If you’ve been thinking about body contouring, you probably already know the big differences between liposuction (a surgical procedure that breaks up and removes unwanted fat) and the newer CoolSculpting® method (a nonsurgical treatment that cools fat cells, causing them to die off).
But just knowing what these procedures are all about isn’t necessarily going to help you determine which one’s right for you. So here’s the “skinny” on some ways you can determine whether liposuction or CoolSculpting® will be best to achieve the results you really want.

Think about Scale

No, we’re not talking about that pesky thing next to your shower! By scale we mean the extent of fat tissue you want to address. For larger volumes of fat in several areas of the body, liposuction may be the best option for you. If instead you are focused on refining the appearance of just a few “trouble spots,” CoolSculpting can provide great results without surgery.

Note Your Timeframe

If you are thinking about a body slimming procedure to get ready for a big event such as a wedding or reunion, make sure you are planning enough time to achieve your goals before the big day. Liposuction provides more immediate results, while CoolSculpting® generally takes several months to deliver final results, as your body naturally removes the treated fat cells. On the other hand, CoolSculpting® does not require the downtime associated with liposuction.

Talk with a Surgeon

In all honesty, the absolute best way to determine which of these body sculpting methods is right for you is to talk with a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers both options. Yeah, it may not be as easy as scouring the internet looking for advice, searching for anecdotes, and studying photos of patients who have a body shape a lot like yours, but scheduling some time with a plastic surgeon can be well worth it. You’ll have an in-depth evaluation and get the opinion of a trained medical professional who can guide you toward the best approach. So find an expert in both body contouring options and schedule a visit to learn more!