Excess body fat can cause plenty of frustration, especially when it does not respond to diet and exercise. You might be considering a cosmetic procedure to put the final touches on your body’s natural contour, but with the options available, it can be difficult to decide which method of treatment is right for you.
Two of the most popular procedures that address unwanted body fat are liposuction and CoolSculpting, and although they were both designed with the same aesthetic goal in mind, their application and outcome differs.
To help you sort through your options, the Maas ClinicTM has compiled a list comparing CoolSculpting and Liposuction in hopes that you choose the procedure that aligns with your expectations the most.
Procedural Details
The biggest difference between liposuction and CoolSculpting is the way they are performed, which makes each solution ideal for two different patient-types. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves the insertion of a tube that suctions fat out of the body. CoolSculpting, on the other hand, is a nonsurgical procedure that uses Cryolipolysis to freeze away fat cells externally.
Liposuction will work well for those who are comfortable receiving surgery and who are healthy enough to be placed under anesthesia. Patients who desire a less invasive technique or who cannot be rendered unconscious will benefit more from CoolSculpting.
Number of Treatment Sessions
Liposuction is known to provide immediate enhancement to your body contour and will only involve one procedure in order to create the results you’re looking for. CoolSculpting usually takes between 3-4 treatment sessions to produce optimal results and will take several weeks for the fat to metabolize.
The method you choose will depend somewhat on where and how often you’d like to receive treatment. Whereas liposuction will have to take place in a surgical facility, CoolSculpting can generally be performed in your physician’s office.
The Downtime
CoolSculpting is an excellent option for those who don’t want any downtime after their procedure. Because it is nonsurgical, CoolSculpting allows patients to return to their daily routine immediately after treatment.
Liposuction will involve several weeks of downtime, as the surgery is known to create swelling and bruising as a side effect. You will need to refrain from strenuous activity for the first 1-2 weeks after receiving liposuction.
Overall Effectiveness
Both procedures are effective when eliminating excess body fat, but the treatment you choose will ultimately depend on how much fat you expect to be removed from your body. Liposuction is capable of removing more fat than CoolSculpting and will therefore provide more dramatic results.
If, however, you don’t desire a dramatic improvement or you have smaller fatty deposits, then CoolSculpting will create a more subtle enhancement to your physique. Cryolipolysis is able to eliminate up to 25% of localized body fat in patients, making it ideal for those who want results that are more slight.
The best way to determine which procedure is right for you is to schedule a consultation with your physician. With a physical examination and a discussion about your cosmetic goals, your doctor can help you choose the technique that will make you feel the most satisfied.
If you would like more information about liposuction or CoolSculpting, or to find out whether either treatment option is right for you, contact the Maas ClinicTM at (415) 567-7000 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Maas.
