When it comes to body contouring, CoolSculpting and liposuction are the go-to treatments for our Manhattan Beach and Torrance, CA, patients. Both options offer powerful fat reduction results that help the men and women who visit us feel more confident in their skin. However, these treatments do very different things and involve very different treatment experiences. The choice between them is ultimately a personal one, but it’s important to know the key differences between each approach.
Which body contouring treatment is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll explain what you can expect from each and how you can make your decision.
CoolSculpting 101
CoolSculpting is a noninvasive body contouring procedure that uses cooling panels to freeze and destroy fat cells. These cells are later shed from the body, which slims down the target area by up to 25%.
Treatable areas include the:
- Love handles
- Back
- Inner and outer thighs
- Muffin top
- Abdomen
- Chin
- Arms
The treatment requires no downtime, so patients can return to home or work immediately.
Results develop gradually over a couple of months. While some patients are satisfied after a single treatment, most schedule a follow-up appointment to achieve more dramatic results.
Liposuction 101
Liposuction is a body contouring surgery that removes fat by inserting a small tube (called a cannula) into the target area and using it to break up and remove fatty tissue. Once the fat is removed, the surgeon closes the incision with surgical tape or sutures.
Treatable areas include the:
- Inner and outer thighs
- Flanks
- Abdomen
- Back
- Any area of the body with subcutaneous fat
Liposuction is an outpatient procedure that typically involves general anesthesia or a local anesthetic with sedation. Recovery is quicker than many other surgeries, but it does require abstaining from strenuous activities for about 3 to 4 weeks. Patients wear compression garments over the treated area for up to 2 months.
Results become visible as soon as the swelling subsides. Most people are happy with their results after just 1 procedure.
Which is best for me?
If you’re struggling to decide which procedure will best suit your lifestyle and goals, ask yourself these 3 questions.
Do I mind having surgery, or would I prefer a nonsurgical approach?
The desire to avoid a surgical procedure is one of the biggest reasons why patients choose CoolSculpting over liposuction.
Am I OK with gradual results, or would I like to see my results sooner?
To achieve considerable fat reduction with CoolSculpting, you’ll likely need multiple sessions spaced a couple of months apart. It may be 4 to 6 months before you see your final results. Liposuction requires just 1 recovery period of about 2 months, though it is more intensive.
Would I be happy with subtle fat reduction, or am I looking for a more dramatic transformation?
If you have multiple fairly large pockets of fat you would like to reduce, liposuction may be your best option. However, if you have a couple of moderately sized area you’re looking to treat, CoolSculpting may be a quicker and more comfortable solution.
It’s important to remember that neither procedure is intended for weight loss. Both treatments should be paired with a healthy lifestyle for optimal results.
To see examples of the results you can expect, please visit our before-and-after photo galleries for CoolSculpting and liposuction.
If you would like to learn more about CoolSculpting and liposuction options here in Torrance, CA, please contact us online or call (310) 784-0644.
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