CoolSculpting is really designed for those who have smaller pockets of stubborn fat that they want to eliminate non-invasively.
CoolSculpting cannot remove fat to the same degree that you will see with liposuction, but it’s more cost effective, there’s no incision, garment, or downtime, so many of our patients who either don’t want surgery or don’t have a schedule that allows for downtime prefer this easy 1-2 hour procedure. (Jeffrey W. Hall, MD, Austin Plastic Surgeon)
Liposuction is more effective for a localized but significant abundance of fat than Zeltiq. Liposuction is also more practical when there are multiple areas to treat as Zeltiq’s CoolSculpting is designed for the lovehandles and abdomen currently, with other sites awaiting dedicated applicator manufacturing.
CoolSculpting can provide 20% fat volume reduction after four months, and liposuction more. Some patients do not have much fat to remove and Zeltiq might be more practical and safer for them.
If there is a moderate bulge to remove with liposuction but the patient is not interested in surgery or has a medical history to warrant avoiding surgery, then CoolSculpting may be practical and effective.
It eliminates the down time of liposuction. (Ronald Shelton, MD, Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon)
I have been impressed with how much fat reduction our patients can get after treatment with Cool Sculpting. In some cases it is very close to surgical results. (Robert Whitfield, MD, FACS, Austin Plastic Surgeon)
CoolSculpting and it’s effectiveness
Each CoolSculpting treatment generally results in a 20% reduction of fat, so more than one treatment may be required. It is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that is ideal for smaller areas of exercise resistant fat i.e. the abdomen area and love handles.
If a patient has very large amounts of fat and wants to undergo a single procedure, Liposuction is likely the best choice. There are advantages to CoolSculpting versus surgery and cost can certainly be one along with no downtime following the procedure.
I recommend a personal consultation with a board certified dermatologist to see if this treatment is right for you. (Lori Stetler, MD, Dallas Dermatologic Surgeon)
I personally do not do “CoolScuplt” but do laser lipo. In my office building I have a great derm who does the non invasive cold therapy. I refer patients to her who are in my opinion a good candidate.
To date the majority are not to happy. This is the costs vs results vs length of time to see improvement. In surgery the results occur faster and costs less. Best to evaluate with a few docs. (Darryl J. Blinski, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)
CoolSculpting can effectively reduce fat non surgically
It is best used for the lovehandles or muffin top/waist area, lower abdomen, upper abdomen and bra fat. It can also be used for the arms in some cases, and male breasts.
Typically patients see a reduction in fat of 15-25% after one treatment, and repeat treatments can be done in the same area after 8 weeks.
Liposuction can be used to reshape the abdomen, waist, outer and inner thighs, and typically removes approximately 80% of fat in the abdomen and waist area, leaving nicer contours.
However, there are a few days of downtime after a liposuction procedure.
With CoolSculpting you can go right back to your normal routine. (Carolyn Jacob, MD, Chicago Dermatologic Surgeon)
CoolSculpting vs liposuction
CoolSculpting DOES work. Most healthy people with areas of stubborn, unwanted fat can achieve wonderful results with CoolSculpting In my practice, we have incorporated two systems, in order to provide results in half the time as well as vibrational therapy and a compression garment for optimal results.
We believe this provides the best possible results for ideal candidates. But, not everyone is an ideal candidate for CoolSculpting.
For people with ore than very limited areas of excess fat, liposuction migth be a better option.
The only way to know for is to receive a consultation from a plastic surgery practice that offers both CoolSculpting and Liposuction. (Michael Law, MD, Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon)
Non-invasive vs. Invasive Fat Removal
This is very patient specific. If a patient needs multiple areas treated and wants a significant result, liposuction may be the answer. If a patient has areas such as flanks and/or bra strap fat and does not want to undergo surgery, CoolSculpting is perfect for that patient. (Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)
Personal decision
the patients who are good candidates for lipo would be good candidates for coolsculpting. that being said, some anatomic areas fit poorly in to the device and make treatment of these areas more difficult.
these are the lateral thighs, sometimes the upper arms and others. some areas like these are better treated by liposuction. (Eric Chang, MD, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)