If you’re seeking a solution to get rid of stubborn fat that won’t go away with diet and exercise, you’ve probably heard of two popular procedures: liposuction and CoolSculpting. Both procedures aim to eliminate fat, but they work in different ways. Understanding the key differences can help you decide which is better for you.
A systematic review in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2018) concluded that both procedures provide significant fat reduction, but liposuction offers more dramatic and immediate results, while CoolSculpting offers a non-invasive alternative with gradual fat loss.
To compare liposuction and CoolSculpting, you need to look at how each procedure works, their effectiveness, costs, risks, and recovery times.
Liposuction Explained
Liposuction is a surgical treatment for removing excess fat from specific parts of the body. A plastic surgeon inserts a thin tube (cannula) into the fat layer under the skin and suction out fat cells. A 2020 study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found that liposuction can reduce fat volume by up to 80% in treated areas, making it one of the most effective fat reduction procedures available.
It’s commonly used in areas like:
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Arms
- Back
- Chin and neck
Here’s how liposuction works:
- The surgeon makes small incisions into the skin.
- A saline solution or tumescent fluid is injected to release the fat and reduce bleeding.
- A cannula is introduced to suction out the fat cells.
- The incisions are closed, and healing begins.
Since liposuction permanently removes fat cells, the results can last long if you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Basics of CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting, also known as cryolipolysis, is a non-surgical fat reduction therapy that uses freezing temperatures to freeze and destroy fat cells. A 2015 study in Dermatologic Surgery reported that CoolSculpting can reduce fat by 20–25% per session, with results continuing to improve for up to 6 months.
It’s FDA-approved and commonly used on:
- Love handles
- Thighs
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Under the chin
Here’s how CoolSculpting works:
- A CoolSculpting device is positioned over the treatment area.
- The equipment freezes fat cells without causing damage to the surrounding skin.
- Over the next few weeks, the body normally removes dead fat cells.
Unlike liposuction, CoolSculpting does not involve surgery, making it a more convenient option for those who want a non-invasive approach.
CoolSculpting vs. Lipo: Breaking Down the Key Differences
CoolSculpting and liposuction both reduce fat, but they work in very different ways. Understanding their key differences can help you choose the right option for your body and goals.
Type
Liposuction is a surgical procedure, while CoolSculpting is non-surgical.
Fat Removal Capacity
In liposuction, it removes larger volumes, about 5-8 liters of fat, while CoolSculpting removes smaller amounts, about 20-25% per session.
Procedure
Liposuction suctions fat out using a cannula, whereas CoolSculpting freezes fat cells, which the body subsequently naturally eliminates.
Number of Sessions
In liposuction, you typically need one session, while in CoolSculpting, you are required to undergo multiple sessions.
Results
Liposuction causes immediate changes, with ultimate results noticeable in 3-6 months. CoolSculpting delivers gradual fat reduction over 2–3 months.
Anesthesia
Liposuction requires local or general anesthesia, whereas CoolSculpting does not require anesthesia.
Effectiveness
When comparing CoolSculpting and lipo, it’s important to consider how much fat you want to remove.
Liposuction is ideal for bigger fat deposits and more dramatic body shaping. It can remove up to 5 liters of fat in a single session. If you desire a more defined shape or need to eliminate a large amount of fat, liposuction is the best option.
CoolSculpting is ideal for minor fat reduction and can reduce fat by about 20–25% per treated area after a single session. If you only have small fat pockets and prefer a non-invasive approach, CoolSculpting may be a suitable option.
Safety and Risks
Both procedures are FDA-approved and generally safe, but they come with different risks.
Liposuction Risks
- Swelling and bruising
- Pain and discomfort
- Infection (though rare)
- Irregular fat removal (if not done properly)
CoolSculpting Risks
- Temporary numbness or tingling
- Mild swelling and redness
- Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (rare but possible, where fat cells grow instead of shrink)
Liposuction carries higher risks because it’s a surgical procedure, while CoolSculpting has fewer risks but may require multiple sessions for noticeable results.
Recovery Time
A big factor in choosing which is better, liposuction or CoolSculpting, is the recovery time.
When recovering from liposuction, you should relax for 1-2 weeks and engage in minimal physical activity. Bruising and swelling may last for a few weeks, and full results are visible within 3–6 months.
While in CoolSculpting, there is no downtime. You can resume work and normal activities right once, but slight redness or numbness may persist for a few days.
If you have a busy schedule and can’t afford time off, CoolSculpting may be the better option. However, if you’re looking for faster and more dramatic results, liposuction is worth considering.
Cost Comparison
The cost of liposuction vs CoolSculpting depends on the area being treated, the provider, and the number of sessions required.
Liposuction costs: $2,000 – $15,000 per area
CoolSculpting costs: $2,000 – $4,000 per area
Since CoolSculpting often requires multiple treatments to achieve noticeable results, the costs may add up over time. Liposuction, though more expensive upfront, provides immediate and long-lasting results.
Is CoolSculpting Better Than Liposuction?
If you’re wondering which is better, liposuction or CoolSculpting, it depends on what you want to achieve, your budget, and your tolerance.
Choose liposuction if you want to remove a lot of fat and shape your body more. It’s a suitable option if you’re okay with surgery and some recovery time. Liposuction gives long-lasting results in just one procedure, making it a great choice if you want faster and more noticeable changes.
Go for CoolSculpting if you have small fat areas that won’t go away with exercise. It’s a better option if you don’t want surgery and prefer a quick, no-downtime treatment. However, CoolSculpting takes a few months to show full results, so you’ll need to be patient.
The best choice depends on your goals, but lasting results come from maintaining positive habits like healthy eating and exercise. No matter which option you choose, consider it part of a larger commitment to your well-being.