No matter how strictly you follow diet and exercise, there are always “trouble spots” and stubborn fat that just won’t go away.
The ideal option would be reverting to our 20s and metabolizing fat like our bodies used to. But until we’ve mastered time travel, today, two of the most popular options for removing stubborn fat are CoolSculpting and liposuction.
We’re taking a look at what each of these entails, and how to decide which is best for you.
Purpose
CoolSculpting and liposuction both serve a similar purpose. They allow people to reduce fat they are struggling to shed on their own.
These specialized techniques help hack your way to a flatter stomach and remove other areas of stubborn fat. Both approaches permanently remove fat from target areas.
However, despite their similarities, they are significantly different methods and it’s worth weighing your options to determine which is right for you.
Liposuction
Liposuction was invented in 1974 and is now a staple of cosmetic surgery.
Despite the surgery being invented last decade, doctors and clinics refined their technique to reduce complications (of course, elective surgery will always have risk) and bring it into the 21st century.
Liposuction’s main approach involves surgical fat removal. A surgeon makes an incision on the patient’s body through which they insert a cannula (suction tool) to suck out the subcutaneous fat. Liposuction is effective for removing fat from the following body areas:
- Abdomen
- Arms (Upper)
- Back
- Buttocks
- Chin
- Hips
- Knees
- Neck
- Thighs
Of the two options, liposuction is the more aggressive, as it uses a surgical, invasive procedure in order to remove unwanted fat.
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is the feisty newcomer. This liposuction alternative was introduced to Canada by 2010 and earned rapid popularity. A non-invasive fat removal technique, CoolSculpting patients have less risk, short recovery periods, and see great results.
Where liposuction physically removes fat, CoolSculpting freezes it, allowing your body to naturally remove it. It uses a process called Cryolipolysis which freezes fat cells, causing them to break down. The broken-down cells are then removed by your body’s natural processes.
CoolSculpting is effective at removing fat from several body areas:
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Back
- Buttocks
- Chest
- Chin
- Love Handles
- Muffin Top
- Neck
- Thighs
- Torso
CoolSculpting is best used to treat specific packets of fat, whereas liposuction is for less precise removal in a larger area.
Comparing CoolSculpting vs Liposuction
Results
Both CoolSculpting and liposuction are capable of delivering noticeable results. As well, they are both most effective when the patient is close to their goal weight.
Neither is capable of removing all of the subcutaneous fat in a targeted area, although they can make a significant difference.
CoolSculpting can remove up to 25% of fat cells in the target area. Liposuction can remove up to 5 litres of fat. However, this is quite aggressive and this amount, or any more than that, may require hospitalization for monitoring.
Costs
The costs of CoolSculpting and liposuction are relatively similar. CoolSculpting can be a little less for a smaller area and a little more for a large area.
Overall, both procedures average a similar cost. However, it’s best to choose the service that better fits your needs, rather than focusing on the budget. Elective surgery or cosmetic procedures should be reviewed with consideration and need.
Convenience
CoolSculpting is a clear winner for convenience. It’s an outpatient procedure, that lets people get back into their daily life right away. It can even be done over a lunch break.
Liposuction, on the other hand, is a more intensive process that requires anesthesia and elective surgery. Depending on the size of the treatment area, this can range from local anesthesia to full-on sedation. Afterwards, there is a lengthier recovery period.
It takes about a week to return to regular activity after liposuction, however, that’s a fast recovery time for surgery. CoolSculpting has fewer, and less prominent, side effects; which can be expected from an outpatient procedure.
Safety
Although liposuction is generally safe under the hands of an experienced surgeon and a sterile environment, there is always an element of risk with surgery.
Although a good surgeon does their best to minimize this risk, issues or complications like infection are always a real possibility,
One of the major appeals of CoolSculpting is that it offers non-invasive fat removal. The lack of surgery makes it a much safer alternative to liposuction.
Discover The Best Fat Removal Services in Newmarket
The team at our Newmarket plastic surgery clinic will assess your needs to help you choose the right approach to match your desired results.
When trying to determine the right procedure for you, it’s always best to consult with the clinic, doctor and yourself to see which procedure is right for you.
Book a consultation today!