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Advancements in cosmetic surgery make it more and more possible for patients to get a satisfying, long-lasting reduction in body fat.
While surgical liposuction has long been the go-to treatment for those looking to eliminate localized pockets of unwanted fat, it is no longer the only option.
CoolSculpting® is a highly effective body contouring treatment that uses controlled cooling to freeze and damage fat cells without harming the surrounding, healthy tissue. This process is completed without any considerable pain or need for a numbing agent.
At this point, you are probably asking yourself, “Well, if CoolSculpting® can do all this, why would I still need liposuction?” or “How much fat can CoolSculpting® actually remove?” or “What is the cost of CoolSculpting® versus liposuction?”
We understand that there is a lot of confusion and misinformation out there regarding these two treatments. Fortunately, no matter the kind of cosmetic goals you wish to achieve, there is a body contouring technology that can help you get your dream physique.
How Much Fat Can Liposuction Remove Versus CoolSculpting®?
The effectiveness of both procedures will vary from patient to patient, depending on many factors that Dr. Mabourakh’s office will discuss during your consultation.
Liposuction techniques can be applied to large areas of the body like the abdomen, legs, arms, and back. It can also be used on smaller areas, such as the neck and jawline.
CoolSculpting® can also be used to target many of the same areas, such as the abdomen, flanks, hips, thighs, and neck.
So, which of these body contouring treatments is right for you?
Both of these procedures will suggest that you be near your ideal weight before undergoing treatment; however, liposuction might give you a little more wiggle room. This is because liposuction can safely remove much more fat than CoolSculpting®.
Traditionally, liposuction can remove up to five liters of fat at a given time depending on your overall health, BMI, and fat volume. This translates to roughly 10 pounds—or one dress size.
CoolSculpting® eliminates up to 25 percent of targeted fat cells in the treatment area, which is still a considerable amount, but not as much as its surgical counterpart. Often, CoolSculpting® patients will need to have a BMI of 30 or lower to achieve optimal results.
Dr. Mabourakh’s office will accurately gauge what fat reduction technique is right for you during your consultation.
How Do Liposuction and CoolSculpting® Differ From Weight Loss?
Both liposuction and CoolSculpting® are FDA cleared and scientifically proven to target fat deposits that will not go away with diet or exercise. Although liposuction and CoolSculpting® are powerful methods for contouring the body, neither can they help you lose significant weight nor are they clinical weight-loss procedures.
Even though weight loss and cosmetic body contouring attempt to achieve similar results, they are not the same.
When you lose weight with traditional weight loss practices, you are shrinking the fat cells but not changing the number of cells. When you undergo liposuction or CoolSculpting®, you are physically reducing the number of fat cells present in the treatment area.
Because you are removing or destroying fat, there is a limit on how much fat can be removed during a fat reduction treatment, such as liposuction or CoolSculpting®.
If a patient is overweight or obese, Dr. Mabourakh may recommend that the patient lose some weight before undergoing CoolSculpting® or liposuction.
Does Liposuction Cost More Than CoolSculpting®?
While it can be challenging to estimate the average costs for procedures like these, it is a general rule of thumb that surgical procedures cost more than non-surgical ones. This cost difference is often because surgery is more intricate and requires more skill and technique, but it is also because surgery provides more significant results.
Is the Recovery Time for CoolSculpting® Better Than Liposuction?
There is zero downtime for CoolSculpting® patients, and you can return to your normal daily activities immediately after the procedure. Side effects like mild redness, tenderness, and numbness usually resolve within a few hours.
Because liposuction is more invasive, your body will require more attention during the healing process. Dr. Mabourakh will provide you with compression garments, prescriptions for medication, and instructions on caring for your incisions.
Most patients can return to work after a few days, but they will have to limit their physical activities for about a week.
Have More Questions About the Differences Between Liposuction and CoolSculpting®?
Dr. Mabourakh is consistently at the forefront of advanced techniques like CoolSculpting®. If you have any more questions regarding its similarities and differences from liposuction and other forms of fat reduction, please contact our Folsom office at (916) 984-8585, our Stockton office at (209) 464-5656, or fill out our contact form.
