More and more people are seeking non-surgical solutions for their aesthetic concerns, including stubborn body fat. Dr. Sheena Kong is proud to offer CoolSculpting as a non-surgical treatment option for San Francisco patients who seek to eliminate stubborn fatty deposits. A common question Dr. Kong hears from these patients is, “What is the difference between CoolSculpting and liposuction?” Many of these patients also ask, “What benefit does CoolSculpting have over this traditional fat reduction treatment, if any?” In this blog post, Dr. Kong discusses the many benefits CoolSculpting has over liposuction.
Procedure
CoolSculpting is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it does not require injections, incisions or surgery, unlike liposuction. The procedure is performed in Dr. Kong’s office while liposuction must be performed on an outpatient basis at an accredited surgical center. Liposuction requires injecting a wetting solution into the treatment area and making incisions in order to insert a small cannula to break up the fat. During the procedure, patients are placed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the method of liposuction used.
On the other hand, CoolSculpting does not require anesthesia. During treatment, Dr. Kong’s patients are awake and do not feel any pain. Patients are free to relax, nap, read or use their tablet or smartphone. During the procedure, Dr. Kong will use a special handpiece to freeze the fat cells in the target area. The frozen fat cells are then naturally eliminated from the body during the next few weeks, resulting in a slimmer and more attractive physique. Depending on the treatment area, CoolSculpting can be completed in as little as an hour while liposuction may take several hours to perform.
Recovery
CoolSculpting does not entail any downtime. Patients are able to return to work immediately after their treatment. Liposuction, on the other hand, does involve downtime; patients should expect to take one to two weeks (or more in some cases) off from work. Side effects are minimal with CoolSculpting and can include redness, minor bruising, tingling or numbness in the treatment area. These side effects typically dissipate within a few days after treatment. Like all surgical procedures, liposuction comes with potential risks and complications, including infection, scarring and excessive bleeding.
Results
Initial results with CoolSculpting are noticeable after about three weeks, while the final results may take up to two months to show. For liposuction, it can take up to a year for the final results to become visible, as it takes time for swelling to subside. Results with both CoolSculpting and liposuction are considered to be permanent. In case of future weight gain, the weight will be more evenly distributed throughout the body.
Schedule Your CoolSculpting Appointment Today
Are you interested in learning more about CoolSculpting, including whether it can help you achieve the slimmer, sexier body you want? Dr. Kong will gladly answer your questions and discuss your aesthetic concerns and goals with you during a one-on-one consultation. To contact Dr. Kong please call her Downtown San Francisco med spa practice at (415) 673-7600.
