If you are near or at your target weight, but still struggle with stubborn fat in certain areas, there are now two body contouring procedures that can help you achieve the body contour you’ve been working hard for: CoolSculpting and liposuction. Coolsculpting is a non-surgical treatment which freezes the fat away. Liposuction is a popular surgical option which removes target fat permanently.
But which treatment is best for you? This decision depends on how much fat you want to remove, your schedule, and personal preference.
This body contouring procedure uses Cryolipolysis and is effective in destroying targeted fat cells without affecting adjacent skin or tissues. Treatment areas include abdomen, thighs, buttocks, back, upper arms, neck, and love handles.
A great benefit is the ease and comfort of the procedure. Most sessions are under one hour with no downtime and little to no discomfort. Patients have been known to read, stream videos, check email or nap during treatment. Additionally, you can have other treatments like Botox or dermal fillers performed during the procedure as well.
Unlike Coolsculpting, liposuction is a form of surgery. Either general or local anesthesia will be administered, and you will need to rest for a couple of days after surgery. There are tiny incisions made in the treatment area where a small tubular device (cannula) is inserted to remove the unwanted fat.
Your surgeon will move the cannula in an up and down motion to loosen the fat. Once the fat is prepared for removal, it will be suctioned out. Liposuction treats the same areas as Coolsculpting.
Patients do not realize CoolSculpting results immediately. The procedure destroys the fat cells, but the body expels them naturally. This process will take two or three months before the results are visible. Patients will continue to notice improvement for up to three months.
Coolsculpting results include up to a 25% reduction of fat in target areas after one session. Additional treatments are usually performed to remove additional fat.
Because of the surgical component of liposuction, it can extract unwanted fat immediately. However, results are not immediate, as swelling is common after surgery. A compression garment is necessary to help healing and support the incisions.
Because liposuction can treat multiple areas and remove more fat in one session, it is a preferred treatment by surgeons who need to remove a considerable amount of fat. For a small single area, Coolsculpting seems to be the more appropriate procedure.
A CoolSculpting treatment session can last 35 minutes to several hours depending on the number of areas being treated that day. There is no downtime, little to no side-effects, and the patient can be back to their normal routine right after the procedure. On the other hand, liposuction takes a few hours depending on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat targeted for removal. You will also need to take up to two weeks off from work or normal activities, with strenuous activities restricted longer.
For more information about how you can remove stubborn fat, contact Dr. Waltzman and schedule a consultation today.
Call (562) 448-6100 or Contact Us
