Many people have “problem areas” despite their efforts with diet and exercise. There are certain areas of the body where fat collects and is very hard to get rid of without some type of medical intervention.
If you have been looking into body contouring procedures, you may be wondering, “What is the difference between CoolSculpting vs. liposuction?” Both treatments target and reduce unwanted fat, but they work differently. CoolSculpting is a non-surgical treatment that freezes the fat, and liposuction surgically removes fat using a special suctioning procedure.
What Is the Difference Between CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction?
CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis, or freezing temperatures to kill and destroy fat cells. Your body will then gradually flush out these damaged cells through your natural lymphatic process.
Liposuction surgery permanently removes fat cells using a special solution and suction technique. The newer modern method of VASER liposuction uses ultrasound waves to help loosen the fat cells before they are removed and tightens the surrounding skin in the process.
CoolSculpting first received FDA clearance for the flanks in 2010 and the abdomen in 2012. Traditional liposuction has been around since the 1980s, but the techniques have continued to improve over the years. VASER liposuction has been performed since 2002 and is a significantly less invasive alternative than the previous liposuction methods.
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| CoolSculpting | Liposuction | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Non-surgical | Surgical |
| How it works | Freezes fat cells | Removes fat through suction |
| Best for | Smaller fat pockets | Larger or more precise contouring |
| Downtime | Virtually no downtime | Recovery can take several weeks. |
| Results | Results appear gradually. | Usually more immediate and noticeable results. |
| Anesthesia | Usually none | Local or general anesthesia may be used. |
How Do CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction Work?
How CoolSculpting Works
CoolSculpting freezes the fat cells without surgery.
- The fat cells are treated with a controlled cooling procedure.
- The treated fat cells gradually break down.
- The damaged fat cells are eliminated through your body’s natural process.
- The results show up gradually over the next several months.
CoolSculpting is normally used for smaller areas of stubborn fat.
How Liposuction Works
Liposuction gets rid of fat cells immediately from your body using a small vacuum that looks like a thin tube called a cannula.
- The surgeon makes tiny cuts in your skin to insert the cannula, and the unwanted fat cells are loosened and gently suctioned out.
- The surgeon reduces the size of the treated areas and makes them look more defined and toned.
- Normally, you can see the results of lipo right away, unlike non-surgical treatments, but it can depend on how much swelling there is.
Dr. Angelina Postoev at IBI Plastic Surgery & Med Spa uses VASER liposuction on her patients to add contour and shape with more precision.
Which Gives More Noticeable Results Between Lipo vs. CoolSculpting?
Liposuction tends to give more dramatic results because the fat cells are removed right away during your procedure. If you have larger areas of stubborn fat or want more dramatic reshaping of your body, liposuction may be a better option.
CoolSculpting may work for patients who have only mild “pinchable” fat pockets, who prefer non-surgical options, and do not mind gradual results.
Who May Be a Better Candidate?
CoolSculpting May Fit Patients Who
- Have small, pinchable fat pockets
- Want a non-surgical option
- Can wait for gradual results
- Have realistic expectations
Liposuction May Fit Patients Who
- Want more defined contouring
- Have larger or multiple stubborn fat areas
- Are comfortable with surgery
- Are in generally good health
Recovery and Downtime Differences
The recovery of each procedure is different for each person, depending on their current health, their immune system, and how well they take care of themselves after their procedure.
After CoolSculpting:
- You might experience temporary numbness.
- There may be some mild swelling.
- The treated areas may be red or tender.
After liposuction:
- There may be swelling and bruising.
- You will need to wear special compression garments for several weeks during recovery.
- There will be some activity restrictions you must adhere to until you are cleared by your surgeon.
The recovery after liposuction takes longer than after a non-surgical treatment, depending on the extent of the treatment and the areas targeted for treatment.
Risks and Safety Considerations Of CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction
Both CoolSculpting and liposuction procedures have associated risks and limitations.
Liposuction is considered safe when it is performed by an experienced surgeon, but like any surgical procedure, there are possible risks and complications.
Some common complications of liposuction may include swelling, bruising, infection, fluid buildup, uneven contours, numbness, scarring, complications from anesthesia, and delayed healing.
CoolSculpting is done without surgery, but there are some adverse effects that can still happen. Common side effects may include temporary swelling, redness, bruising, numbness, tenderness, tingling, or skin sensitivity in the areas that are treated. Some patients also experience tightness, cramping, or discomfort that may last anywhere from several days to many weeks.
Another complication that can occur is called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), which is where the fat cells that were frozen become larger instead of shrinking, causing bulges and bumps.
These imperfections must often be corrected using direct fat excision or liposuction. An article published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons explains surgical correction of these complications.
This complication is often reported as “rare,” but according to the Cleveland Clinic, experts believe PAH cases may be significantly underreported.
Dr. Angelina explains:
“In my practice, I use Vaser liposuction because it gives me better control to create precise contours, and it does not create complications like PAH. I treat many patients who come to me with big bulges that have occurred after CoolSculpting, and I have to do extra surgery to try and correct this.”
To learn more, set up a personal consultation with Dr. Angelina Postoev at IBI Plastic Surgery & Med Spa.
Is There A Better Choice Between CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction?
There is not necessarily one body contouring treatment that is automatically better for one patient vs. another. When comparing CoolSculpting vs. liposuction, it is important that you do your research and understand the pros, cons, risks, recovery, and type of results you can expect from each procedure.
CoolSculpting might sound quicker and easier to people who are looking for a non-surgical treatment that has little to no downtime. And others will choose liposuction because it offers more noticeable contouring and can be done with more precision and without the risk of PAH.
Consulting with an experienced cosmetic surgeon, like Dr. Angelina, can help answer any questions you may have.
Where Can I Find Liposuction in Atlanta, GA?
Dr. Angelina Postoev is a triple board-certified surgeon specializing in body contouring procedures, including liposuction, at IBI Plastic Surgery & Med Spa near Atlanta.
She and her team of experts can talk with you about your concerns and aesthetic goals and explain all of the options that can deliver the results you are looking for. Then a personalized plan will be created for you that may include one procedure or a combination of treatments that will help achieve your goals.
Set up your consultation today to discover how IBI Plastic Surgery & Med Spa can help enhance your natural beauty.
FAQs
Is CoolSculpting or Liposuction Better for Belly Fat?
Liposuction offers more precise and customized body contouring because the fat can be removed and the lines of your body more artistically defined during the procedure. CoolSculpting may work well for some with smaller fat pockets and offer no downtime.
Is Lipo More Permanent Than CoolSculpting?
The fat cells eliminated during each procedure are gone permanently, but the remaining fat cells in the untreated areas can still be affected by future weight gain. It is very important that you maintain a stable weight to maintain your results.
Is VASER Liposuction Safer than Traditional Liposuction?
VASER liposuction works by using ultrasound waves to loosen fat before it is suctioned out. The surgeon can remove the fat cells with more precision and without causing any damage to the areas close by.
Vaser liposuction is less invasive than traditional liposuction, but your safety primarily depends on the expertise of the surgeon performing the procedure, the amount of fat removed, and your current health.
Why Does Dr. Angelina Use Liposuction vs. CoolSculpting?
Dr. Angelina prefers using Vaser liposuction vs. CoolSculpting because she is able to trim down and reshape her patient’s body, safely creating the definition and results they desire. It also prevents complications like PAH, which can happen when freezing temperatures are used to eliminate fat.
