Many patients come to Dr. Fugo Plastic Surgery and Laser Skin Care Center looking to rid themselves of unwanted fat. To help patients battle the bulge, Dr. Fugo offers two approaches to fat reduction at his New Windsor practice: Surgical liposuction and Non-surgical CoolSculpting. While the two share the same ultimate objective of slimming and contouring, they do so using two very different methods. Thus, they vary in how the fat is reduced.
Surgical or Non-Surgical?
As a surgical procedure, liposuction is the more aggressive of the two. Liposuction is performed through small incisions, generally 3-4mm in length and is performed under anesthesia. In contrast, CoolSculpting is a non-invasive treatment—requiring no incisions, injections, or anesthesia. As such, CoolSculpting tends to be the preferred method for most individuals looking for fat reduction. That said, many of our patients opt for liposuction as they want the benefits of more immediate or more dramatic results than can be accomplished with CoolSculpting. Still, others undergo liposuction as a combined procedure, such as enhancement of the breasts or buttocks. Many more improve the results of the liposuction further with a simultaneous tummy tuck.
What Areas Are Treatable?
Taking advantage of a variety of cannulas and techniques, Dr. Fugo is able to perform liposuction seemingly anywhere excess fat is present, including the face and neck, arms, back, chest (commonly known as gynecomastia treatment for men), the abdomen, flanks, and thighs.
With multiple applicators, CoolSculpting can address many of the same areas as liposuction. However, its specifically sized suction-cup like applicators can be somewhat limiting as to the volume of fat that can be removed with any single treatment. CoolSculpting is most effective for stubborn, isolated pockets of fat including double chin, love handles, lower belly bulge, inner thighs and saddle bags.
How Many Treatments?
Liposuction is typically performed as a single treatment, taking one to two hours. Depending upon the treatment area and how much fat is being addressed, CoolSculpting can take several treatments to obtain the desired result.
What Is the Expected Downtime?
Following liposuction, Dr. Fugo recommends patients take on average three days off from work to recover. It is important to remember liposuction is a surgical procedure and you must care for it as such. With that in mind, most patients are able to fully resume their everyday activities after about three weeks.
CoolSculpting, on the other hand, has no downtime. While you may experience some mild soreness or numbness of the treated area, neither will interfere with your normal activities. Most of our patients return to their routine immediately following their CoolSculpting session.
Dr. Fugo Will Assist You in Deciding Whether Liposuction or CoolScupting Is the Better Fat-Reduction Treatment for You
Ultimately, both liposuction and CoolSculpting are equally effective at getting rid of unwanted fat. Which is the better choice for you is a decision best made with the help of a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Fugo. Dr. Fugo will help you make the best decision based on your health, your body, and your goals.
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