Liposuction vs. CoolSculpting®: Comparing Two Body Contouring Treatments

Getting rid of stubborn fat bulges with traditional weight loss methods can often be a struggle. As we go through adolescence and puberty, we acquire a certain number of fat cells, which usually stabilize upon our reaching adulthood. When we lose weight—through physical exercise, for example—none of these fat cells are destroyed. In fact, they shrink, only to expand if we regain the pounds. Our genetics, gender, and natural body type influence how fat is stored and distributed throughout the body, which sometimes results in fat in undesirable areas. Adding to that, spot reduction via diet and exercise alone is basically impossible. CoolSculpting® and liposuction, as Michigan’s Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery explains, are two of the most popular body contouring techniques for reducing resistant, subcutaneous fat in localized areas.

Whether it’s a double chin, muffin top, or beer belly, the presence of undesirable fat can be frustrating and have a negative effect on self-confidence. It’s natural to want our outer appearance to reflect our inner vitality. Imagine being able to permanently destroy fat from the body, while at the same time sculpting more balanced body proportions. This is the goal behind both CoolSculpting® and liposuction.

Provided that you maintain a stable, healthy diet and workout regime after a fat-reduction procedure, the targeted volume will be gone for good. Note, however, that neither method is suitable as a weight-loss method or treatment for obesity. Ideal candidates are those who are close to their ideal body weight, who maintain a healthy lifestyle, and who have realistic expectations. These are people who have small deposits of fat they haven’t been able to reduce with other methods, or who wish to add further definition to their body.

Fat is more sensitive to temperature fluctuations than skin and muscle. With CoolSculpting®, an applicator rapidly cools the treatment site. Through a process called cryolipolysis (fat death via freezing), the unwanted cells are cooled down to a temperature that causes them to crystallize while leaving the surrounding skin and tissue unharmed. The process is entirely non-surgical and allows for patients to return immediately to regular life.

On the surgical side, there are several different forms of liposuction—standard liposuction, power-assisted liposuction, and laser liposuction—but the basic idea of this surgical procedure remains the same no matter the variation: A device is used to manually loosen or melt adipose tissue directly under the skin’s surface. The freed fat is then suctioned out through a hollow tube known as a cannula.

Both CoolSculpting® and liposuction can be used on most areas of the body, such as the flanks (love handles), abdomen, outer thighs, under-the-chin area, and upper arms.

The right treatment for you will depend on a number of factors, such as your age, the type and amount of fat you hope to get rid of, and your overall contouring goals. During your consultation with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, your body type, medical history, and more will be evaluated before a recommendation is provided.

While liposuction offers more dramatic results, it does require a longer recovery time compared to CoolSculpting®. Depending on the amount of the fat being removed and where it is taken from, doctors often recommend planning for two to three weeks of downtime after liposuction. Patients will experience post-procedural swelling and bruising.

After CoolSculpting®, patients can go back to their regular work and social activities immediately. A typical session lasts anywhere from half an hour to an hour, as compared to liposuction surgery, which may go on for several hours. However, CoolSculpting® results often take several months to appear as the body gradually breaks down and metabolizes the crystallized fat cells, whereas liposuction is instantly effective and visible.

Want to learn more about liposuction and other body contouring treatments in the Michigan area? Dr. Brad Bengtson, Dr. David Alfonso, and the Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery team are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have. For more details, call or send a message online.