We know a healthy diet and daily exercise is a proven combination to help slim and tone physique. But many of us discover certain areas of the body are resistant to such change, leading us to seek other ways to remove stubborn bulges of fat. Liposuction has been the golden-standard when it comes to surgical fat reduction treatments, but more recently, non-surgical body contouring such as CoolSculpting® has captured the attention of those seeking less invasive measures.
While both liposuction and CoolSculpting have been effective in reducing unwanted areas of fat and improving body contour, they are very different procedures. Here we outline key differences between these two proven fat reduction treatments:
CoolSculpting
One of the many reasons CoolSculpting and other non-invasive body contouring treatments have gained popularity is their ability to contour body shape without the risk or downtime of surgery. FDA-cleared CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis to freeze and disable fat cells in any area with localized fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise, including:
- Abdomen
- Love handles
- Inner and outer thighs
- Double chin
- Muffin top
- Bra-line bulge
Targeted fat cells are then naturally flushed from your body in the weeks and months following treatment. Another attractive attribute of CoolSculpting is that treatments only take about half an hour to an hour, so you can immediately return to your regular routine after your session. And you can expect to see results over the next few months, with optimal results appearing within six months after your last treatment. It’s important to note: CoolSculpting is not a weight loss procedure, it is meant to complement a healthy lifestyle and offer natural-looking, gradual results.
Liposuction
Although non-invasive CoolSculpting doesn’t involve the time or possible complications of surgery, its results generally aren’t as dramatic as liposuction. Precise, skilled liposuction can remove a greater amount of fat and achieve a more sculpted and contoured figure while being performed under local or general anesthesia. During the procedure, a tiny incision is made in the treatment area to allow a thin, hollow tube, called a cannula, to suction out the fat. Liposuction can help:
- Contour the abdomen
- Redefine the jowls, cheeks and chin and neck area
- Treat enlarged male breasts
- Reduce love handles
- Remove excess fat on the hips, thighs and buttocks
Since this is surgery, recovery time is more extensive. We recommend patients take at least three to five days before returning to their regular routine. Other post-treatment recommendations include wearing a compression garment for up to four weeks after treatment and avoiding strenuous physical activity for a minimum of six weeks following treatment. It sounds like a lot, but remember, results are long-lasting and can be maintained with a healthy diet and exercise routine. If you’re willing to commit to surgery, liposuction may be the ideal treatment option for you!
We will help you determine which course of treatment is best suited for you and your needs during your personal consultation. To get started on your best body yet, please call 325.670.5320 or request a consultation online today!