Compare CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction
| CoolSculpting | Liposuction | |
| Procedure | A non-surgical and noninvasive procedure called cryolipolysis that freezes and removes extra fat cells. | A surgical procedure where small incisions are made around the treatment area. Fat cells are loosened and vacuumed out. |
| Cost | The average cost of CoolSculpting® is $3,200. | According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons the average cost of liposuction is $3,637 (not including OR, anesthesia, and other fees). |
| Possible Side Effects | Temporary bruising, redness, skin sensitivity, and swelling. | Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, scars, inflammation of the treatment area. |
| Recovery Time | Little to no recovery period. | Recovery takes about 3 to 5 days. |
| Common Areas Targeted | Abdomen, back, upper arms, thighs, under the chin, below the buttocks | Abdomen, back, love handles, upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and neck |
| Effectiveness | CoolSculpting can eliminate up to 25% of fat cells in the targeted area. | Liposuction can remove more fat per area depending on the patient’s goals. When desired, liposuction can be combined with fat grafting to move fat from one area of the body to another. |
CoolSculpting Procedure
CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared non-invasive body contouring treatment that utilizes cryolipolysis technology to eliminate areas of excess fat.
CoolSculpting gently reduces the number of fat cells in the targeted area, ridding the body of the cells permanently. It is a non-surgical option that typically takes a few sessions to complete.
Some typical areas CoolSculpting is performed are:
- Under the chin
- Upper arms
- Back and bra bulges
- Upper and lower abdomen
- Waist and flanks (love handles and muffin top)
- Hips
- Under the buttocks
- Inner and outer thighs
- Distal thigh (the fat pad above the knee)
Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction is a very common body contouring procedure performed at the Plastic Surgery Center at Williams.
This procedure involves fat removal in specific problem areas with small tubes (or cannulas) connected to a vacuum aspiration device.
Liposuction is not performed for weight loss. But, the surgery can make it appear as though patients have lost a significant amount of weight.
Liposuction also reduces the net number of fat cells, making it more difficult to gain weight again in the treated areas.
Some typical areas liposuction is performed are:
- Abdomen
- Waist
- Back
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Lower legs
- Knees
- Upper arms
- Area under the chin
- Neck
- Chest
Which Option is Best For Me?
If you are looking for a significant difference in your body composition, and are comfortable with an invasive procedure and the recovery time associated with it, liposuction is a good option because of its more permanent results.
For those looking for mild-to-moderate fat loss with a non-invasive procedure, CoolSculpting is a good option. CoolSculpting is also typically the cheaper option.
Cost of Liposuction vs. Cost of CoolSculpting
Liposuction at the Plastic Surgery Center at Williams costs from $7,500 to $11,000, depending on the number of areas treated. This cost includes anesthesia, surgeon’s fees, and operating room fees.
CoolSculpting at the Rejuva Center costs from $2,000 to $4,000.
How Long Do Results Last?
Liposuction Results
Liposuction results are permanent, as long as patients do not have significant weight fluctuations after surgery.
Patients who gain a significant amount of weight after liposuction will accumulate fat.
CoolSculpting Results
Since CoolSculpting kills fat cells, results are long-lasting. To maintain results, patients should adhere to a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen.
Recovery
Liposuction Recovery
In the days following a liposuction procedure, patients should expect pain, swelling, and bruising in the areas that were treated. Pain medications are typical for a few days, and then most patients rapidly become more comfortable, though every patient’s healing schedule is unique.
Patients should wear a support garment for six to eight weeks after the procedure. Once the swelling has resolved, the effects of the surgery will be easier to see.
CoolSculpting Recovery
With CoolSculpting, there is little to no recovery time.
Occasionally, patients will experience redness, minor bruising, tingling, numbness or discomfort in the treated area(s). These typically are resolved fairly quickly.