Body contouring has taken the beauty world by storm and it’s not hard to see why. Everyone wants to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin, and sometimes, we all need a little help getting there. CoolSculpting and Liposuction happen to be two of the most popular body shaping procedures. If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering what these treatments are all about, this article offers some insights.
What is CoolSculpting?
What exactly is CoolSculpting? This is a fat-freezing method that aims to get rid of unwanted fat cells. When excess fat cells are exposed to cold temperatures, they break down and are naturally flushed out by your body over time. About 400,000 CoolSculpting treatments were performed around the world in 2019 alone.
One of the best things about CoolSculpting is that it is non-invasive. You can literally pop in for a session and be back to your daily routine in no time. And the best part? No need for anesthesia. So, if you’re the type who wants results without the risks of surgery, CoolSculpting might just be what you need.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a procedure that plastic surgeons use to suction out unwanted fat from specific areas of your body. Picture it as a precise vacuum for your pesky fat pockets.
Here’s how it works: a small incision is made, a thin tube called a cannula is inserted, and it starts working its magic by suctioning out the fat. Pretty straightforward, right? In 2019, liposuction clinched a spot as the second most popular cosmetic surgical procedure, with a whopping 270,000 procedures done just in the U.S. alone.
But why do so many people opt for it? The benefits are hard to ignore. With liposuction, you see immediate results. We’re talking “walk out of the clinic and already feel the difference” kind of immediately. Plus, it’s perfect for those looking to remove a larger amount of fat in one go. And let’s not forget its versatility – from your abdomen to thighs, to even under the chin, liposuction has got you covered.
Liposuction vs Coolsculpting
Both liposuction and coolsculpting sound like excellent body contouring procedure choices, but how do they stack up against each other?
- Duration and procedure time – CoolSculpting sessions typically last about 35-60 minutes per treated area. Think of it as your lunch break. On the flip side, liposuction, being a surgical procedure, takes a bit longer, usually a couple of hours, depending on the areas you’re addressing.
- Pain and recovery – with CoolSculpting, you might feel a cold sensation and some tugging. Post-treatment, you could experience some redness or minor swelling, but most folks jump right back into their routines. Liposuction, however, is a bit more involved. You might need a few days or even weeks to fully recover, depending on the extent of the procedure. Swelling, bruising, and some discomfort are typical post-op feels.
- Results and timelines – CoolSculpting’s results gradually appear as your body processes the frozen fat cells, usually peaking around 2 to 6 months post-treatment. How about the outcome of liposuction? Way more immediate, although it can take a few weeks or even months for the final shape to settle as the swelling goes down. Studies show that whether you opt for CoolSculpting or liposuction, patient satisfaction rates are soaring. However, keep in mind that results can vary. Your body is unique, and how it reacts might be different from your best friend’s or that influencer you follow on Instagram. Choosing the right procedure boils down to your personal preferences, goals, and how you feel about the recovery downtime.
- Safety and Risks – both CoolSculpting and liposuction have earned their stripes in the safety department. They’ve been around, they’ve been studied, and when done right, they’re safe procedure options. But, just like trying a new workout or sampling that funky-looking dish from the new café, your body might react in its own quirky ways. Speaking of reactions, let’s peek at some common side effects. With CoolSculpting, temporary redness, a bit of swelling, and some light bruising might pop up. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, that was new!” As for liposuction, you might experience some more pronounced bruising and swelling, and there’s also the possibility of scars where the incisions were made. However, with the right care and a skilled surgeon, these usually fade and become less noticeable over time. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, both procedures have impressively low complication rates, especially when performed by a seasoned, board-certified plastic surgeon.
- Cost Consideration – CoolSculpting, the non-invasive option, costs between $2,000 and $4,000 per session. Liposuction, a surgical alternative, ranges from $3,500 to $10,000. These figures will vary based on the clinic’s location, surgeon’s experience, and specific treatment areas. You might be wondering, “Is it worth the cost?” Beyond the monetary investment, consider the potential increase in self-confidence, the comfort in your appearance, and the long-lasting results. Both procedures yield enduring effects in that once those fat cells are removed – they don’t come back.