Liposuction vs. CoolSculpting®

As leaders in body contouring, Schaffer Plastic Surgery offers a suite of fat removal technologies that can help our patients achieve desired results. We offer both surgical and non-surgical solutions for stubborn fat and work together with our patients to help them choose the best treatment for their unique goals. When considering the benefits and outcomes of liposuction versus CoolSculpting®, it is crucial to understand the similarities and differences of each procedure.

Permanent Fat Removal Via Liposuction or CoolSculpting®

Yes, it is true—liposuction and CoolSculpting® remove fat permanently, and this is one of the few similarities between the two procedures. It is important to understand that we are born with a finite number of fat cells which simply become larger when we are not eating nutritiously or exercising adequately. When these cells are removed, they do not grow back. Even though liposuction and CoolSculpting® work differently to rid the body of bothersome fat cells, they ultimately achieve this common goal. Since remaining fat cells can continue to become larger, it is essential to continue exercising and eating healthily to maintain results. Neither liposuction nor CoolSculpting® are substitutes for proper eating and exercising, and they are not alternatives to weight loss or treatments for obesity. 

How Liposuction Works 

Traditional liposuction has been improved through the development of power-assisted liposuction, which is used at Schaffer Plastic Surgery. This breakthrough technology allows for an easier, gentler surgical procedure that works by removing unwanted fat through cannulas (thin, hollow tubes) inserted through small incisions strategically placed for fat extractions in targeted areas. Rather than moving the cannula back and forth through the fatty tissue, power-assisted liposuction uses a special cannula that breaks up fat cells with tiny vibrations. This allows them to be suctioned more easily out of the body and paves the way for faster healing and minimal scarring. Power-assisted liposuction is conducted by our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Christopher Schaffer, while patients are asleep under general anesthesia. 

How CoolSculpting® Works

CoolSculpting® works non-invasively through a process called cryolipolysis, also known as “fat freezing,” which permanently kills fat cells. During a CoolSculpting® treatment session, an applicator adheres to an area of your body where excess fat exists to initiate the cryolipolysis process. Once fat cells reach the point of freezing, the cells die and are naturally eliminated by the body through the lymphatic system in one to three months or more. Typically, patients can resume normal activities immediately after a CoolSculpting® treatment. A series of treatments is usually needed to achieve desired results. 

Is Liposuction or CoolSculpting® Best for Me? 

A key difference between liposuction and CoolSculpting® is that liposuction is an invasive, surgical option that requires about a week of downtime, while CoolSculpting® is non-invasive and can be done during a lunch break. Another differentiating factor is that liposuction is better suited for treating broader areas of bothersome fat, while CoolSculpting® is best for treating focal pockets of fat. If you want your results to appear almost immediately, liposuction is a better choice, as CoolSculpting® results can take up to three months to fully appear. At your body contouring consultation with Dr. Schaffer, he will answer any questions you may have and share his expert opinion on which option or combination of treatments would be best for you. 

Achieve Personalized Results with a Combination of Treatments

Another great reason to choose Schaffer Plastic Surgery for body contouring is you will have an entire suite of body contouring options to choose from in order to achieve your goal results efficiently and effectively. In addition to CoolSculpting® and power-assisted liposuction, we offer SculpSure®, fat grafting and tummy tucks (abdominoplasty). These body sculpting and fat reduction options can be combined for a truly personalized plan.

Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Schaffer to learn more about how you can achieve a shapelier physique through various body contouring options.