Posted February 18, 2022 in Liposuction
When it comes to eliminating stubborn fat that’s resistant to dieting and working out, there are two main options to choose from: liposuction, which is surgery, and CoolSculpting, a non-invasive fat freezing treatment. If you’re looking for a sure-shot way of getting rid of stubborn fat pockets for good and want a maximum fat reduction, liposuction is the way to go. Liposuction and CoolSculpting can go hand-in-hand during your procedure as many still need liposuction after CoolSculpting. Keep reading to see which is a better procedure for you.
How Liposuction Eliminates Fat
The goal of liposuction is to permanently remove unwanted, resistant pockets of fat for a more contoured and streamlined body. Many patients prefer liposuction over the non-invasive option of CoolSculpting simply because CoolSculpting requires several sessions and can only eradicate a small amount of fat.
Liposuction is a surgical technique that uses suction to remove unwanted fat. It is better suited for larger areas of fat removal, like the stomach, for example. Also, once the fat is removed, it can be purified and transplanted into volume-deficient areas–if you choose to go this route. Patients who want to put their fat to good use after liposuction may opt to have fat grafted to the face, breasts, or even the butt.
Unlike non-invasive options, liposuction is surgery, and it requires an incision point and minor scarring. Your plastic surgeon can easily access the unwanted fat through these tiny incisions to permanently remove it.
Liposuction surgery can take a few hours to complete due to the anesthesia, prep work, and a recovery period. Most patients need liposuction just once to fully eradicate the fatty deposits, although additional surgeries may be necessary in some cases. The procedure can be done pretty much anywhere where persistent fat lives. The most common areas to treat are the stomach, waist, chin, bra line, banana rolls, and thighs.
Does Liposuction Hurt?
Nothing good comes all that easy, and even if you go the nonsurgical route, there will be some discomfort.
During surgery, you will be under anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel anything. However, once the anesthesia wears off, there may be some pain and discomfort along with bruising and swelling. The pain can last upwards of a few days to one week or so, and it can take one to three months for the swelling to resolve.
The Results
All types of fat-reducing treatments and procedures offer a benefit.
Liposuction, by far, offers the most dramatic result–and the fastest one, too. With liposuction, only one procedure is necessary, whereas multiple sessions are needed over a few months with a treatment like CoolSculpting. Remember, liposuction can suction out large volumes of fat, whereas a procedure like CoolSculpting uses freezing technology to kill only a select amount of fat cells. Some CoolSculpting patients need liposuction afterward to get the contour they ultimately desire.
You will see more sculpting and refinement with liposuction since your surgeon can manually and creatively extrude more fat, especially when removing fat from the stomach, arms, thighs, and chin.
Choosing the appropriate procedure for you comes down to the amount of fat to eliminate, the treatment area, how much time you can devote to the procedure, and what your plastic surgeon feels is best for you and your needs. However, it’s essential to know that no fat-reduction procedure, including liposuction, is intended for weight loss. Also, liposuction will not improve the appearance of cellulite or tighten loose skin–there are other more suitable treatments for those issues.
The Bottom Line
Liposuction is a viable, trusted solution for getting rid of stubborn pockets of unresponsive fat to create a better body contour. It is the gold standard for creating dramatic results since it removes significant amounts of fat for a more sculpted physique. Still, it is surgery and comes with the risks associated with all elective procedures and a recovery period.
It’s best to consult with your plastic surgeon before committing to either procedure to fully understand the pros and cons of each to make the most educated decision.
