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Which Is Better For You: Liposuction or Coolsculpting?

By: Oklahoma Plastic Surgeons

A healthy diet and adequate physical activity can help anyone maintain their ideal physique. But there are times when people cannot achieve those results even with rigorous physical training, a strict diet, and a balanced routine that could maintain their weight.

For achieving a slim and toned physique, these are the ideal methods to follow. However, when they fail; people tend to choose alternatives to get a quicker result. For individuals who find it difficult to achieve their aesthetic goals, a set of surgical and non-surgical procedures might aid in providing those results. 

There are several options available when it comes to body contouring. However, the two most popular options that come to mind when choosing methods of body contouring surgery include Liposuction and CoolSculpting. Each approach offers distinct advantages and its own set of factors to consider, making it crucial to understand their difference before making a decision.

Although both procedures effectively target excess fat and enhance body shape, they are fundamentally different in approach and outcomes. We will delve into the intricacies of Coolsculpting versus liposuction so that you can make an informed decision for yourself. 

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure aimed at removing excess fat from specific areas of the body to enhance contour and shape. During the procedure, small incisions are made in the skin through which a thin tube called a cannula is inserted. This cannula is then used to suction out unwanted fat deposits, allowing for targeted sculpting of areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, and neck.

There are several techniques available for Liposuction, including tumescent Liposuction, which involves injecting a saline solution to minimize bleeding and swelling, and laser-assisted Liposuction, which uses lasers to break down fat cells for easier removal.

Patients often see immediate results after the procedure, although the outcome can take several weeks to fully materialize as any swelling subsides.

What is the recovery time? 

Recovery time varies from person to person; patients may experience bruising, swelling, and discomfort, requiring a period of downtime before resuming normal activities. Liposuction is typically best suited for individuals who are near their ideal weight but struggle with localized fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. When performed by a qualified surgeon, Liposuction can significantly enhance body contours and boost self-confidence. 

What is CoolSculpting? 

CoolSculpting, also known as cryolipolysis, is a non-invasive body contouring procedure designed to target and reduce stubborn fat in specific areas. The treatment involves applying a specialized device that cools targeted fat cells to a temperature that causes them to crystallize and die, all while leaving surrounding tissues unharmed.

Over time, the body naturally processes and eliminates these dead fat cells, resulting in a gradual reduction of fat in the treated areas. One of the key advantages of CoolSculpting is that it is non-invasive; there are no incisions, anesthesia, or recovery time required, allowing patients to return to their daily activities immediately.

Commonly treated areas include the abdomen, flanks (love handles), thighs, back, arms, and under the chin. Each session typically lasts about one hour per area, and multiple sessions may be recommended for optimal results. Patients can expect to see gradual improvements over several weeks to months as their body metabolizes the frozen fat cells, leading to a natural-looking reduction in fat.

CoolSculpting is best suited for individuals who are close to their ideal weight but have localized pockets of fat resistant to diet and exercise.

What is the recovery time?

Recovery from CoolSculpting is generally quick and straightforward, making it a popular choice for those seeking body contouring without significant downtime. Since the procedure is non-invasive, patients can typically return to their normal activities immediately after treatment.

Liposuction vs CoolSculpting: Key Benefits

Benefits of Liposuction

  1. One of the most significant benefits of Liposuction is immediate results. Unlike non-invasive procedures, Liposuction removes the fat during the surgery offering instant results to the patient. Patients can also see a notable change after the body contouring procedure is performed.
  1. Liposuction allows individuals to get rid of large chunks of fat or target substantial fat loss in specific areas. As compared to non-invasive procedures; it allows more fat disposal which further provides drastic transformation for the patients who undergo the surgical procedure.
  1. Liposuction encompasses various techniques, including tumescent Liposuction, laser-assisted Liposuction, and ultrasound-assisted Liposuction. Each method has its benefits, and the choice can be tailored to the patient’s specific needs and preferences. For instance, tumescent Liposuction involves injecting a saline solution to minimize bleeding and discomfort, while laser-assisted techniques can help liquefy fat cells for easier removal. This versatility further allows surgeons to customize the surgery according to the patient’s needs.
  1. Liposuction does not only get rid of excess fat but it also helps in tightening the skin. So, patients will not have to suffer or deal with loose skin after the procedure is performed.

Benefits of CoolSculpting 

  1. CoolSculpting stands out because it is a non-invasive procedure which means that the patient does not have to undergo any incisions nor does it require any needles or anesthesia. The procedure involves targeting underlying fat cells and it is often described as a gentle massage or cooling sensation.
  1. The most prominent upside of this procedure is also that it requires minimal downtime; less recovery time after the procedure is completed. Patients can typically resume their normal activities immediately, whether it is going back to work, exercising, or engaging in social events.
  1. CoolSculpting targets specific areas of the body where fat removal is required. It is considered rather effective for targeting smaller, localized, pockets of fat such as those around the thighs, love handles, arms, abdomen, and under the chin.
  1. The most appealing benefit of this procedure is that it provides natural results. Instead of a drastic change, patients experience a gradual fat reduction as their body naturally eliminates the fat cells. 

Liposuction vs CoolSculpting: When to Choose?

You should consider choosing CoolSculpting if you prefer a non-invasive approach that doesn’t involve surgery. This option allows you to target specific areas of stubborn fat with minimal downtime, enabling you to resume your daily activities immediately after the treatment. It is particularly suitable for individuals who lead a healthy lifestyle and are close to their ideal weight but struggle with localized fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.

You should choose Liposuction if you need to remove larger volumes of fat from specific areas for a more significant transformation. This procedure offers immediate results, as the fat removal is instant and visible right after the surgery. Additionally, it is suitable for those who are willing to undergo a surgical procedure and are prepared for the necessary recovery time to achieve more dramatic body contouring results.

Conclusion 

After keeping all the above points in view, a candidate can make an informed decision regarding which procedure would be more appropriate for them. However, patients will also find that the surgeons and medical consultants at Oklahoma Plastic Surgeons will provide them with the most comprehensive advice regarding which procedure would be best for them, making further customizations according to the patient’s needs where they feel necessary.

We offer both procedures to potential candidates who wish to undergo the procedure. You can visit our website and learn more about our other procedures or you can also contact us and book your consultation now.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.