How to Choose Between Liposuction and CoolSculpting®

Liposuction vs. CoolSculpting®

You’ve been struggling with your weight for years and you’ve finally had it. You’re ready to venture outside of the gym and the kitchen to get the body you want. However, what is the best solution? Spanx, tunics, and jackets will only get you so far. Years ago, the only option would have been liposuction. Today, however, there are far less invasive options, such as CoolSculpting®.  The question is: which is right for you?  The reality is that both are effective; however, one is typically more appropriate than the other.  To better understand which procedure is right for you, you should first understand how each one works.

How does Liposuction work?

Liposuction, as you’re likely well aware, is a surgical procedure. Tiny incisions are made in the skin that allow the surgeon to insert small tubes for suctioning out fat. The surgeon moves the tubes around under the skin, targeting specific fat deposits and contouring.  Liposuction can be extremely successful, and for that reason is still one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States today.  However, it’s not without its risks.  Some of the risks include anesthesia risks, bruising, damage to nerves, muscles, and abdominal organs, infection, and irregular contours or asymmetries, just to name a few.

How does CoolSculpting® work?

CoolSculpting® is a noninvasive treatment that uses controlled cooling to freeze fat cells. Suction is used to pull the offending bulges between two cooling panels. After an hour the device is removed and the area is massaged to break up even more fat cells. The most incredible part is that the targeted cooling freezes the fat cells without damaging the surrounding skin, muscles or nerves.

What are the advantages of liposuction compared to CoolSculpting®?

 
• More aggressive with immediate results
 
• Better contouring
 
• The possibility of simultaneous surgical procedures

On the other hand, CoolSculpting® has many advantages over liposuction as well.

 
• It’s noninvasive and doesn’t require surgery or downtime.
 
• Patients can immediately resume their normal daily activities, including work and exercise.
 
• It’s far safer than liposuction. Patients can rest comfortably and read or work on a laptop during the procedure.
 
• It’s convenient. Since the procedures last anywhere from an hour to a few hours, treatment can easily be performed over a lunch hour or during a small portion of the day without requiring patients to schedule an entire day for surgery followed by weeks of recovery. (Liposuction typically requires a few days off work and a few weeks before normal activities can resume.)
 
• It’s far more affordable than liposuction, which is a major surgical procedure. See this article with real reviews and photos on the procedure here.

While the results from CoolSculpting® aren’t immediate as they are with liposuction, patients can expect to see a reduction in fat in as soon as three weeks after treatment.

Who is an ideal candidate for each?

CoolSculpting® was designed as a fat removal treatment, not necessarily a weight reduction program for people who are overweight. The best candidates are those who are already near their ideal body weight and who maintain a healthy diet and exercise program, but who have stubborn pockets of fat that refuse to respond to diet and exercise. Problems like “love handles” or a belly bulge that can be pinched are typically ideal for treatment with CoolSculpting®.  Again, CoolSculpting® is not intended to treat weight loss or obesity. If you are overweight and trying to treat weight loss, liposuction may be a better course of action.  However, the only way to REALLY know what your options are is to speak with a physician directly. Go here for more FAQ's onCoolSculpting®. We are happy to meet with you and answer all your questions and concerns.