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Cosmetic Surgery

Comparing Liposuction and CoolSculpting®

Mar 16 • 3 minute read

Exercising regularly and eating right are essential to help you achieve your desired body goals. However, sometimes these efforts may not be enough. You may have challenges dealing with trouble spots such as the waist, thigh, and stomachs. Liposuction or CoolSculpting are popular treatments to help you attain a tighter and well-toned appearance. Although these procedures can deliver excellent results for fat reduction, they are not the same. Choosing between these two cosmetic procedures will depend on your body’s specific needs and personal goals. Here is everything you need to know about liposuction and CoolSculpting.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical technique that targets and eliminates stubborn fat deposits from a variety of body areas. Liposuction provides patients a safe, efficient, and effective means of contouring the body and eliminating fat. Some more advanced liposuction technologies also include tumescent and laser-assistance techniques. Patients can achieve profound results quickly with liposuction, but recovery time is necessary.

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a relatively new treatment for fat reduction that attains results without any downtime or surgery. CoolSculpting uses advanced cryolipolysis technology that is FDA-approved to attain non-invasive fat reduction on body parts such as the flanks, stomach, and thighs.

How Does Liposuction Work?

Liposuction eliminates fat deposits from the body that are resistant to exercise and diet. This is done by making a series of small incisions along the treatment sites using a scalpel. The plastic surgeon then uses a cannula, a long narrow tool to loosen fat cells, and a vacuum is joined to the cannula to suck dislodged fat cells from the body. Patients commonly utilize liposuction to remove fat from the following areas:

  • Back and Stomach
  • Face and neck
  • Upper arms and chest
  • Hips, buttocks, and thighs

Liposuction can augment other cosmetic procedures, such as a tummy tuck or mommy makeover, for better results.

Liposuction Results and Recovery

Liposuction can offer patients dramatic results. However, the results may not be entirely noticeable until one to three months after the procedure. You need adequate rest during recovery to reduce post-surgery swelling. In addition, you should avoid any intense activities for four to six weeks after the surgery and follow the recommended recovery guidelines to guarantee proper healing.

How Does CoolSculpting Work?

CoolSculpting does not need anesthesia or incisions. The treatment utilizes cryolipolysis, a scientifically proven technique to freeze away fat cells. The body naturally eliminates the dead, frozen fat cells. CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved treatment for eliminating fats on specific body parts, including:

  • Abdomen and flanks
  • Under the chin
  • Upper arms and back
  • Outer and inner thighs
  • The area below your buttocks

For quicker results, multiple applicators are used to treat two or more body areas at once. To attain your desired aesthetic, you will likely undergo several CoolSculpting sessions. During your initial consultation, your cosmetic doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan that caters to your unique needs.

CoolSculpting Results and Recovery

Each CoolSculpting session can be completed in 35 minutes or less. You can return to work and continue with your normal activities immediately after your CoolSculpting appointment. CoolSculpting has minor side effects, which may include redness or mild swelling in the treated areas.

Most patients will see results about three weeks after their final CoolSculpting treatment. The results will continue improving for at least two months after the procedure as the body continuously eliminates fat cells. Patients may still see minor reductions for up to six months.

Who is a Good Candidate for Liposuction and CoolSculpting?

To qualify for liposuction, you must be in good physical health, have minimal skin laxity, and have localized fat deposits. Pregnant women and people with blood clotting disorders or heart problems should avoid liposuction as it can cause serious medical complications. In addition, patients should have realistic expectations about this fat reduction procedure.

The best candidate for CoolSculpting should also be in good physical health and show localized fat deposits. In addition, patients should expect mild to moderate improvements with this procedure since it was not designed for weight loss.

The choice between Liposuction and CoolSculpting will largely depend on your goals and priorities. If you have a strong aversion to surgery and can expect less dramatic fat loss with no downtime, then CoolSculpting is a perfect option. However, if you desire to eliminate as much fat as possible within a single procedure and achieve quicker results, then liposuction is ideal.

Conclusion

Liposuction and CoolSculpting are not weight loss procedures but are designed to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat to help you feel and look your best. Discussing these procedures with a seasoned medical aesthetician who understands your body type and personal history is an excellent way of ensuring you make an informed decision that caters to your body’s needs and desired results.

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Newport Beach & Long Beach Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Ghada Afifi is dedicated to excellence in plastic surgery such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and botox treatments. Please come visit Newport Beach & Long Beach Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Ghada Afifi.

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