CoolSculpting and liposuction can both permanently remove fat from targeted body areas. Kybella can also remove fat, but that's another story for another blog post.
Each treatment has pros and cons. The question of "Which Is Best?' can be a very individual issue, but the answer involves balancing the positives and the negatives for that unique person.
As you are all aware, liposuction is a long-standing surgical procedure that generally requires significant anesthesia. CoolSculpting is a more recently developed technique that is non-invasive and does not require injections, incisions, or anesthesia.
Obviously, considering the fact that we at Maine Laser Skin Care perform CoolSculpting and are one of the top CoolSculpting providers in New England, we feel that this technology is better. In this blog post, we will outline why we think it is the best option for most of our clients and patients.
1.) Safety- CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis, and can be performed over several sessions if needed. It does not require anesthesia as there is minimal pain associated with it.
The only side effects are localized bruising, tenderness or numbness. However, these are usually temporary, and you can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
In contrast, although liposuction is also mostly done as an outpatient basis, it is an invasive surgical process that generally requires general anesthesia. Side effects are much more serious, including blood clots, extensive bruising and swelling in the area treated, anesthesia reactions, and extended pain.
2.) Downtime- CoolSculpting has virtually no downtime, and you can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure. There is no need for restrictive garments or restriction of movement due to pain or swelling.
Liposuction recovery, on the other hand, takes several days to several weeks depending on the amount of fat removed. Resuming normal activities is also restricted due to residual pain, swelling, and bruising after lipo.
3.) Effectiveness- Liposuction can remove large amounts of fat in one procedure. Meanwhile, CoolSculpting is particularly effective in areas where liposuction use is impractical, too expensive, or too risky.
CoolSculpting results are very satisfying for most patients in the belly, "love handles", inner & outer thighs, and the double chin. Liposuction can remove a lot of belly fat, but it is too risky for the other aforementioned areas.
4.) Convenience- CoolSculpting is very easy to incorporate into most people's schedules because it can treat many areas of fat in just a matter of hours. While treatments are ongoing, people can read, answer emails, watch movies, or even nap.
Conversely, liposuction involves much more pre-planning to set aside time for the procedure itself and the more prolonged recovery. Plus, with anesthesia involved, napping is a patient's only option.
We here at Maine Laser Skin Care have highly skilled and experienced providers in the performance of CoolSculpting. We cannot stress enough that CoolSculpting is safe, effective, convenient, and with little to no downtime.
Compared to liposuction, CoolSculpting is also more cost effective, non-invasive and without incisions. Of course, every body is different with different stubborn areas of persistent fat, so an individualized consultation is important to determine what will work best for you.
To schedule a free and comprehensive consultation to handle your unique and individual cosmetic concerns, feel free to call us either at (207) 303-0125 in Scarborough, or (207) 873-2158 in Augusta. We are waiting for your call as our goal is to "Beautify Maine One Face (and Body) at a Time."