Should you go with liposuction or CoolSculpting? Liposuction is tried and true with decades of development, but CoolSculpting technology has some advantaged of its own.
Since it was first developed over 30 years ago, liposuction has evolved staggeringly, to become one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. But liposuction is no longer the only options for the removal of unwanted fat. A new, non-invasive body contouring procedure has been developed to selectively destroy fat cells. Utilizing a controlled cooling system, cryolipolysis, or CoolSculpting, has become a popular alternate option to liposuction.
Liposuction
As liposuction has matured over the last several decades, many different techniques have been developed. In general, before the procedure begins you will be given anesthesia. The specifics of your anesthesia will depend on the degree of fat being removed, and the technique being used. It may be applied locally, or you may be put under general anesthesia. Unwanted fat is removed from the body using suction, and a small, stainless steel straw-like instrument called a cannula. The cannula is interested into fatty areas between the skin and muscle through a small incision. The length of the procedure will also depend on the chosen technique as well as the amount of fat to be removed. The result however, regardless of technique, is an improved body shape.
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting was created by Harvard scientists after watching children develop dimples in their cheeks while eating popsicles. The whole process works thanks to a strange quirk of human biology. As it turns out, the fat cells below your skin freeze and die at a higher temperature than all the surrounding tissues. The area is cooled to nearly 4 degrees Celsius. This is cold enough for the fat cells to crystallize, but still warm enough that the skin is unharmed. Over the course of several weeks following the procedure, these cells shrink, die, and are disposed of through your body’s own natural processes. As the cells die, you are left with fewer fat cells and a more sculpted body.
Benefits of Liposuction
While CoolSculpting is the up-and-coming technology, there are still a few benefits to choosing liposuction:
- More dramatic & complete removal of fat
The first benefit is that, simply put, liposuction is a much more aggressive and complete removal of unwanted fat. Liposuction, thanks to its various techniques, is extremely versatile when it comes to each individual patient’s needs. Whether you are looking to contour more of your body, or just a specific part, liposuction is a viable option. Liposuction is able to target areas of unwanted fat with extreme precision, locking onto both the specific location, as well as removing the desired volume. - Better contouring
This skill with the instruments has also led to an incredible level of contouring that CoolSculpting cannot reach. Because liposuction can remove higher volumes of fat than CoolSculpting, can target larger areas, and often only requires one operation, surgeons are able to use their experience to shape and contour your body in a much more significant way. - More immediate results
Which brings us to liposuction’s final advantage: faster and more significant results. When your liposuction procedure is complete, the fat is gone. It may take a couple of weeks for your body to fully recover, but the results are immediate. CoolSculpting, on the other hand, requires at least a month to three months for your body’s natural processes to removed the frozen and crystallized cells.
Benefits of CoolSculpting
However, CoolSculpting wouldn’t be rocketing into popularity like it is right now if it didn’t offer some advantages of it own:
- No surgery
The first is probably the largest benefit: CoolSculpting is completely non-invasive. This procedure is not a surgery. There is no anesthesia involved, and absolutely no cutting. Most patients enjoy the freedom to work on their mobile device, watch TV, even use social media while they are going through the procedure. CoolSculpting is one of the few effective non-surgical fat cell reducing options available for those who may not be a good candidate for surgery, or would simply prefer to avoid it. - No recovery time
And thanks to the fact that it is a completely non-invasive procedure, CoolSculpting can also brag that it has no recovery time. Many patients go back to work the next day. It is even possible, and not uncommon, to come in on a lunch break, and go back to work the same day (the procedure can be finished in as little as an hour in some cases). No bed rest is needed, and antibiotics are not required. This makes CoolSculpting a great choice for those who want help removing their stubborn fat, but may not have the time required for surgery. - Reduced lead up time
The time between your CoolSculpting consultation to your first treatment could be as short as only a few minutes. If you are a good candidate for the procedure, it is possible to start immediately. By contrast, if you choose liposuction, you need to be seen by your primary care physician, and complete a number of lab studies before you can proceed. - Affordability
Also thanks in part to the fact that it is a non-invasive procedure, CoolSculpting is much more affordable than liposuction. Though costs vary, because there is no need for anesthesia or an operating room your CoolSculpting procedure is likely to cost you at least 50% less than liposuction would. CoolSculpting’s significantly lower cost makes it a much more viable option for everyone. - It’s subtle at first
Many people choose not to share that they have undergone a cosmetic surgery procedure. Liposuction, however, can be difficult to hide since it can represent a huge change in a small amount of time. Results from CoolSculpting, on the other hand, are more slowly revealed, allowing you to slim down more gradually and subtly. It will look like you’re just losing weight naturally!