Body fat is natural and normal. We all have a certain percentage of it, and there’s no right or wrong way to approach it. All that matters is that you feel good in the skin you’re in. For those interested in exploring sculpting and slimming treatments, there’s an ever-growing range of technology available, and their popularity is on the rise. In fact, in the US alone, the body fat reduction market is expected to reach $16.5 billion by 2025.
So, what are the options? Two of the most talked about are Coolsculpting and Liposuction; often compared to one another because they’re both effective treatments for targeting fat. However, these procedures are quite different – in terms of method and who they’re best suited to – which is why it’s a good idea to do your research before you choose one over the other.
Here, we reveal the key differences between Liposuction and Coolsculpting, helping you choose the right body-enhancing treatment. You can also speak to the Mallucci London team before or during your consultation about your options. We offer both treatments in our Chelsea clinic, and can advise on what will work best for you
1. Coolsculpting vs Liposuction: the goals they achieve
First up, what goals do you hope to achieve? Both treatments are designed to complement a healthy diet and exercise routine, helping to slim and sculpt your body in targeted areas. Because Liposuction is the more invasive treatment, we recommend it for more extensive reduction only. Otherwise, Coolsculpting is the perfect pick for gradually streamlining the parts of your body where you struggle to shift any excess fat, focusing on areas that are resistant to cardio.
2. Coolsculpting vs Liposuction: the process
Liposuction quite literally sucks fat away, which is why it’s best for treating higher levels of excess. However, it is classified as an ‘invasive’ treatment. Typically carried out with anesthesia or sedation, the surgery starts with the injection of a solution that breaks down fat, before a very fine cannula is inserted through a small incision. This is when the sucking begins. Once the fat has been removed, the area is sutured and surgical dressings are applied. In all, the process takes between one and three hours.
Meanwhile, Coolsculpting is the non-invasive option. Created by a team of Harvard scientists, it encourages the breakdown of fat cells using a process called ‘cryolipolysis’. Essentially, a freezing device is placed over the treatment area, encouraging the formation of tiny crystals that destroy the fat, so it can be eliminated through the lymph system. The extreme cold kills fat cells without harming your skin, slimming even resistant areas, such as the thighs or hips.
3. Coolsculpting vs Liposuction: the number of treatments
Liposuction may require just one treatment to reach the desired result, as it works in such a targeted, high-precision way. High levels of fat can be removed in a single session, whether that means reducing fat all over, or deftly shrinking and sculpting a specific spot.
With Coolsculpting, one treatment is usually enough to target a stubborn pocket of fat. However, if your practitioner feels you may need additional treatment to the same area this will be discussed at your consultation.
4. Coolsculpting vs Liposuction: when you see the results
With Liposuction you will see an improvement very early post-surgery, which will continue to improve for up to 3 months where you can expect to see 90% of your final result. Initial swelling can hide your sculpted figure, but once that settles down, you’ll notice a slimmed-down silhouette.
Coolsculpting results start to appear from four weeks after your first treatment, and will reach their optimum at 12 weeks.
5. Coolsculpting vs Liposuction: how long the results last
While Liposuction permanently removes unwanted, excess fat, that doesn’t mean new fat will stay away for good. That part comes down to you. It’s important to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine to maintain the results and, in doing so, you can enjoy your streamlined figure post-procedure. With Coolsculpting, the same is true; it destroys the fat cells forever, so you needn’t worry about resistant areas coming back. The good news (for both treatments) is that if you do gain weight, you’ll notice it’s distributed more evenly, rather than gathering in those formerly-stubborn areas you targeted.
6. Coolsculpting vs Liposuction: the downtime and recovery
Downtime after Liposuction can vary from one person to the next. Depending on the size of the treatment area, it may take a few days or weeks to completely heal. Take a break from strenuous exercise for up to three weeks post-Lipo, however we encourage you to keep mobile i.e daily walks. You can expect some bruising and swelling, in time, this will go down to reveal your slimmer, sculpted silhouette.
Good news; because it’s non-invasive, Coolsculpting requires zero downtime. You can get up and leave the clinic, without the treatment having any impact on your day. There may be a little bruising, swelling or itching in the treatment area, but this will subside quickly – no need to clear your calendar.
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