Liposuction and CoolSculpting have helped patients remove stubborn pockets of fat and achieve their dream body. While seemingly similar, both procedures use different techniques and work best for different patients. 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.
CoolSculpting – Non-Invasive Fat Removal
Best known as the non-surgical fat reduction solution, CoolScupting uses cryolipolysis to eliminate 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 pockets of fat 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 to 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.
What are the Benefits of CoolSculpting?
One reason why CoolSculpting is so popular is that it is completely non-invasive. Patients who can’t or don’t want to have surgery can use CoolSculpting as an effective alternative for achieving their goals of a more sleek physique. Furthermore, as CoolSculpting is non-invasive, the treatment requires no downtime compared to its surgical counterpart. For busy individuals who don’t have the time to commit to surgical preparation or recovery, the non-invasive nature of this treatment makes it a particularly attractive treatment option.
Are there any Downsides to CoolSculpting?
While this non-surgical option is certainly effective, there are some conditions that may keep patients from enjoying the full benefits of treatment. 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. Additionally, 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.
The applicators are specific sizes, and while there are a variety of applicators to allow optimal treatment of an area, this does limit how large of an area can be treated. As a result, this treatment is most successful when it is used to target small, stubborn pockets of fat or a comprehensive plan is created to treat larger areas. CoolSculpting and should not be used as a weight loss solution.
Tried and True Liposuction
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 this procedure, cannulas (thin tubes) are strategically inserted into the target area, and excess fat cells are removed.
What are the Benefits of Liposuction?
Liposuction is among the most popular, minimally invasive surgical solutions available. The treatment is very comprehensive in that large treatment areas can be successfully addressed in just one session. Liposuction is often included as part of larger treatment strategies such as mommy makeovers and full body contouring to help patients fully achieve their dream body. Furthermore, evolution in treatment instruments and technique have turned liposuction into a simple treatment that requires only limited recovery time. With a healthy diet and exercise, the results of liposuction can last well into the future. Liposuction is often done under local anesthesia, so general anesthesia is not necessary.
Are there any downsides to liposuction?
While the treatment process may be limited to very small, hidden scars, liposuction is still considered plastic surgery; patients must be healthy enough to undergo surgery to be a candidate for treatment. Likewise, there is a certain amount of recovery time patients should expect post-procedure.
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 is that important first step in the treatment process. By discussing your concerns and goals, our team can assess whether CoolSculpting or liposuction is the best procedure for you.
Ready to get started? Call Dr. Diehl at [wp5default_option var=”phone” type=”link” text=”” link_type=”phone”] today and schedule your consultation at Diehl Plastic Surgery today! We look forward to helping you achieve your best body.
