CoolSculpting® vs Liposuction

CoolSculpting® and liposuction are two cosmetic procedures that target fat to enhance the contours of your body. Understanding the key differences between the two approaches help you choose the one that is best for your aesthetic goals.

CoolSculpting® and Liposuction Remove Fat Cells

Both CoolSculpting® and liposuction remove fat cells from the body to create a more toned appearance. This is a distinct difference between these procedures and what you can achieve with diet and exercise. When you try to reduce fat with a healthier lifestyle, you are shrinking fat cells. The cells are not eliminated. As a result, those cells may enlarge if you take in more calories than you expend with daily activities and exercise. CoolSculpting® and liposuction permanently remove fat cells from the treatment area.

CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction Procedure

CoolSculpting® is a non-invasive treatment, and liposuction is a surgical procedure. CoolSculpting® requires no incisions. The fat is treated from outside your body with a special freezing technology. Liposuction requires incisions through which a thin tube is inserted to loosen and suction out fat cells.

Anesthesia Requirements for CoolSculpting® vs. Liposuction

CoolSculpting® is a comfortable, non-surgical treatment that doesn’t require any type of anesthesia, including topical, local, and general anesthesia. The treatment is not painful. You only feel a slight pull on your skin, followed by the colling effects of the technology. Liposuction does require some type of anesthesia due to the use of incisions and the invasive nature of the procedure. Depending on the goals of the procedure, you may need topical, local, or general anesthesia.

Best Candidates for CoolSculpting® vs. Liposuction

Body contouring with CoolSculpting® and liposuction is not intended to be a weight loss solution, so you should be near your ideal weight and in good shape for both options. The amount of excess fat determines if CoolSculpting® or liposuction is best for you. CoolSculpting® is intended to target smaller pockets of stubborn fat; therefore, you will not achieve dramatic results from the treatments. If you have larger pockets of fat, Dr. Widenhouse may recommend liposuction.

Recovery from CoolSculpting® vs Liposuction

There is no recovery or downtime for CoolSculpting®. Your skin may have a slightly red appearance for the first 24 hours. As with any type of surgical procedure, liposuction does require some downtime and symptom management. Initial recovery is three to five days, but you may have some residual swelling and tenderness for a few weeks.

CoolSculpting® vs. Liposuction Results

You may need a series of CoolSculpting® treatments to destroy the fat cells, and final results take a few weeks. With liposuction, you only need one procedure to remove the fat. Full results can take several months because there may be some swelling in the tissues.

CoolSculpting® vs. Liposuction: Which One is Right for You?

If you are considering a fat reduction procedure to contour your body, contact us to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Widenhouse of Port City Plastic Surgery. We have offices in Charleston and Daniel Island, and Dr. Widenhouse is happy to discuss your body contouring options, including CoolSculpting® and liposuction.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]