Got stubborn areas of fat that won’t budge, no matter how hard you try to conquer them? Or, maybe you’ve already reached your goals but want to fine-tune your body to achieve your ideal silhouette. Either way, body contouring could be the answer.
CoolSculpting® and liposuction are popular body contouring options today, but they couldn’t be more different. While CoolSculpting is completely noninvasive, liposuction is a major surgery.
At SafiraMD Medical Aesthetics & Wellness Center, we specialize in helping our patients reach their body goals with the latest noninvasive treatments in our luxury medical spa in Alpharetta, GA. When patients schedule CoolSculpting consultations, they often ask how the treatment compares to liposuction. We break down the differences below.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a noninvasive fat-reduction treatment that uses high-tech cooling to freeze and destroy fat cells. It targets areas of the body where fat tends to linger, even with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Some popular treatment areas for CoolSculpting are:
- Abdomen
- Flanks (love handles)
- Thighs
- Under the butt (banana roll)
- Upper arms
- Back
- Under the jaw
- Double chin
With CoolSculpting, we use a variety of specially shaped applicators (tailored to the treatment area) to deliver freezing temperatures through the skin and into the fat cells. There are no incisions or injections.
The extreme cold leads to fat cell crystallization. Then, over time, you flush out those remnants through your lymphatic system.
The treatment can reduce up to 25% of the fat cells in targeted treatment areas. Additional treatments can help you reduce fat further. Most patients have two or more sessions based on their unique body contouring goals.
CoolSculpting treatments are quick and easy, taking only 35-75 minutes per session. You can resume normal activities right away.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is surgery to remove fat via a suctioning process. It’s typically used for more significant fat reduction. Common treatment areas include the same ones CoolSculpting treats. Liposuction requires anesthesia and recovery time. It’s more invasive but can also provide dramatic, immediate results.
Key Differences Between CoolSculpting and Liposuction
When comparing CoolSculpting and liposuction, consider your goals, lifestyle, and the areas you want to target. Key differences are:
- Treatment Type: CoolSculpting is noninvasive, while liposuction is surgery.
- Downtime: CoolSculpting doesn’t require recovery time, whereas liposuction may require a week or more of downtime.
- Scarring: Lipo can leave scars behind, but there’s no evidence of CoolSculpting except a slimmer, sleeker body.
- Effectiveness: Both are effective, but CoolSculpting is ideal for smaller fat areas with gradual results, while liposuction offers major fat reduction immediately.
- Ideal Candidates: CoolSculpting is best for patients close to their ideal weight. Liposuction is possible even when a patient is significantly overweight.
CoolSculpting in Alpharetta
CoolSculpting offers a fantastic solution if you want to sculpt your body without surgery. If you’re in the Alpharetta or Milton, Georgia, area and want to learn more, call us at 678-235-8221 to book your consultation.