CoolSculpting vs Liposuction: Which is Best?
Losing weight and unwanted fat can be much harder than working out or going on a trendy diet. Certain body types are simply predisposed to carrying more fat, and some people gain weight uncontrollably due to health conditions like Diabetes and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). In some cases, stubborn fat just refuses to be eliminated through diet and exercise.
The two most common treatments for unwanted fat reduction are CoolSculpting® and Liposuction. The two treatments may have the same end goal, but their specifics couldn’t be more different. If you’re torn between which fat reduction treatment is right for you, keep reading to learn the differences in cost, recovery, pros and cons, and risks!
Liposuction
What is it?
Liposuction (or lipoplasty) is a surgical procedure that involves making small incisions in the skin to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body. A hollow tube called a cannula is used to suction out excess fat from specific areas of the body. It is always performed in a medical setting, like a hospital. Liposuction is an invasive procedure that requires local or general anesthesia, and is typically done by a plastic surgeon.
Pros and Cons of Liposuction
Pros
The start-to-finish time of treatment: Unlike CoolSculpting, lipo is typically a “one & done” procedure. Aside from a consultation and follow up appointment, liposuction is generally completed in just one surgery.
It provides drastic results: Liposuction generally can manipulate and effect more fat, making it easier to get your desired body shape quickly. Because it is a surgical procedure, your doctor can move around fat and muscles to create a more drastic before & after result
Diversity in targeted areas: Liposuction can be effective in large areas of the body, such as the abdomen, love handles, bottocks, and arms, as well as smaller areas. Unlike CoolSculpting, treating a larger area takes just as much time (1 surgery) as smaller targeted areas.
Cons
The cost: Liposuction is an aesthetic surgery not covered by insurance, even if you’re getting it as a result of other health conditions like diabetes. The cost of liposuction typically ranges from $2,000 to $7,000. These estimates are used for liposuction in only one treatment area. The costs may increase by $1,200 to $4,000 for each additional treatment area. This does not take into account consultations, follow up appointments, or costs of medications.
The potentially life-threatening risks: Because liposuction is a surgical procedure, it comes with many risks. The most obvious risk is the outcome of surgery. Aside from some possible scarring, you will be under anesthesia and leave the outcome of your treatment completely up to your surgeon.
Anesthesia carries its own risks: This includes allergic reactions and respiratory problems if proper precautions are not taken. Similarly, invasive surgeries are always at risk for serious health problems, such as blot clots, infection, fluid accumulation, and skin irregularities after healing.
Required downtime: Unlike CoolSculpting, liposuction requires downtime that ranges from a few days to a full week after surgery. During this time, you cannot exercise, exert yourself, or perform physical labor, which can be extra inconvenient depending on your line of work.
CoolSculpting
What is it?
CoolSculpting is the only FDA-approved, nonsurgical fat reduction treatment that uses targeted cooling to eliminate stubborn fat that resists through diet and exercise. The results are proven, noticeable, and lasting. CoolSculpting technology safely delivers precisely controlled cooling to gently and effectively target the fat cells underneath the skin while leaving the skin itself unaffected.
CoolSculpting is FDA-approved to treat areas of the body:
under the chin
jawline
thighs
abdomen
flanks
bra fat
back fat
“banana” rolls
underneath the buttocks
upper arms
Pros
CoolSculpting is noninvasive and nonsurgical: CoolSculpting takes 45 minutes to an hour per area treated. No anesthesia is required, and most patients don’t feel any part of treatment after the first five minutes. Before that, CoolSculpting just feels cold on the skin. Most patients read a book, or relax and watch TV during treatment.
It’s natural: CoolSculpting is done by freezing unwanted fat cells. This kills them and allows the body to dissolve and absorb them naturally, giving the same sculpted effect without using a cannula to remove them.
No downtime: Because it is noninvasive and does not require anesthesia, patients can resume their daily activities directly after treatment! This includes work and light exercise.
Few risks and side effects: CoolSculpting eliminates many of the risks associated with liposuction because it is not a surgical procedure. Common side effects associated with CoolSculpting typically go away after 24-48 hours, and include: redness, swelling, and temporary numbness of treated areas.
It is more affordable than liposuction: CoolSculpting is an aesthetic procedure that is not covered by insurance. However, there are many ways to save big on CoolSculpting, so you can achieve your dream body without breaking the bank. April is Cool Month: book your first appointment at The Urban You in April and BUY 4, GET 4 areas FREE! Get special pricing on CoolSculpting and all other UY services by signing up for our membership program.
The Urban You and CoolSculpting are supported by Care Credit. Use Care Credit to pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by medical insurance. Special financing options are available that you may not be able to get with other cards. Learn more about Care Credit HERE
It provides long lasting results: CoolSculpting provides natural looking results over the duration of your treatment sessions. It is FDA approved, safe, and most people are candidates for treatment. CoolSculpting eliminates up to 25% of fat cells in treated areas after just one session!
CoolSculpting: Before and after photos
Cons
Multiple sessions are required: Unlike lipo, CoolSculpting is not a “one & done” treatment. For larger areas, such as the abdomen, 1-3 treatment sessions are needed.
It’s best for smaller, targeted areas: CoolSculpting works best on smaller stubborn areas of unwanted fat, such as the flanks, thighs, or upper arms. These smaller areas require less treatment sessions and provide quicker results
Potential for uneven results: While CoolSculpting is designed to target specific areas of fat, there is a risk of uneven results or contour irregularities. If irregularities occur, you can speak to your provider and come up with an alternate treatment plan.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide if CoolSculpting or Liposuction is better suited to your desired outcome and lifestyle. Both are proven to be effective treatment methods for removing unwanted body fat from the back, abdomen, buttocks, and other common areas of insecurity.
Book a CoolSculpting consultation at The Urban You, the #1 body sculpting center in Michigan, to learn more about how we can help you achieve your confidence goals just in time for bikini season! Not only can we help you get your summer body, but we can also supply you with everything you’ll need to keep your skin healthy and glowy all summer long. Shop Urban You For Me for luxury, medical grade skincare!
