Liposuction vs. CoolSculpting
If you’ve been considering cosmetic improvements to enhance your figure, you may need information about the available options. Liposuction has been the traditional choice of eliminating stubborn fat for decades. However, thanks to innovative technology, you now have additional options.
CoolSculpting employs fat freezing science to non-surgically remove unwanted fat bulges. But, how do you know which treatment would work best for you? Understanding as much as possible about each procedure is essential to making an informed decision.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction surgically suctions away excess fat through small incisions. The procedure starts with a provider injecting the treatment site with a solution containing lidocaine and saline. This solution numbs the tissue to make the procedure as comfortable as possible while loosening the fat.
Having isolated the targeted fat, the surgeon inserts a thin tube called a cannula into the incisions to gently suction off fat.
Common Treatment Areas for Liposuction
Liposuction can safely remove unwanted fat deposits from almost any area, but our patients’ top choices include the following.
- Abdomen
- Inner and outer thighs
- Flanks or love handles
- Under the chin
- Back and bra roll area
- Arms
- Male and female breast liposuction
Liposuction Side Effects
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks involved. They vary from patient to patient, with the most common side effects including:
- Swelling
- Soreness
- Numbness
- Bruising
What Is CoolSculpting?
This gentle, non-surgical body contouring method is a perfect alternative to liposuction. It employs a specialized applicator to target the treatment area. This device produces controlled cooling to crystallize unwanted fat without damaging adjacent tissue and organs. Your body will dispose of the dead fat cells during the weeks that follow, with up to 23% of targeted fat eliminated.
CoolSculpting Treatment Areas
Treatment sites for CoolSculpting include:
- Back and bra roll
- Arms
- Belly
- Thighs
- Hips and muffin top
- Arms
- Under the chin
CoolSculpting Side Effects
CoolSculpting’s side effects range from mild to moderate, depending on the patient and the extent of the procedure. Common side effects include:
- Aches
- Redness
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Skin sensitivity
Should I Choose Liposuction or CoolSculpting?
While some patients choose CoolSculpting to change their shape, liposuction is often a better option. For any patient, liposuction offers an improved ability to shape the area and reduce inches. This benefit is also true in circumstances that require less fat reduction because of liposuction’s ability to shape the treatment area and tighten the skin. Liposuction should be your go-to if you want to more than an inch or so of reduction or when you also desire skin tightening. The bottom line is that liposuction offers more body shaping, tightening, and a more precise outcome.
CoolSculpting can reduce the abdomen area by one to two inches. You may also wish to have other body parts contoured, like your arms and thighs. However, CoolSculpting has a limited ability to shape and tighten the skin. For people who do not want to expose themselves to the surgical risks of liposuction, CoolSculpting is a more comfortable and convenient treatment. Plus, there is no downtime.
For surgical or non-surgical fat reduction, contact Aria DermSpa at (203) 421-6674 to schedule your personal consultation for CoolSculpting or liposuction in Madison.