Understanding the Differences Between CoolSculpting® Vs Traditional Liposuction  

In the fight against stubborn, unwanted fat, two main cosmetic options are available to people: CoolSculpting® and traditional surgical liposuction. Both are proven techniques that help people sculpt and shape their bodies in ways they simply could not on their own. So, CoolSculpting vs Liposuction, what are the differences between them and and which one is the best and safest option for you? Let’s take a look.

Exploring the Non-Invasive Approach of CoolSculpting®

CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical, noninvasive approach to ridding the body of unwanted fat cells through a process called cryolipolysis, literally “fat freezing.” Using a precise method of controlled cooling, practitioners can help patients target mild to moderate amounts of unwanted fat, eliminating the cells by killing them through the freezing process. Then, as the body heals and expels the dead fat cells, a new, more sculpted appearance takes shape.

Procedure and Technique

The CoolSculpting® process is unique and beneficial because it is completely noninvasive. Trained practitioners use a special wand or applicator, available in a variety of sizes, to precisely target areas of the body that have built up deposits of unwanted fat cells that are not reducing, even with the help of diet and exercise.

During the CoolSculpting® procedure, your practitioner will precisely aim and secure the applicator on the specific area of the body that you want to treat. This may include the abdomen, under the chin (submental area), upper arms, back, hips, and buttocks. On average, a CoolSculpting® procedure takes about 35 minutes and is nearly painless. You can even stream and watch a television show while you undergo treatment.

Recovery and Downtime

The recovery and downtime following CoolSculpting® is very minimal, and you can immediately resume regular activity following your session. The most common side effect, for example, is mild bruising and redness to the areas where the applicator was attached. The full effects of each session are visible within a few weeks. Because it works with your body to eliminate fat cells, you won’t know the full effects of your CoolSculpting® until those few weeks pass. Depending on your goals, you may need to have more than one CoolSculpting® session to achieve your desired results.

Traditional Liposuction

Traditional liposuction is a much more intense cosmetic procedure that is fully surgical, involving minimally invasive cannulas. Most patients who choose liposuction do so because they need to eliminate large amounts of fat. Also, traditional liposuction is done in one surgery while CoolSculpting can require multiple sessions.

Procedure and Technique

Liposuction is a surgery that will involve either a local anesthetic (e.g., lidocaine), sedation, or general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia takes effect, your surgeon will create a small incision near the area(s) where they will remove the fat. Using a long, narrow surgical tool called a cannula, they will loosen and remove the fat from the body. Once complete, they will suture the incisions and apply dressings.

Recovery and Downtime

Liposuction is a surgery, which means there will be a recovery period. Furthermore, while most practitioners perform liposuction as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to go home afterward, if you experience any complications from the anesthesia or the procedure itself or if you have an especially large amount of fat removed, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.

For most patients, recovery from liposuction only takes a few days, but they will need to wait two to four weeks before engaging in any strenuous activities. Additionally, the areas where you had liposuction will be swollen as your body recovers. For this reason, the final results may take up to several months before they are visible.

Comparing Effectiveness

Both CoolSculpting® and liposuction remain common and popular options for ridding the body of excess fat that patients cannot manage through diet and exercise alone, and both are effective. Neither procedure is intended as a substitute for weight loss but instead serves as a cosmetic body sculpting procedure that complements a healthy, active lifestyle.

In the end, most practitioners agree that other than for people who need to remove very large amounts of excess fat, the results of CoolSculpting® and liposuction are largely the same in areas such as the belly, thighs, arms, and chin.

CoolSculpting® versus Liposuction: Which One Is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing between CoolSculpting® versus liposuction, like any cosmetic procedure, the answer is highly personal and best determined through consultation with a professional who understands the benefits and drawbacks of each procedure.

However, because of its noninvasive nature and minimal downtime, CoolSculpting® has become increasingly popular for people who want to rid themselves of stubborn, unwanted fat. Of course, in some cases, such as people with certain blood disorders like cryoglobulinemia, CoolSculpting® is not an option. For those people, liposuction remains a viable alternative.

Consult the Experts at The Rejuva Center

Choosing to undergo any cosmetic procedure can be stressful, which is why it is important to have a trusted expert to help you analyze and understand all your options. At The Rejuva Center at Williams in Albany, NY, our CoolSculpting® practitioners were all trained at CoolSculpting® University at the Allergan Training Center. Their specialized knowledge of the procedure, along with our access to breast and body specialists through our affiliation with The Williams Center means that booking a consultation with our staff is the best way to evaluate if CoolSculpting® versus liposuction is best for your body and your goals. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation.