Body contouring procedures are an excellent way to remove excess fat and slim down the body. CoolSculpting® and liposuction are two of the most popular choices at our Guilford, CT, practice, but how can you tell which one is right for you?

While one is a nonsurgical procedure, and the other isn’t, many patients are still unsure of the differences between each option. In this blog post, we’ll outline the benefits of each treatment option so you can make a more informed decision.

How CoolSculpting works

CoolSculpting is a nonsurgical, noninvasive body sculpting procedure. It works by targeting fat deposits with a specialized cooling panel that freezes away fat cells. It is an excellent option for patients who want to treat small, “pinchable” areas of fat without the need for surgery. CoolSculpting can be used on parts of the body such as:

• Upper arms
• Inner thighs
• Lower abdomen
• Bra line
• Flanks (or “love handles”)

There is no downtime required after CoolSculpting so patients can return to work or home immediately after treatment. Each CoolSculpting session takes around 1 hour to complete, depending on the number of areas being treated.

How liposuction works

Liposuction is a classic procedure for trimming curves and sculpting the body. This surgery is performed by inserting a thin tube (called a cannula) into the treatment area to help break up and suction out unwanted fatty tissue. Liposuction can be used in many different areas of the body like:

• Arms
• Back
• Abdomen
• Flanks
• Thighs

Liposuction also pairs well with other surgeries and is often used in combination procedures like mommy makeovers.

Patients may experience swelling or slight discomfort for about 2 weeks after surgery, but they should be fully healed by 6 weeks post-op.

Choosing what’s best for you

CoolSculpting and liposuction are each used to treat the same kind of problem: stubborn fat deposits that won’t go away with diet or exercise. However, patients may be more suited to one procedure than the other, depending on their goals and comfort level with surgery.

CoolSculpting is a nonsurgical procedure that usually costs less than liposuction, but its results are more subtle and develop over a longer period of time. Liposuction is a traditional surgery and more of an investment, but it can create more dramatic, noticeable contours. Your surgeon will be able to walk you through your options and help you decide which procedure is right for you. By working together with your surgeon, you can craft a body contouring plan that will help you achieve your goals.

Any cosmetic treatment is always a very personal decision. By learning about your options, you can make a knowledgeable choice that helps you feel more confident. Browse our CoolSculpting and liposuction before-and-after photos to see examples of real patient results. If you’re interested in either procedure, request a consultation online or call our Guilford, CT, practice at (203) 689-5295.