We have more options than ever when it comes to body contouring procedures, but how do we choose the right one? Two of the most popular body contouring procedures, CoolSculpting and liposuction, are like night and day, with wildly different procedures and incredibly different results. Our bodies are unique, and we all have different goals for sculpting and reshaping our body. Do we choose the surgical, or the non-surgical? Do we care or not care about recovery time? Let’s learn a bit more about each procedure and what makes them ideal for different kinds of body contouring.
I Need Aggressive Fat Reduction!
Liposuction works by literally sucking the fat from the body. Your surgeon will insert these small tubes called cannulas through some small incisions, and move the cannula back and forth to shape the body by removing fat. While liposuction should not be considered as an effective weight loss option, it’s much more aggressive than CoolSculpting for fat removal, and allows for greater precision for the surgeon to shape your body. Liposuction results are almost immediate, while it might take 3-4 months to see CoolSculpting results.
The Winner:
Liposuction
I Don’t Want a Long Recovery!
CoolSculpting doesn’t require a single incision or suture; it works using applicators that are placed on top of the treatment area to freeze fat under the skin. Although some patients do experience temporary soreness and swelling, there’s no required downtime for CoolSculpting, and patients can return to their normal activities immediately. On the other hand, liposuction is an incredibly invasive procedure and requires 1-2 weeks off work or school and 4-6 weeks of avoiding strenuous activity.
The Winner:
CoolSculpting
I Want to Feel Comfortable
Thanks to local anesthetic, you won’t feel anything during your liposuction procedure. However, in the weeks following the surgery, you will feel soreness and tenderness. You’ll be given pain medication to help manage any pain, and you’re advised to rest for the first week or two. CoolSculpting doesn’t require any anesthetic, in fact, the most people feel during the treatment is a cooling sensation and some tugging.
The Winner:
CoolSculpting
I Only Want One Treatment
Depending on what kind of results the patient wants and the size of the treatment area, CoolSculpting might require more than one treatment. Liposuction is a major surgical procedure, and it can remove a substantial amount of fat in one procedure, sometimes in multiple places at once!
The Winner:
Liposuction
Want to make sure you’re making the right decision? Contact the New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery now, for a consultation on body contouring procedures.