Although liposuction has long been considered to be the gold standard in fat removal, there’s another treatment option that has piqued the interest of many individuals who are bothered by unwanted bulges of fat. CoolSculpting is an innovative, non-surgical treatment that uses freezing technology to eliminate surplus fat from various body areas.

Dr. Robert Young is pleased to offer both liposuction and CoolSculpting to patients who wish to sculpt and slim their physiques. Here, he discusses the benefits and limitations of each procedure.

Treatment Areas

Liposuction can treat stubborn bulges of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise including on the abdomen, flanks, thighs, buttocks, lower legs, back, upper arms, chin and neck. CoolSculpting is FDA-approved to treat fat bulges in the chin, thigh, abdomen and flanks, underneath the buttocks, on the upper arm, and around the bra (“bra fat”).

Procedure

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis at an accredited surgical center. General anesthesia or local anesthesia is typically administered during treatment to ensure the patient feels no pain during surgery. During liposuction, Dr. Young injects a tumescent solution into the treatment area, which causes the fat to firm and blood vessels to swell. He then makes several small incisions and uses a cannula (thin, hollow tube) to break up the fat before removing it using gentle suction.

CoolSculpting can be completed in Dr. Young’s MediSpa . No anesthesia, injections or incisions are required with CoolSculpting. Patients are able to relax, nap or use their tablet/smartphone during the procedure. Dr. Young’s MediSpa team will place the bulges of fat in between the two panels of the CoolSculpting machine. The panels will deliver controlled cooling to the fat cells until they crystallize (i.e., freeze). The frozen fat cells will die and they will be naturally eliminated from the body over the next few weeks.

Recovery

Liposuction patients will need to take one to two weeks off of their normal routine (i.e., work or school). Physical activities, including exercise, will be off limits for the first few weeks of recovery, in order to allow the body to heal properly. Side effects include swelling, soreness, and bruising. While the initial results will be noticeable immediately after liposuction, it can take up to six weeks for residual swelling to disappear and the full slimming effects to become visible.

CoolSculpting does not require downtime and patients are free to return to their regular activities immediately after. Discomfort is minimal and minor redness, bruising and numbness are temporary. Most patients notice initial results as soon as three weeks after treatment, once the body begins to flush the frozen fat cells from the body. The final results are typically noticeable after two months. Most patients require several sessions to see their desired results.

Which One Is Right for Me?

Ultimately, the best body contouring procedure for you will depend on several factors including your cosmetic needs, treatment areas and goals. Dr. Young can meet with you for a personal evaluation and consultation. To schedule an appointment and discuss your body contouring goals, please call (210) 496-BODY (2639) today.