Coolsculpting vs Liposuction: which choice is right for you?
CoolSculpting and liposuction are both popular body contouring procedures that can help individuals achieve a slimmer and more sculpted appearance. While both treatments can be effective in reducing excess fat, there are some key differences between the two that may make one a better choice for you than the other.
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive, minimally-invasive procedure that uses controlled cooling to freeze and destroy fat cells. This cryolipolysis treatment is typically recommended for individuals who have small to moderate amounts of excess fat in specific areas of their body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or arms. Because CoolSculpting is non-invasive, it does not require any incisions or anesthesia, and there is no downtime or recovery period associated with the treatment.
Let’s break down how CoolSculpting and liposuction compare, including typical prices, effectiveness, and potential side effects.
| CoolSculpting VS Liposuction | ||
|---|---|---|
| CoolSculpting | Liposuction | |
| The procedure | It’s a kind of cryolipolysis, a technique that involves freezing fat cells. | A series of small incisions are made around the treatment area. A thin tube is used to loosen fat cells so they can be vacuumed out. |
| Safety | CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure. Side effects are usually minor. | Liposuction is an invasive surgery that may require anesthesia. |
| Effectiveness and results | Less dramatic results. According to the CoolSculpting website, it can eliminate up to 20 to 25 percent of fat cells in a certain area. | More dramatic results. It can remove up to 5 to 8 liters of body fat. |
| Side effects | Side effects can include short-term bruising or skin sensitivity that usually resolves within weeks. | Side effects can include anesthesia reactions, blood clots, and other potentially serious complications. |
| Recovery time | There’s usually little to no recovery period. | Recovery takes about 3 to 5 days with lingering effects for weeks. |
| Time to see full results | Typically, after a few weeks. | Up to a few months. |
| Number of treatments needed | Typically, a few 1-hour sessions. | One procedure. |
How long does each procedure take?
CoolSculpting
No recovery time is necessary for CoolSculpting. One session takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Some people only receive one treatment, but your provider may recommend having a few sessions spread out over several weeks to achieve the best results. You should start to see initial results a few weeks after your first session.
Most people see the full results of CoolSculpting about 3 months after their last procedure.
Liposuction
Most people only need one liposuction procedure to see results. According to a 2020 review trusted Source, the surgery takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on the size of the treated area. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that it’s usually done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home on the day of your surgery.
You may need to stay in the hospital overnight for observation if you have a significant amount of fat removed.
Liposuction recovery usually only takes a few days. Always follow your surgeon’s recommendations for recovery, which may include wearing a special bandage or limiting activities.
You may need to wait for 2 to 4 weeks before you can safely resume strenuous activity. It may take several months for swelling to go down and the full results to be visible.
In contrast, liposuction treatment is a surgical procedure that involves making small incisions in the skin and using a hollow tube, or cannula, to suction out excess fat. Liposuction can be used to treat larger areas of excess fat, and can also be used to contour and shape the body by removing fat from specific areas. However, liposuction does require anesthesia and can be associated with some bruising, swelling, and discomfort after the procedure. Recovery from liposuction can take several weeks, and individuals may need to wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and support the treated area during the healing process.
So which body contouring treatment is right for you? Here are some factors to consider when deciding between CoolSculpting and liposuction:
- The amount of excess fat: CoolSculpting is best suited for individuals who have small to moderate amounts of excess fat in specific areas of their bodies. If you have larger areas of excess fat, or if you have a significant amount of excess fat overall, liposuction or lipolysis laser may be a better option for you.
- Treatment area: CoolSculpting machine can be used to treat a variety of areas, including the abdomen, thighs, arms, and chin. Liposuction, on the other hand, can be used to treat almost any area of the body where there is excess fat. If you have excess fat in multiple areas, liposuction may be a more comprehensive solution.
- Liposuction is a surgery that takes out fat from specific parts of your body.
- Desired results: Both CoolSculpting and liposuction can help individuals achieve a slimmer and more contoured appearance. However, the results of liposuction may be more dramatic and noticeable, especially for individuals who have a significant amount of excess fat. If you want to see significant changes to your body shape, liposuction may be the better choice.
- Cryolipolysis should not be done on areas where there are: Varicose veins, Nerve problems, Rashes, or lesions
- Downtime and recovery time: As mentioned, CoolSculpting is a non-invasive treatment that does not require any incisions or anesthesia, and there is no downtime or recovery period associated with the treatment. In contrast, liposuction is a surgical procedure that does require incisions and anesthesia, and there may be some bruising, swelling, and discomfort after the procedure. Recovery from liposuction can take several weeks, and individuals may need to wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and support the treated area during the healing process. If you have a busy schedule and want to avoid any downtime or recovery period, CoolSculpting may be the better choice for you.
- Cryolipolysis for the arms, for example, may take only one session per arm and would cost less per session than larger areas, such as the stomach or love handles. According to the CoolSculpting website, a personalized treatment plan typically costs between $2,000 and $4,000.
Overall, both CoolSculpting and liposuction can be effective treatments for reducing excess fat and achieving a more contoured and sculpted appearance. The right choice for you will depend on a variety of factors, including the amount of excess fat you have, the area you want to treat, your desired results, and your willingness to undergo a surgical procedure and deal with any associated downtime and recovery. To determine the best treatment for you.