Coolsculpting vs Liposuction, Which is Better?

Coolsculpting and liposuction are two similar medical procedures that are designed to reduce body fat. So with both procedures producing the same effect, how do you decide with is better for you? Like a lot of things in cosmetic medicine, there is no straight answer as to which one is better; however, we can break down the differences between the two so that you're well informed moving forward.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction has been around since the 1980s and is a surgical procedure that is performed under anesthesia, with the goal of removing fat deposits around specific areas of the body (e.g, stomach, thighs, butt. etc.). There are different types of liposuction and each type uses a unique method to remove fat. For instance, Suction Assisted Lumpectomy (SAL), was the first technique used, and Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL) is quite common today.

Other types include Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL), Laser Assisted Liposuction (LAL), and Fluid Assisted Liposuction (FAL). All these procedures rely on specific technologies to break up fat deposits (laser, sound waves, vibration) and they all work effectively. To learn more about which procedure is right for you, consult with your doctor.

Liposuction can be done under sedation, local anesthesia, or general anesthesia, depending on the size of the area being treated or the amount of fat you need removed. Generally, the larger the area, the more sedation you need. The surgeon will need to make small incisions on your skin (less tha 1/4-inch), and there won't be much scarring afterwards. The recovery period can last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on how invasive the procedure was - but patients can usually resume light exercise within the first few days.

Coolsculpting

Coolsculpting is non-invasive and usually lasts an hour; also, patients don't need anesthesia. The procedure involves a disposable gel pad (which is placed over the treatment area) and a cooling head that activates suction when placed over the disposable gel. A machine is used to cool the liquid flowing into the head piece, and the fatty area is pulled into this head piece, therefore freezing the fat.

After an hour or so, the cooling head is removed and the frozen area is then massaged. There isn't much discomfort throughout the procedure mainly because the cooling effect numbs the treatment area. Results are visible in a few weeks.

Coolsculpting vs liposuction: which is better?

Liposuction is more aggressive and allows more fat to be removed in a single session. Since coolsculpting only removes a small amount of fat per session, patients usually need to take multiple sessions spread out over several weeks in order to see conclusive results. The good thing with coolsculpting is that patients don't need time to recover, so you can continue with your daily routine and still experience great results over time.

To recap, here are the main features for both procedures:

- Coolsculpting is non-invasive, and there's no recovery period.

-Liposuction is an invasive procedure, and every surgery carries a potential risk of complications.

- Patients will experience short term bruising from liposuction, but this should resolve in a few weeks.

- Full results from both procedures can be seen in 2-4 months.