Liposuction Vs. CoolSculpting®: Which Is Best for Me?
Before and after image showing the results of a CoolSculpting® procedure performed on the abdomen in San Diego, California.
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Many people have to deal with stubborn pockets of fat. Cosmetic body contouring procedures allow patients to get rid of fat that they could not shed through diet and exercise.
While there are both surgical and non-surgical ways of performing body contouring, the goal is the same: to enhance the natural contour of the body by removing excess fat that contributes to unflattering silhouettes.
Is Body Contouring Right for Me?
Body contouring procedures function by removing excess fat; however, these procedures are not for weight loss. Weight loss procedures are designed to help patients shed significant amounts of weight, which can enhance aesthetics and health but cannot necessarily provide a sculpted definition.
Before undergoing a body contouring procedure, patients are recommended to try and get as close to their ideal weight as possible. Ideally, your body contouring procedure will add the finishing touches to your already healthy shape.
What Are the Benefits of Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical body contouring procedure that uses small, discreet incisions, and gentle vacuum technology to remove excess fat from stubborn areas on the body. Because this is a surgical procedure, general anesthesia is often used to ensure your comfort.
Liposuction can be used to enhance the contours of the:
- Hips and buttocks
- Thighs
- Upper arms
- Abdomen
- Face and neck
- Back
- Calves and ankles
Liposuction is highly effective for removing fat; however, it cannot be used to treat cellulite or remove loose skin. Therefore, depending on the amount of skin laxity, some patients find that they would like to have their skin tightened as well.
What Are the Benefits of CoolSculpting®?
CoolSculpting® is an innovative, non-surgical option for body contouring. This procedure works to reduce excess fat in the body by exposing fatty tissues to extremely cold temperatures using Cryolipolysis technology, which damages the fatty tissues.
These damaged tissues are then metabolized out of your body over the weeks following the procedure. Up to 30 percent of excess fat can be removed from the target areas, which can include the:
- Abdomen and flanks
- Chest area
- Thighs
- Inner knees
- Back
- Buttocks and hips
- Arms
- Chin/Neck
CoolSculpting® is an excellent option for patients who would like to enjoy the benefits of body contouring without having to commit to surgery or extensive downtime.
How Do I Know Which Is Best for Me?
The body contouring technique that is best for you will depend on your individual needs and goals.
If you are not ready for surgery or would like to avoid significant downtime, CoolSculpting® may be ideal. Liposuction requires a few days of downtime, while CoolSculpting® lets you return to normal activity almost immediately.
Unfortunately, while CoolSculpting® offers quality results without surgery, it cannot produce the same extent of results as liposuction. CoolSculpting® has a more strict limit than liposuction for the amount of fat that can be removed safely. Therefore, liposuction can remove much more fat and produce much more dramatic contours.
A consultation is one of the best ways to know for sure which option will give you the results that you are looking for. During your consultation, your surgeon will examine your contours to help you determine which option would give you optimal results.
Want to Learn More?
If you are considering a body contouring procedure and would like to know more about your options in San Diego, California, please feel free to contact Dr. Pollock at 858-450-9100 or fill out this contact form.