A very common question that we’re asked is, “What’s better: CoolSculpting or liposuction?” The answer will depend on you and your personal aesthetic goals, but we can give you an overview of the differences between the two so that you can be better informed.
How invasive?
Liposuction is minimally invasive, meaning it’s not as aggressive as traditional open surgery, but there is some degree of incisions and healing. CoolSculpting is completely non-invasive, using only the applicators on the skin.
How is fat removed?
Liposuction removes fat by introducing a cannula into the body. The cannula will break up the fat and then suction it out of the body. In CoolSculpting, fat is removed using a process known as cryolipolysis (freezing fat). Extreme cold is introduced to pockets of stubborn fat on the body, which freezes the fat cells and causes them to die. Over the following weeks, these dead fat cells will be flushed out of the body through the lymphatic system.
How much fat can be removed?
When liposuction is chosen, excess fat over a larger area of the body can be achieved. Because liposuction is a more aggressive procedure, it delivers a more dramatic result than CoolSculpting, which has been designed to “spot-treat” smaller, localized areas of fat such as the love handles or outer thighs.
How many treatment sessions?
This answer will also depend on your specific case; however, in general, liposuction usually only requires one session, while CoolSculpting almost always requires multiple sessions. However, Dr. Macias now offers CoolSculpting Elite, which cuts treatment session time down substantially due to its dual applicators.
What is recovery like?
Liposuction patients can typically go back to work in one week, although a compression garment may need to be worn for up to two weeks. Exercise and intense activity should be avoided during those two weeks as well. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area are common during recovery.
Recovery from CoolSculpting will be easier than liposuction. Patients are usually able to go right back to regular activities, with perhaps some soreness, swelling, redness, tingling, bruising, or cramping in the treated areas for 1-3 days.
When will I see results?
Results from liposuction may not be apparent until the swelling and bruising have subsided and the skin has adjusted to your new contours. This full process can take several months, and results will appear gradually over that time. That said, a general reduction in fullness can usually be seen within days following liposuction.
CoolSculpting results also take some time to become visible. Although most patients notice slight improvement after a few weeks, complete results may take 3-4 months to develop due to how the fat freezing process works.
How long do the results last?
The answer for both liposuction and CoolSculpting is the same for this question. As long as you maintain a balanced diet and a regular exercise routine, your results will be permanent. However, if substantial weight is gained after either procedure, the results may be compromised.
Who is a candidate?
The best candidates for liposuction are individuals who want to remove an excess amount of weight from larger areas of the body. They should be in general good health and fairly elastic skin. They should have an overall healthy lifestyle so that results can be maintained.
Good CoolSculpting candidates are those who want to remove smaller pockets of localized fat. They should understand that this procedure will achieve mild to moderate improvement and understand that it’s not a weight-loss procedure; rather, it’s a body contouring procedure.
This article should give you some more insight on the differences between these two effective procedures, but if you’re still unsure, we welcome you to book a consultation with us to learn more. Dr. Macias now offers CoolSculpting Elite for even more efficient treatments.
