Liposuction Vs. Coolsculpting
Everything You Need To Know

It’s no secret that everyone wants to look their best, especially here in the DFW. However, even with a low-fat diet and regular exercise, some people may have a little difficulty reaching their aesthetic goals. It’s okay, staying in great shapes is not as easy as they make it look on television.

One of the most common reasons people turn to plastic surgery is because of excess body fat.
There are two types of procedures that reduce fat; Liposuction and Coolsculpting. But which one is better?

Read on to learn the similarities and differences between Liposuction and Coolsculpting.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves stitching, cutting and anesthetizing. A surgical team may use a local anesthetic such as lidocaine, or they will use a general anesthetic. Oftentimes, it can be done as an outpatient procedure and usually only requires one session.

What is Coolsculpting?

Coolsculpting, or cryolipolysis, is a non-invasive medical procedure that removes extra fat cells from underneath your skin. This procedure can eliminate up to 25 percent of fat cells in any given part of the body. Coolsculpting is always done as an outpatient procedure with each session taking about an hour. You may need to have a few more sessions that are spaced out at least a couple weeks.

How are the procedures different?

With a Coolsculpting procedure, a plastic surgeon or board-certified medical professional trained in Coolsculpting will use a device that cools down fatty areas to a freezing temperature. After the initial treatment, the body will naturally eliminate the dead, frozen cells through the liver. There is no recovery period after each session. Patients usually see results within a few weeks after one session and after a few months, will a patient see the final results.

On the other hand, Liposuction is a more invasive procedure, but it’s also supposed to be easier than its cell chilling counterpart. A plastic surgeon will make a small incision in the designated fatty area. Tumescent fluid may be used as well. The cannula is inserted to remove the fat. The recovery period for liposuction is only a few days, however, it may take two to four weeks before the patient can resume strenuous activity. In addition, it can take up to several months to see final results.

How are these procedures the same?

Liposuction and Coolsculpting both have the same goal; to reduce the amount of fat in a person’s body. Both procedures will not improve the appearance of any loose skin.

What are the side effects of both procedures?

Just like with any sort of procedure, whether it’s surgical or non-surgical, there are side effects.

Here are the possible following side effects of Liposuction:

Swelling
Risk of skin infection
Discoloration of the skin
Internal puncture wounds
Temporary or permanent numbness
Abnormalities in the shape of the skin such as lumps
Heart or kidney problems caused by the changes in body fluids
Fat embolism – an emergency that releases a clot of fat into the lungs, bloodstream or brain

Below are the following possible side effects of Coolsculpting:

Aching
Pain
Stinging
Temporary bruising
Redness
Swelling
A pulling sensation on the procedure site
Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia – A rare condition that can cause fat cells to expand rather than be eliminated.

It’s worth noting that a few of these side effects for both procedures are very rare, however, it’s important to have medical clearance prior to having any either one performed.

Am I a suitable candidate for liposuction?

Both men and women can improve their physical appearance with liposuction. However, a patient with cardiac risk factors, blood clotting disorder and pregnant women need to avoid liposuction.

Suitable Candidates for Coolsculpting

Coolsculpting is generally safe for most people. However, it’s not recommended for people with blood disorders.

Coolsculpting can cause many complications for people who have the following disorders:

Cryoglobulinemia – The presence of abnormal proteins within the blood.
Cold Agglutinin Disease – A very rare type of autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system destroys its own red blood cells.
Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria – An extremely rare subtype of anemia that is caused by the presence of cold-reacting antibodies in the blood after being exposed to cold temperatures.

Ultimately, only you and your plastic surgeon can determine which treatment is best for you. Are you able to take time off work for the recovery period? Do you prefer to undergo a minimally invasive procedure? These are just two of questions you should be asking yourself prior to deciding. Above all else, you need to ensure along with a medical professional that you are a suitable candidate.

Calista Laser professionals are licensed and experienced. Not only do we have the medical credentials and training that deliver real results, but our staff is hand-picked for personal qualities that provide the nurturing environment that fosters your Wellness.

For a conversation about Coolsculpting in Dallas, TX give us a call at 817-488-3838 or if you’d like us to reach out to you contact us and we will give you a call.

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