Both liposuction and CoolSculpting have been proven to decrease adipose tissue and improve body contour, but they are very different procedures.
A healthy diet and consistent exercise program are considered the best way to achieve a slim and toned body. However, despite following a nutritious meal plan and engaging in regular physical fitness, many people find stubborn fat tends to hang around on some parts of the body and isn’t responsive to a healthy lifestyle.
The right cosmetic surgery procedure can help you reach your body’s goals, despite not being successful with diet and exercise. Liposuction has long been considered the best way to get rid of excess fat cells in the body. However, it doesn’t come without risks. That includes poor results and infection. For this reason, many people turn to CoolSculpting by laserbodysculpting as an alternative. In reality, the two treatments are very different and it pays to understand them before deciding which one is right for you.
While liposuction remains the best way to get rid of large amounts of subcutaneous fat, CoolSculpting is a good way to chisel the body and tone areas that aren’t so deep inside the body. Both methods are effective at getting rid of excess fat but aren’t performed in the same way.
Safety
●The results aren’t always immediately visible, as it may take more than one session to reach your body’s goals
●Side effects of CoolSculpting usually subside in about 30 days and include changes to the skin and slow wound healing
● Liposuction is performed under sedation, which poses the risk of blood clots and negative reactions to the medication
● Anyone with blood clotting disorders, heart issues or who is pregnant should avoid both liposuction and CoolSculpting
Convenience:
CoolSculpting is generally done on an outpatient basis. Each session lasts for about an hour and several sessions may be necessary, spaced about a month apart. Liposuction generally takes about two hours per session and usually requires only one session to get the desired results. It can often be done as an outpatient procedure.
The results of your CoolSculpting treatment are usually visible about two weeks after your session. The final results of liposuction may not be noticeable for up to two months or more after the procedure is done.
Cost:
The total cost for CoolSculpting is usually between $2000 and $4000, but the final price is also dependent on where you live and how many sessions you need. The average cost of liposuction is about $3500 but may vary from state to state and the final cost is also dependent on how many parts of your body are part of the procedure.
Effectiveness
CoolSculpting has been shown to be an effective way to remove up to a quarter of the body’s fat cells in a given area. When it comes to liposuction, you may see bigger results, often in a weight loss of up to 10 pounds. Both areas are a good way to reduce the amount of fat on the body and it can often be used in other areas to create the silhouette you want. For example, fat removed from the buttocks can be used to create larger and fuller breasts.
Overview
Both CoolSculpting and liposuction are used to reduce the amount of fat on your body. However, there are some differences between the two that you should be aware of. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
Comparing CoolSculpting and Liposuction
CoolSculpting
Also called cripolysis, CoolSculpting is a procedure that freezes fat cells so they can be removed from the body. It’s ideal for many parts of the body but should always be performed by a licensed cosmetic surgeon. The procedure involves using a device that cools the fat cells. Over the following week, the cells die off and absorbed by the body. Final results can usually be seen after a few weeks. The procedure doesn’t require any anesthesia, cutting, or suturing so it’s less invasive than traditional liposuction.
Liposuction Procedure
Using local anesthesia, the Best Plastic Surgeon in VA, or elsewhere, will make small incisions in your body where you have excess fat. A small cannula will be inserted into these areas and suction will be used to remove fat cells from your body. You may see results right away, but the final look won’t be visibly evident for a couple of months after the treatment, as you will need to wait for the swelling to go down.
Deciding between liposuction and non‑invasive options often hinges on the volume of fat to be removed, skin quality, and how much recovery time a patient can tolerate. A careful consultation with a board‑certified plastic surgeon helps set realistic expectations about downtime and likely outcomes. Surgeons who emphasize individualized planning, such as Dr. Ran Stark, can evaluate skin elasticity, targeted areas, and prior procedures to recommend the safest, most effective approach. That assessment can also clarify whether a staged plan (non‑invasive sessions followed by limited liposuction) might better balance results with recovery.
How Long Does Each Procedure Take?
CoolSculpting
Recovery time for CoolSculpting is minimal and each session lasts for an hour or less. To get the best outcome, you’ll need to have several sessions done, spaced out over the course of several months. However, you should start to see the results just a couple of weeks after your initial session. Most people see positive and final results after about three months. CoolSculpting is not a weight loss treatment but can help tone your body and create definition.
Liposuction
Depending on how many parts of the body need treatment, you can expect liposuction to take about two hours. Most of the time, it can be done as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to go home soon after it’s complete. You’ll have to wear compression garments for several days to weeks after liposuction and will need to limit the time you stand up for a couple of months.
Contrasting Outcomes
While the goal of CoolSculpting and liposuction are the same, that is to tone and slim the body, they look very different before, during, and after. Both are proven methods to reduce the amount of fat on your body, including the thighs, arms, stomach, and buttocks. However, neither is a viable weight loss program and should only be used if you are otherwise making healthy lifestyle choices.
Cool Sculpting
A study conducted in 2009 found that CoolSculpting can reduce body fat by 25 percent on any given part of the body.
Liposuction
The final results of liposuction are visible about three months after the treatment is completed so don’t be discouraged if it takes a while to get to your goal.
Liposuction Q&A
Q: How much fat can be removed during liposuction?
A: The average amount of fat removed is about 5 liters for most patients.
Q: Who is the right candidate?
A: Liposuction is a good choice for many people, but those with blood clotting disorders and those who are pregnant should avoid it.
Q: Who is liposuction for?
A: Anyone who wants to change their body, who follows a healthy diet and exercise routine and who doesn’t have any health complications that could hinder the treatment and its results.
Looking at the Results
CoolSculpting Results
Because CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure, it has fewer risks than liposuction. However, there are some things to consider. Things to expect or watch out for include:
● A pulling sensation at the site
● Aching or stinging
● Temporary redness, swelling, and skin changes
Uncommon side effects include fat hyperplasia, which is more common in men than women but is very rare.
Liposuction Results
Since liposuction is a surgical procedure, there are some risks and complications to keep in mind. Things to be aware of include the following:
● Knots, divots, or discoloration of the skin
● Accumulation of liquid, requiring a draining procedure
● Temporary or long-lasting skin disease
● Internal pain
Less common side effects include a fat embolism, which occurs when fat moves into the circulation system, lungs, or brain. Changes in the body’s liquids can also lead to heart and kidney complications and there are some risks involved with being sedated.