Liposuction vs. Fat Freezing (CoolSculpting®)

CoolSculpting® in Glastonbury, CTLiposuction is one of the oldest and simplest procedures for removing stubborn, unwanted fat. And for many years, it was the best way to enhance the contours of the body when diet and exercise just couldn’t do the trick. Today, however, there are many other fat reduction techniques available. Treatments like CoolSculpting® are changing the cosmetic industry by offering fat reduction treatments that don’t require surgery. If you are considering a fat reduction procedure, lets take a closer look at these options so you can determine the treatment that is right for you.

The Treatment

The first difference between liposuction and CoolSculpting® is the treatment approach. Liposuction is a surgical technique done as an outpatient procedure under anesthesia which involves making small incisions in the skin. Through these incisions, a metal tube, called a cannula, is inserted. Targeted body fat will then be vacuumed out through this tube, creating the desired results. CoolSculpting®, on the other hand, is a fat freezing treatment done in the office. The CoolSculpting® device freezes fat cells from the skin’s surface, killing them instantly. After treatment, the body will gradually flush these destroyed fat cells from the system, producing a slimming effect in the treatment area. While liposuction is surgical and CoolSculpting® is non-surgical, both treatments are equally safe when performed by a medical professional.

The Results

With liposuction, the results are visible almost immediately. This is because the fat is removed from the body during the treatment process. You will have some bruising and swelling which will greatly improve over 4 – 6 weeks after surgery.  With CoolSculpting®, the results may not be visible right away. It can take several weeks for the body to fully eliminate the treated fat cells from the system. Furthermore, with CoolSculpting®, it may take multiple treatment sessions to deliver optimal results. With liposuction, you can effectively target and remove all desired fat in a single procedure.

The Recovery

As a surgical procedure, liposuction does require significantly more downtime than CoolSculpting®. Liposuction can cause swelling, bruising, discomfort and related side effects in the treatment area. These symptoms typically only last a few weeks, but they will require you to take time away from work and other activities. With CoolSculpting®, patients are able to return to their usual activities immediately following treatment. While there are some minor side effects such as redness or numbness in the skin, you won’t need to take time off of work or even exercise.

The Cost

Since CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical technique, it typically has a lower treatment cost than liposuction procedures. However, you need to keep in mind that the cost will vary depending on how many treatments it takes to deliver your desired results. To discuss the cost of your treatment or further discuss either of these effective treatment options, contact us today at Harold E. Beam Plastic Surgery. We’ll help you narrow down your treatment options and achieve the figure you’ve been dreaming of.