Finding it hard to lose those last few kilos even after dieting and regular exercise? It’s not uncommon to have stubborn pockets of fat that simply won’t shift no matter how restrictive you are with carbohydrates or how many HIIT classes you attend a week.
If you’re worried about your persistent fat bulges chances are you have considered cosmetic surgery. Cosmos clinic https://www.cosmosclinic.com.au/ says the two of the most popular and effective fat reduction procedures available are Liposuction and CoolSculpting. Here, we take a look at both treatments to help you determine whether cosmetic surgery will address those problem areas and help you achieve a slimmer figure.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure that destroys fat cells through a freezing technology known as cryolipolysis. During the treatment, a vacuum applicator is placed on top of your skin in the area you want to reduce the fat such as your love handles or tummy. Controlled cooling is delivered through the CoolSculpting applicator to expose and kill the stubborn fat deposits. The fat cells are then eliminated naturally and permanently by the body’s immune system.
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat reduction treatment that can be completed within an hour. Throughout the procedure you’ll be relatively comfortable with only some mild discomfort felt in the initial stages when the skin is first exposed to the cool temperatures. During the treatment, you’ll be able to read, work on your laptop or even sleep the time away before returning to your usual activities.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes stubborn fat cells from the body through the use of a cannula and suction technology. Depending on your needs and the results you desire, there are several different types of liposuction methods including Traditional Liposuction, Vaser Liposuction and Vaser Hi-definition Liposuction.
All liposuction procedures require you to have a form of anaesthetic and discretely placed incisions to allow for the removal of fat from the targeted areas. Where the liposuction procedures differ is the technology used and the results.
Traditional liposuction, for example, uses a suction method only whereas Vaser Liposuction uses ultrasound-assisted energy to break up and melt the fat cells for gentle removal and precision. Vaser Hi-definition Liposuction also uses ultrasound technology but is more suited for those with an already slim figure who desire a muscular and contoured aesthetic.
Key differences between Liposuction and CoolSculpting
The main differences between the two fat reduction cosmetic procedures lie in the technology, the recovery and the results.
Procedure & technology:
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure whereby an applicator is positioned on top of the skin and transmits cool temperatures. The freezing technology, known as cryolipolysis, destroys the fat cells before they are naturally excreted by the body.
Liposuction, on the other hand, is a surgical procedure that requires incisions to be made in the targeted areas for the excess fat cells to be suctioned out of the body and discarded.
Recovery:
CoolSculpting is a walk-in, walk-out procedure that requires no downtime. You’ll be able to return to work and your usual activities, including exercise, immediately. You may experience some slight redness or mild bruising, however, this typically disappears quickly.
As a surgical procedure, you’ll require more recovery time after liposuction. After a Vaser Liposuction procedure, you may experience some minimal discomfort, including swelling and mild bruising, for up to five days post-treatment. This may persist a little longer should you choose Traditional Liposuction.
After any Liposuction treatment, you’ll be required to wear a professionally-fitted compression garment and attend lymphatic massages to aid healing, encourage skin retraction and minimise swelling.
Results:
CoolSculpting and Vaser Liposuction are considered the most effective cosmetic treatments to remove excess fat cells that have failed to respond to a healthy diet and exercise. However, the overall results of the procedures do differ.
Firstly, as a non-surgical procedure CoolSculpting can only remove about 20% of fat per treatment area. This means you are likely to require 2 to 3 treatments to achieve the results you desire. At an average of 80-90%, Liposuction can remove a much greater amount of body fat at one time with patients typically requiring only one procedure. Depending on the targeted areas, small and large volumes can also be removed. This means you can treat larger areas such as the tummy and inner thighs or smaller sites such as the neck or cheeks.
Secondly, unlike CoolSculpting, Liposuction allows for body contouring to enhance your natural shape. This is beneficial if you wish to accentuate your curves and waist, for example, or expose your abdomen muscles.
Which procedure is right for you?
Determining which procedure is right for you will depend on a few factors:
- The amount of fat you wish to remove;
- Your expectations and desired results;
- Your willingness to undergo surgery.
Both CoolSculpting and Liposuction may be the answers to your excess fat problem and free you of restrictive dieting. However, if you’re willing to undergo surgery and endure slightly longer recovery, Liposuction typically yields superior results.