In the quest for a sculpted, leaner body, the world of cosmetic procedures offers many options, each with its unique approach and benefits. Among the most popular and talked-about methods for fat reduction are Liposuction and CoolSculpting. These two procedures, while aiming towards similar goals of fat removal and body contouring, employ distinctly different techniques and cater to diverse needs and preferences.
Liposuction, a well-known surgical procedure, has been a go-to solution for many seeking significant and immediate fat reduction results. On the other hand, CoolSculpting represents the new age of non-invasive body sculpting, offering a no-downtime solution to fat loss. Each method has its own set of advantages, considerations, and suitability criteria.
At Associates in Plastic Surgery, we offer both Liposuction and CoolSculpting Elite to our patients throughout New Jersey, including Edison, Marlboro, Warren, and West Orange. Whether you are taking the first steps towards your body transformation journey or are looking to make an informed switch between procedures, this blog will serve as your essential guide in comparing Liposuction and CoolSculpting.
Contents
At a glance: coolsculpting vs liposuction
| CoolSculpting | Liposuction | |
|---|---|---|
| How it Works | Freezes fat cells, which are eventually metabolized and eliminated from the body. | Suctions away fat cells. |
| Level of Invasiveness | Non-invasive, in-office procedure. | Liposuction is a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia. |
| Recovery | No downtime or recovery period. | Longer recovery: most patients return to light activity within 1-3 days. |
| Results | CoolSculpting results are more subtle: freeze away up to 25% of fat cells in a targeted area. | Liposuction offers more dramatic results: remove up to 8 liters of body fat. |
| How Quickly Results are Seen | Results are gradual and are first seen within a few weeks, with continued improvement over the next 6 months. | Immediate improvement, with continuing improvement over the next year. |
| Cost | $2,000 to $4,000 | $2,000 to $3,600 |
| Number of Treatments Needed | 3 treatments on average | A single treatment |
| Risks and Side Effects | Minimal, short-term risks | Higher risk profile |
| Candidacy | Best for patients with smaller localized fat deposits who desire mild to moderate fat reduction and do not have certain conditions affected by cold. | Liposuction patients should be at or near their goal weight, have good skin elasticity, and be healthy enough to undergo surgery. |
The details on coolsculpting
The coolsculpting procedure
CoolSculpting works through cryolipolysis, or freezing fat cells. During treatment, the provider places a special clamp on the treatment area, which cools the fat to freezing. Over the course of the next few weeks after CoolSculpting treatment, the body filters the dead, frozen fat cells through the liver and they are eliminated from the body. The CoolSculpting procedure takes less than 1 hour, and patients typically undergo 3 or more sessions before achieving desired results.
Coolsculpting recovery
No downtime is needed after CoolSculpting treatment.
Coolsculpting results
Fat cells frozen during CoolSculpting treatment die over the course of weeks to months, so patients won’t see immediate results. Instead, it will look like their fat is gradually melting away, with the most dramatic results noticeable after a couple of months.
CoolSculpting is good for patients who can “pinch an inch,” or who only desire mild to moderate fat reduction in specific areas. We are pleased to offer the latest addition to the CoolSculpting system, CoolSculpting Elite. This advanced CoolSculpting offering features additional applicators, including dual applicators that allow us to treat a larger area.
The details on liposuction
The liposuction procedure
Liposuction is a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia (either general anesthesia or local anesthesia). During the liposuction procedure, a series of small incisions are made, then a surgical tube called a cannula is inserted to loosen and break up fat then suction it out of the body. The incisions are closed, and a compression garment is placed on the patient. On average, Liposuction takes between 3 to 4 hours, but only one surgery is required to achieve desired results.
Liposuction recovery
Patients can expect to experience bruising, discomfort, and swelling after Liposuction. Most patients are able to resume some activities within 1 to 3 days, but will need to wait longer for exercise and more strenuous activities.
Liposuction results
Patients notice near-immediate results after liposuction. Fat loss will continue to be more noticeable as swelling subsides over the next weeks and months.
When compared to CoolSculpting, Liposuction promises more dramatic results, and Liposuction can treat more areas of the body than CoolSculpting.
The takeaway
CoolSculpting and Liposuction are both effective fat reduction treatments, each offering distinct benefits and downsides. CoolSculpting is great for patients looking to trim away a little fat from a targeted area but don’t want an invasive procedure and downtime and are ok with waiting to see results. Liposuction is a surgical procedure, so it is more invasive and requires a longer recovery period. However, Liposuction removes much more fat than CoolSculpting and can treat a greater range of areas of the body. Patients also see the results of Liposuction more quickly.
Which is right for you?
Reading about the differences between CoolSculpting and Liposuction is a great way to start, but it’s no replacement for personalized information from a provider you trust. To learn more about CoolSculpting and Liposuction and which may be best for your goals and lifestyle, contact us to schedule a consultation at one of our New Jersey locations, in Edison, Marlboro, Warren or West Orange.