Liposuction vs. CoolSculpting®

Nothing is more frustrating than committing to a healthy diet and a regular exercise regimen, only to have stubborn fat deposits that will not go away. Unfortunately, under these circumstances, your hard work may not always pay off the way you wish it would. Traditionally, the final and surest measure against persistent fat deposits was traditional liposuction, a surgical procedure that removes fat cells from beneath the skin. However, a non-invasive alternative is gaining popularity today: CoolSculpting®.  If you have stubborn fat deposits in the waist, thighs, hips and belly that you would like to eliminate, both of these methods of fat removal offer unique advantages that may appeal to you.  We encourage you to schedule a consultation with Minneapolis plastic surgeon Gregory Mesna to find out if liposuction or CoolSculpting® will best meet your needs.

Liposuction

The fundamental difference between liposuction and CoolSculpting® is the necessity of incisions. For our patients in Minneapolis, liposuction requires small incisions in the treatment area. A local anesthetic is applied before surgery to ensure your best possible comfort. A special tool called a cannula is inserted through the incisions, reaching the layer of fat cells beneath the skin. The cannula is moved gently back and forth, loosening the fat cells. Next, the cells are suctioned out from under the skin through the cannula. Afterwards, you can expect some downtime. The exact duration of your downtime will depend on the extent of your treatment. You may also need to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and help your skin conform to your new, leaner figure. However, the results will be immediately apparent.  Some scarring will result from the small incisions required in this procedure, but they are quite minimal, and by avoiding sunlight and using sunscreen, you can expect them to fade substantially.

CoolSculpting®

CoolSculpting®, on the other hand, requires no incisions. Instead, a special hand-held device is applied to the treatment area. It requires no anesthesia. This device is able to freeze fat cells, while leaving surrounding tissues unaffected. Treatment takes about an hour, and involves no downtime. Your body will slowly begin to dispose of the treated fat cells. After about three months, the effects should become fully apparent. One CoolSculpting® treatment typically reduces fat at the treatment site by 20 to 25 percent. If you wish to lose more fat, and Dr. Mesna determines that you are able to safely do so, you may undergo additional treatments to achieve an even leaner body contour.

Schedule a Consultation

We provide both of these fat reduction procedures to patients. If you wish to eliminate stubborn fat deposits in a hurry, liposuction may be your best option. However, if you are averse to undergoing an invasive surgical procedure that will require some downtime, the use of anesthesia, and leave minimal scarring, you may be better served by the CoolSculpting® procedure.  We can help you weigh the different advantages of both procedures, and determine which treatment will best fit your lifestyle. For example, if you do not have time to rest and recover following liposuction, you may be a better candidate for CoolSculpting®. Contact our practice today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Mesna.