Liposuction and CoolSculpting® are the procedures used to eliminate fat deposits in targeted parts of your body to help you achieve the curves and contour you want. Although there are several methods for body contouring, two highly popular and effective procedures are liposuction and CoolSculpting®. These techniques embody the best of minimally invasive and non-invasive cosmetic treatments for removal of stubborn fat throughout the body.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure, requiring anesthesia, and tiny incisions that are closed with stitches. During a liposuction procedure, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rex Moulton-Barrett will sedate you using either local or general anesthesia. He will then make tiny incisions and then use a long and narrow tube called a cannula to suction away fat cells from the treatment area.
What is CoolSculpting®?
On the other hand, CoolSculpting® is completely non-invasive, although its results are limited when compared to liposuction. During this procedure, Dr. Moulton-Barrett will use a unique tool that cools down fat beneath the skin to its freezing point, which results in the death of fat cells. After a few weeks, your body will eliminate the dead, frozen fat cells via the lymphatic system. Results can take several weeks to months to be fully apparent.
Comparing Total Treatment Time
The liposuction surgical procedure takes between one and two hours, based on the size and/or number of areas receiving treatment. Liposuction achieves substantial results in just one treatment. This treatment does require downtime, and you will need to follow Dr. Moulton-Barrett’s advice and instructions, such as limiting activities and wearing a compression bandage. Most patients can go back to work in just a few days, but you will need two weeks before resuming normal strenuous activities.
CoolSculpting® does not require any downtime. One CoolSculpting® session takes around one hour. To get the best results, you will need several sessions spread out over a few weeks. Most individuals see final results after around three months after the last session.
Comparison of Results
The results for the two procedures are similar, but CoolSculpting® is limited in the degree of fat removal that’s possible. In any given treatment area, CoolSculpting® can remove up to 25% of fat cells, whereas liposuction is less hindered and can achieve more dramatic results. It is also important to note that neither of these procedures are weight loss solutions; they are simply ways to fine-tune your body’s natural curves.
Are You a Good Candidate for Body Contouring?
Most people are good candidates for CoolSculpting®. However, if you have a cold agglutinin condition, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, or cryoglobulinemia, you should avoid it.
On the other hand, if you have blood clotting issues or heart problems, you should avoid having liposuction. Pregnant women should also avoid liposuction.
Body Contouring in Alameda, CA
For expert advice and a personalized treatment plan, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rex Moulton-Barrett today. He can explain in detail what these procedures entail and can recommend a personalized body contouring plan based on your needs and recovery timeline. Call us today or contact us online to get started.