requires a longer recovery, with light activities resumed after 1 to 2 weeks and full recovery in 4 to 6 weeks, depending on aftercare and your surgeon’s instructions.
Which is more effective, liposuction or CoolSculpting?
Both liposuction and CoolSculpting are effective for reducing excess subcutaneous fat and improving body contour, but these two cosmetic procedures have clear differences to consider. CoolSculpting, also known as fat freezing, is a non-invasive option that provides a quicker recovery and a lower risk of complications, though its results are typically less dramatic. In contrast, liposuction can remove more unwanted fat, but it is a more invasive procedure with a longer recovery time and a higher risk of complications.
What is the safest fat removal procedure?
For patients looking to treat excess fat over a larger area of the body or for patients desiring a more dramatic change in body contour, Liposuction may be more suitable choice and widely used method, tumescent liposuction, effectively and safely destroy fat cells, with many patients experiencing a quicker recovery time.
Can CoolSculpting get rid of a big belly?
Yes, CoolSculpting can target fat cells underneath the skin using precisely controlled cooling, but it does not address the deeper visceral fat located inside the abdomen.
How much does CoolSculpting & liposuction cost?
CoolSculpting is generally cheaper than liposuction. The cost of CoolSculpting typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 per session, while the average cost of liposuction is around $4,711, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It’s important to consult with a provider to get a personalized quote based on your specific needs.
Is liposuction safe for belly fat?
Liposuction is generally safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in a well-equipped facility. However, like any surgery, it does carry some risks, such as infection, blood clots, uneven contours, nerve damage, and fat embolism. The risk of complications increases if you have multiple areas treated or a very large area treated.
Find Your Perfect Treatment Plan with Dr. Diehl
When it comes to plastic surgery, the surgery itself is only part of the overall treatment plan. Planning and preparation are arguably the most important steps in creating any successful surgery strategy. At Dr. Diehl’s plastic surgery practice, your one-on-one consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is an important first step in the treatment process.
By discussing your concerns and goals, our team can assess whether CoolSculpting or liposuction is the best permanent fat removal procedure for you.
Ready to get started? Call Dr. Diehl at (919) 381-5540 to schedule your personal and private consultation at Diehl Plastic Surgery today! We look forward to helping you achieve your best body and supporting you throughout your journey.
