WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COOLSCULPTING AND LIPOSUCTION?
CoolSculpting and liposuction are two very different approaches to the same problem: the elimination of stubborn, unwanted body fat that has proven resistant to modification through diet and exercise.
Neither CoolSculpting nor liposuction are intended as weight loss tools; both procedures are appropriate only for individuals who are near or at their ideal weight and already maintain a healthy diet and exercise regime.
And both CoolSculpting and liposuction can give you the same results: a slimmer, shapelier figure free of unsightly bulges and love handles.
The techniques employed by the two procedures to achieve those shaping, toning results are completely different, however. Liposuction is an invasive surgical procedure in which the fatty tissue is manually removed from the body through an incision in the skin.
It requires the use of general anesthesia and requires an extended post-procedural recovery period. CoolSculpting, on the other hand, is a non-invasive procedure that does not involve any incisions or sedation.
Instead, the unwanted fatty tissue is frozen and gradually, naturally reabsorbed by the body. It is safe and comfortable, and patients can return to their normal activities immediately.
Although liposuction may produce more rapid and dramatic fat-loss results than CoolSculpting, before choosing to undergo liposuction patients must take into consideration the potential risks associated with the surgery, and must have the time in their schedule to accommodate the necessary post-surgical downtime.
There are advantages to both CoolSculpting and liposuction procedures, and it can be difficult to discern which option is better suited for your needs, budget, and desired outcome. Doctors will help you understand the similarities and differences between the two procedures, and work with you to determine if liposuction or CoolSculpting is the right choice for you.
An experienced plastic surgeon provides a comprehensive assessment of your aesthetic goals and your medical background, in order to help you make an informed, educated decision about whether CoolSculpting is the best choice to produce your optimal fat-loss results .
CoolSculpting vs LiposuctionCOOLSCULPTING VS LIPOSUCTION: KEY PROCEDURAL DIFFERENCES
Liposuction is a traditional fat reduction technique that has been employed by plastic surgeons for many years. During a liposuction procedure, the surgeon makes one or more very small incisions in the skin near the target area and inserts a cannula (a narrow, hollow tube).
The targeted fat cells are disrupted, usually with a vibrating tip at the end of the cannula, and then sucked out through the cannula. The procedure must be completed under anesthesia, and most patients will experience at least mild side effects such as swelling and bruising that may require pain medication and antibiotics.
Recovery time for a typical liposuction procedure is 7-10 days. Although liposuction is a very popular, safe cosmetic procedure, as with all surgery it is associated with potential complications and major side effects.
CoolSculpting is a safe, effective, non-invasive procedure that literally freezes away unwanted fat. During a CoolSculpting session, the targeted fat cells are drawn up between two panels and an applicator delivers focused cooling to freeze the cells.
Over the next three to four weeks, the unwanted fat cells die and are naturally and painlessly reabsorbed by the body. The procedure does not involve any incisions and does not require the use of anesthesia or sedation.
The procedure usually takes about an hour, and because there is no post-procedural downtime, patients can return to work or other activities immediately. The procedure does not involve any collateral damage to surrounding tissue, and does not carry the risks inherent in surgical techniques.
CoolSculpting is safe and FDA-approved, and is an excellent alternative for individuals who want to eliminate stubborn fatty deposits without the risks and downtime of an invasive surgical procedure.