CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction: Which One is Best?

Do you remember that goal bikini you have sitting in the drawer? Well, this summer is your time to finally pull it out! Why? Because both CoolSculpting and liposuction can help you gain that toned tummy you’ve always wanted. 

While each procedure works phenomenally to flatten your midsection (and other areas), some people lean toward one or the other. Our surgeons and aesthetic professionals at Southlake Plastic Surgery & Medspa always strive to steer our patients in the right direction to reach their goals, meaning you will get the best fat reduction treatments in Southlake. 

If you’re deciding between CoolSculpting vs. liposuction, keep reading and hopefully we’ll help make the choice a little bit easier. 

Why is it so hard to target fat loss? 

Oftentimes people turn to either invasive and non-invasive body sculpting procedures to get rid of stubborn fat because they’ve struggled with getting rid of fat on their own. If you’re one of those people, you’re definitely not alone. 

Here’s the truth: When burning fat at the gym, you’re not actually destroying fat cells; you’re simply shrinking the ones you have. 

From infancy to about your mid 20s, the number of fat cells in your body increases. After that, the number typically won’t change (fat cells may increase if you gain a significant amount of weight). So if you’re noticing some extra pudge and unwanted fat, it’s because the fat cells you have are expanding. 

While fat cell growth can be due to genetics, how much energy you consume versus burn also plays a major role. When you eat too many calories without burning them off, that unused energy gets stored into your fat cells.

Here’s another kicker: you cannot target fat loss with diet and exercise. 

When you eat in a caloric deficit and workout on a regular basis, you will notice fat loss (and you should be proud of yourself!). However, where you lose fat depends on your genetics. No amount of salads and crunches will give you a six-pack right away, and you might find that your legs and arms get thinner before your stomach does. 

Fortunately, there are procedures that can actually target fat and take it away from your body for good. Combine that with healthy habits and you’ll find that you can maintain your new slim figure for years and years!

What is CoolSculpting? 

 

CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis technology to target, freeze, and destroy fat cells throughout your body. CoolSculpting results in a 25% reduction of fat cells each time the area is treated; therefore, the best results occur after a series of treatments (typically 2 to 3).

Your Guide to CoolSculpting in Southlake →

The idea behind this non-invasive procedure isn’t new. In 1970, scientists noticed that kids who ate popsicles lost fat in their cheeks. Coined “popsicle panniculitis,” the phenomenon led to the discovery that lipid-rich fat cells were more susceptible to cold injuries than the water-rich cells that surround them. As a result, the freezing cold temperatures of CoolSculpting can eliminate fat cells without harming the surrounding tissue. Once those fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good! 

CoolSculpting works great for your:

• Stomach
• Buttocks
• Thighs
• Muffin tops
• Chin
• And more!

During the procedure, excess fat is sucked into a cooling device that freezes fat cells. Of course safety always comes first, so the device comes with a built-in safety mechanism that shuts down the device if the skin gets too cold. 

A huge benefit of CoolSculpting is that it is a fairly painless fat-reduction treatment. Initially, you may feel some intense cold, but that goes away after 5 to 10 minutes once the area numbs. As the device goes over the treatment area, you may also experience a tugging, pulling, or a mild tingling sensation. Still, you won’t experience any intolerable pain or discomfort.

After your treatment (or series of treatments for the best results) you may not notice the results right away. That is because it takes the body time to get rid of the dead fat cells. However, after about 6 to 8 weeks you’ll start seeing your dream physique peak through, with the best results showing around the three month mark. 

Warning: Many people turn to at-home cryolipolysis devices that claim to work the same way as a professional CoolSculpting procedure. However, that is simply not true. At-home devices usually include ice or other frozen materials with the idea that running something cold over the area will lead to fat loss. In all actuality, you’re just freezing your skin. True cryolipolysis requires suction to keep in the fat in place; otherwise, the cells will retreat when the temperature gets too cold. To avoid adverse effects like pain, frostbite, and even tissue damage, it’s best to always stick to a professional CoolSculpting procedure instead of a DIY treatment. 

What is liposuction?