CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction: Which Fat Loss Procedure is Right for You?

With so many different fat loss procedures available, it can be tough to narrow your decision down to the one that’s right for you. Some people may not be aware that CoolSculpting and liposuction are different procedures, and could end up picking the wrong one. Meeting with a qualified body contouring expert like Dr. Widenhouse at Port City Plastic Surgery is the best way to learn more about which procedure is ideal for you. So, how do you choose between liposuction vs. CoolSculpting? Here’s what to know.

Benefits

Both CoolSculpting and liposuction have different benefits. Both of these procedures offer solutions for fat loss in areas that no amount of diet and exercise can overcome. To determine which procedure you’re interested in, the benefits of each should be looked at closely.

One of the largest benefits of CoolSculpting, for example, is that it is non-invasive. The procedure leaves you with no scars, and is done without the use of needles, incisions, or suction. This process only targets unwanted fat cells in your body, leaving all of your skin perfectly healthy. There is no downtime after the procedure, and any pain caused will subdue within a couple days. Additionally, this treatment continues to work over the following months as the body naturally sheds dead fat cells.

Liposuction, on the other hand, is a flexible treatment option with immediate effects and similarly long-lasting results – and only one liposuction procedure is required, unlike CoolSculpting (which requires multiple treatment sessions). Liposuction can be used to safely target nearly every area of the body that has excess fat. Although liposuction is a surgical procedure, it can provide more effective and reliable fat reduction than CoolSculpting. A liposuction procedure requires downtime and recovery, but the results are very long-lasting. After this surgical procedure, you’ll see a permanent reduction in fat cells and noticeable body fat.

Candidacy

Depending on the challenges you face and your goals for the procedure, you may need to choose one over the other. If you can grab a handful of fat, liposuction may be the treatment for you, as it is an effective way to target these areas. However, if you can only pinch an inch or so of fat and the skin is tight, CoolSculpting or other alternatives may be the best option. However, certain types of liposuction procedures can also target fat in small areas requiring more detailed contouring, and CoolSculpting can be effective in areas of plentiful fatty tissue. Ultimately, a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you make the right decision. If you are in good health and maintain a healthy weight, liposuction is an excellent process that can successfully target isolated areas of fat where CoolSculpting may not be applicable.

Risks

Each option comes with benefits, but they also come with unique risks. Liposuction is an invasive procedure, meaning it may require general anesthesia depending on how extensive the surgery plan is. This means you may be at risk of complications from anesthesia. Liposuction can also carry a risk of bleeding, infection, and scarring.

CoolSculpting comes with fewer risks and is much safer for patients who have health concerns that disqualify them for surgery. Still, it comes with a risk of numbness, bruising, and unsatisfactory results. Fat freezing can be much less risky, but if you have loose skin or can’t uphold your treatment plan, you may not get your desired results.

Liposuction in Charleston, SC

If you are interested in either of these fat loss procedures, or would like more information so that you may choose the procedure that’s right for you, contact Dr. Widenhouse at Port City Plastic Surgery. During a consultation, you can learn more about whether CoolSculpting treatment or liposuction surgery is best for you.