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CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction: What’s the Best for Me?4 min read

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Phillip Chang

Board Certified By The American Board of Plastic Surgeons. Voted Top Plastic Surgeon in Loudoun, Virginia. Offices in Leesburg, Virginia.
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I overheard two of my friends talking about a body contouring procedure one of them had just two months ago. They talked about the differences, pros and cons, and recovery time of liposuction and CoolSculpting. That got me thinking, what are these two procedures about, how many fat cells do either of them remove, and how can they help me achieve my aesthetic goals?

What Is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a nonsurgical procedure that uses below-freezing temperatures to ice up and break down the fat cells in a body area. This procedure involves no pain, as the CoolSculpting device numbs the treatment area. 

The majority of our patients reported no pain whatsoever, just a tingling sensation. This is why CoolSculpting does not require anesthesia. The entire procedure takes around one hour from start to finish.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as lipo, lipectomy, and liposculpture suction, is a procedure that sucks the fat out underneath the skin using a tool named cannula. The surgeon makes an incision through which the cannula is inserted. Because there is a need for an incision, local or general anesthesia is required. The surgery takes between one and two hours per treatment area. 

There are numerous ways to undergo liposuction, such as laser-assisted lipolysis, tumescent liposuction, and power-assisted liposuction.

CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction: Pros and Cons

When talking about medical procedures, there will always be pros and cons. This is why it is essential to conduct thorough research before choosing what is best for you.

#1: CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction: Procedure Approach

A significant difference between the two procedures is the approach. Liposuction has a more aggressive approach than CoolSculpting and can remove between 6 to 8 lbs of fat cells. This procedure can also move fat cells from one body area to another. People choose liposuction because of the large amount of removable fat cells and the dramatic results it provides. 

On the other hand, CoolSculpting has a nonsurgical approach. Because of this approach, people who can’t or want to avoid surgery are drawn to this procedure. But the amount of removable fat cells won’t be as high as through liposuction. Therefore, one or two extra sessions are necessary for your desired results.

#2: CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction: Recovery Time

The best feature of CoolSculpting is that there is no recovery time, and the procedure is noninvasive and nonsurgical. Some patients report minimal side effects, such as soreness, but nothing topical treatments can’t fix.

In comparison to CoolSculpting, liposuction asks for more recovery time. Depending on the liposuction procedure, you may have to spend the first night under medical supervision. Usually, it involves some support bandages, antibiotics, stitches, painkillers, numbness, swelling, and bruising. Depending on the patient, the journey towards full recovery will take about a month. Although the recovery time is consistent, the results will make it all worth it!

On the other hand, CoolSculpting has a nonsurgical approach. Because of this approach, people who can’t or want to avoid surgery are drawn to this procedure. But the amount of removable fat cells won’t be as high as through liposuction. Therefore, one or two extra sessions are necessary for your desired results.

#3: CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction: Cost

Because the procedures differ, their prices do as well. 

CoolSculpting prices depend on the plastic surgeon, the targeted area, and other factors. Usually, the cost of the procedure sits between $2,000 and $4,000. But, if you are targeting a smaller area, your costs will also be lower. 

The liposuction cost generally starts at $4,500.

#4: CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction: Treatment Areas

People choose CoolSculpting when they want to remove fat from a smaller area such as the neck or the arms. But no one stops you from using this procedure to remove fat from larger areas like your abdomen.

On the other hand, liposuction is perfect for the larger body areas because the procedure can remove up to 12 lbs of fat. In addition, liposuction does not require additional procedures.

Pros of CoolSculpting

  • Low risk of complications;
  • No recovery time, noninvasive, nonsurgical;
  • Costs between $1,000 and $4,000;
  • Removes around 20-25% fat.

Cons of CoolSculpting

  • In some cases, the results can take months to show;
  • Requires multiple treatments;
  • The tool used for the procedure can cause slight discomfort and pain.

Pros of Liposuction

  • Low risk for complications;
  • Results show quickly;
  • Can remove upwards to 12 lbs of fat cells.

Cons of Liposuction

  • A longer and more challenging recovery; 
  • Requires surgery;
  • The procedure can leave scars or marks.

CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction: What's the Best for Me?

It is essential to do your research before undergoing a procedure. Both CoolSculpting and liposuction are exceptionally effective at removing excess fat cells, but by informing yourself about the pros and cons, you can choose which will help you achieve more aesthetic goals. Always choose what is best for you! 

Are you considering a body contouring procedure? Come meet with us at Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center for a consultation before moving forward with surgery! Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Phillip Chang will determine if you are a good candidate for CoolSculpting or liposuction. If everything matches up, our team will help you navigate the entire process from beginning to end!

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Our office can provide you with helpful information, schedule a free consultation, and walk you through the many services and procedures we provide.

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