CoolSculpting® vs. Liposuction: What Are They and Which One is Right for Me?
If it feels like even the strictest diet and exercise aren’t achieving the results you want, you’re not alone. Even after months or years of hard work, it’s normal to get frustrated with fat that doesn’t seem to go away. These pockets of fat can be stubborn for several reasons, including genetics or just the way that your body carries fat. What’s important to keep in mind is that you’ve got options. The cosmetic industry is more advanced than ever when it comes to reducing stubborn fat, so you can get the results you’ve been working toward with the treatment that works best for you. Here’s what to know about two of the best options on the market, CoolSculpting®, and liposuction.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting uses a process called cryolipolysis to freeze and destroy fat cells under the skin. It accomplishes this without damaging the skin or underlying tissues, meaning it doesn’t require any incisions or anesthetic. Instead, a specialized handpiece is applied to areas where you want fat reduction like the stomach, hips, thighs, arms, or chin. The cooling energy generated is maintained at exactly the right temperature to avoid damaging the skin but still affects the fat cells underneath. After each treatment, your body will begin to flush out the damaged fat cells through its natural pathways for long-term results. You can return to your regular schedule without downtime after treatment. The best results can require a package of treatments, usually spaced a few weeks apart. Each treatment package is customized to your unique goals, so you’ll discuss the right one for you during your consultation.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure that removes fat cells using a cannula and surgical vacuum. This has been the standard for fat reduction for many years because of its great, long-term results. It requires tiny incisions and is usually performed using a local anesthetic. It requires about one week of downtime with a few more weeks of reduced activity and aftercare steps like wearing a compression garment. You can expect to see your final results emerge over a few months as swelling subsides. The result is better contours and a more refined figure where your body tends to carry stubborn fat. The great part about liposuction is that it can be used virtually on any area of the body, meaning you can customize your surgery to your exact goals.
Which One is Right for Me?
There are a few different factors that will determine which option is best for you. The most important one is whether you’re willing and able to opt for surgery. If so, liposuction can produce excellent results with the right plastic surgeon. If not, then CoolSculpting can achieve effective fat reduction with a package of treatments.
Another thing to consider is the amount of fat you want to be removed and where it’s located. In most cases, liposuction is best for removing larger volumes of fat and achieving a more extensive transformation in your figure. If you’re considering a fat transfer to areas like the face or butt, then liposuction will be necessary. On the other hand, CoolSculpting can be a great way to put the finishing touches on smaller, localized areas where you have only pockets of fat.
Finally, it’s important to consider whether you can afford downtime after your procedure and whether you want to wait for your results or a more immediate transformation. Liposuction can achieve transformative results with a little bit of downtime while CoolSculpting can achieve a gradual transformation without the need for staying home. Each one comes with some benefits, so consider which factors are most important to you when deciding on your preferences.
Schedule a Consultation
CoolSculpting and liposuction are both excellent options for achieving your body goals. To meet with our team and discuss the best treatment plan for you, we invite you to contact Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa by calling our Houston, TX office at (713)766-4643 or filling out our online contact form.
