People who struggle to shed unwanted fat from problem areas like the abdomen, thighs, and flanks often seek aesthetic medicine to achieve their desired body shape. They find no matter what they try, getting rid of stubborn bulges like love handles or a belly pooch is nearly impossible.
Fortunately, Aesthetx Plastic Surgery, Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine offers two of the best surgical and non-surgical body sculpting treatments. Liposuction and CoolSculpting are excellent for patients wishing to resolve unwanted fat pads in troubled areas.
Liposuction Overview
Liposuction is a surgical procedure employing a hollow suction tube called a cannula to remove unwanted fat cells. The operation begins with one of our excellent surgeons injecting a diluted local anesthetic that contains medications to prevent bleeding into the area. Next, the surgeon inserts the cannula through tiny incisions placed near the treatment site in discreet easy to hide areas. A high-pressure vacuum extracts fat cells through the cannula, removing bulges in order to sculpt the body into more balanced contours.
Advantages of Liposuction
- Ability to remove substantial excess fat
- Yields dramatic results in a single session
- Can treat many areas that aren’t able to be treated with coolsculpting
- A more aggressive fat reduction
- Pairs well with other surgical procedures like tummy tuck and mommy makeover
Disadvantages of Liposuction
- One week recovery and downtime
- While rare, potential risks exist
- Possible post-procedure skin irregularities
CoolSculpting Overview
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical body shaping treatment designed to eliminate fat cells through fat-freezing technology. After an in-depth consultation with one of our Aestethx providers, you will come into the office and be marked and one of our highly trained medical assistants will apply a non-invasive applicator to the skin. This treatment will freeze fat cells in a targeted area without damaging adjacent tissues or organs. After CoolSculpting, the body naturally disposes of dead fat cells through normal metabolic processes. The outcome is a reduction of visible fat bulges. It is important to know that comprehensive treatments with multiple applications and repeated sessions over the course of several months is required to achieve optimal results. Our team specializes in these comprehensive consultations to be sure you get the maximum benefit from this non-invasive technology.
Advantages of CoolSculpting
- Non-invasive procedure
- Minimal risk, no anesthesia
- No downtime
- Optimal treatment for addressing small bulges
Disadvantages of CoolSculpting
- Multiple treatment sessions necessary
- Less dramatic results than liposuction
- The treatment area must be pinchable, with enough fat present to suction into the applicator
Cost Comparisons
Cost is a factor to consider for most patients. The cost of CoolSculpting or liposuction, like many other aesthetic treatments, differs from patient to patient due to unique body anatomy and cosmetic goals. CoolSculpting often requires multiple treatments, and we can provide an estimate of how many appointments you’ll need during your consultation. Therefore, the total cost of CoolSculpting is an aggregate of all treatment sessions. In contrast, liposuction is a one-and-done treatment per site, often resulting in a similar cost to CoolSculpting.
Sagging Skin Issues
Important note: Liposuction and CoolSculpting often cannot address issues stemming from loose tissues. Patients with those cosmetic concerns may require a surgical lifting procedure (like a tummy tuck) or manage with a laser procedure.
CoolTone is a new non-surgical treatment for toning, firming, and strengthening the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs.
Book Your Personalized Body Contouring Consultation
The experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons at Aesthetx will be happy to meet you and discuss your body goals. To learn more about reclaiming a shape you love, call (408) 559-7177 and schedule your private consultation today!
