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Smart Lipo vs. CoolSculpting

Are you fed up with stubborn fat that refuses to go away despite your best efforts with diet and exercise? Fortunately, there are a variety of fat-loss procedures available that can produce remarkable results. SmartLipo (also known as laser lipolysis) and CoolSculpting (also known as cryolipolysis) are the two most well-known procedures for permanent fat removal. But how do they stack up? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each body contouring procedure? Here, we’ll talk about the costs, effectiveness, outcomes, and side effects. Both liposuction and Coolsculpting treatments are effective at reducing excess fat and improving body contouring, but there are significant differences between the two cosmetic procedures to consider. Smart Lipo vs. Coolsculpting: Which is the better option for you?

What Is SmartLipo?

Smart Lipo is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive procedure that has been shown to remove stubborn fat and tighten skin. It is also known as laser liposuction, and it is primarily used for body sculpting to produce a smoother, more natural appearance. A local anesthetic and small incisions are required for gentle liposuction. A fiber optic laser is inserted into the incision through a small tube called a cannula. This device’s laser energy then liquefies fat cells.

During liposuction, unwanted fat is suctioned from the treatment areas and permanently removed to improve the body’s contour. Laser liposuction can treat large areas of the body, such as the abdomen and back, as well as smaller areas, such as the double chin and upper arms. The laser’s heat also serves a dual purpose by stimulating collagen production, which tightens sagging skin.

Other procedures are frequently used in conjunction with SmartLipo. Some of our patients decide to transfer their excess fat to other areas, such as the face (for a facelift) or the buttocks (for a Brazilian Butt Lift).

We also provide Renuvion® skin tightening, which uses plasma energy to contract your skin’s collagen and tone fat deposits. This ground-breaking minimally invasive procedure shrinks and sculpts mild to moderate sagging skin. It is considered a non-surgical alternative to a tummy tuck when combined with liposuction on the abdomen.

What Is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses precisely controlled cooling to target fat cells beneath the skin gently and effectively. Cryolipolysis is another technique for fat reduction that can be used because fat cells freeze at a higher temperature than surrounding tissues. During the treatment, the treated fat cells crystallize (freeze) and die. Your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates dead cells over time, resulting in a more shapely appearance.

While you relax in a chair, the CoolSculpting device is placed on your target areas to deliver controlled cooling to the skin’s surface. They deliver extreme cold to the deep fatty layer using specially designed vacuum applicators that mold around your body’s contours. Most areas of the body with “pinchable” fat, such as the abdomen, love handles, thighs, and arms, can be treated this way.

Who Is a Good Candidate for SmartLipo vs. CoolSculpting?

If you’re in good health, you’re a likely candidate for both treatments. Patients who decided between Smart Lipo vs. CoolSculpting typically have an area or two of stubborn fat that diet and exercise alone are unable to eliminate. They may also want to improve their overall body shape. It’s important to note that neither procedure is a weight-loss solution.

The following are some additional factors to consider when deciding whether you are a good candidate for each procedure. This is not an exhaustive list, and other conditions may prevent someone from undergoing these procedures. During your consultation, we will perform a comprehensive health assessment.

Who Is a Good Candidate for SmartLipo?

Aside from being in good health, an ideal SmartLipo candidate is someone who:

  • Is at or near their ideal weight
  • Has good skin elasticity
  • Has reasonable expectations and is confident in their ability to maintain their weight

Laser Lipo may not be the best option for you if you:

  • Take certain medications regularly, such as anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
  • Have a history of heart disease, pulmonary or heart conditions, immunodeficiency disorders, seizure disorders, or deep vein thrombosis
  • Have thin skin or poor skin elasticity that can lead to dimpling and sagging skin

Who Is a Good Candidate for CoolSculpting?

A good candidate for CoolSculpting is a healthy individual who:

  • Is at or near their ideal weight and has small, soft, pinchable fat deposits in the target area
  • Has good skin elasticity
  • Has reasonable expectations and is confident in their ability to maintain their weight

CoolSculpting might not be the best option for you if you:

  • Suffer from cold sensitivity
  • Have a medical condition like lymphoma, a neuropathic condition, or a clotting disorder
  • Have a hernia or a skin condition (such as eczema or psoriasis) in the targeted treatment area
  • Have thin skin or skin with low elasticity

Comparing Laser Liposuction and CoolSculpting

We consider your body goals and lifestyle when deciding between SmartLipo and CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting is unique in that it is completely non-invasive, requiring no anesthesia, needles, or incisions. SmartLipo is a minimally invasive procedure that requires no stitches and uses local anesthesia. Other important factors to consider include side effects, recovery time, and cost.

Number of Treatments Required

SmartLipo can be completed in a single 3-hour treatment session, depending on the size of the treatment area. On the other hand, CoolSculpting treatments can be performed on 1-8 treated areas, and sessions typically last 45 to 60 minutes. If additional sessions are required, they are scheduled 1-3 months apart.

Side Effects

Mild pain, swelling, and bruising are common side effects of the SmartLipo procedure. Scarring is minimal, and proper aftercare will help you reduce the likelihood of scarring.

Redness, swelling, bruising, aching, pain, or a tugging sensation in the treatment area, and temporary skin sensitivity are all common side effects of CoolSculpting.

Effectiveness

While both treatments are effective at reducing fat, the amount of fat that can be removed varies. SmartLipo, for example, can remove up to 90% of subcutaneous fat in the treatment area. CoolSculpting can remove 20-25% of fat from specific areas.

Results and Duration of the Results

Because the fat is removed completely during the procedure, most patients see the results of SmartLipo right away. Certainly, after one week, the procedure’s results are visible, and your new body has begun to take shape. The skin will continue to tighten, with the final results visible in 4-6 months.

It takes longer to see results from CoolSculpting. Because fat cells must metabolize, it can take up to three weeks to see results. Since multiple CoolSculpting sessions may be required, final results may take 3-6 months to materialize.

Recovery

Most patients require a long weekend of recovery time after laser liposuction and are back to work in 3-4 days. During your recovery period, you will also need to wear a compression garment for 1-4 weeks to help your new body shape and reduce swelling. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that requires no downtime and allows you to resume your normal activities immediately.

Cost

The cost of SmartLipo and CoolSculpting varies greatly depending on the size and number of treatment areas. The average cost of laser lipo  is $3,000-$5,000 per treatment area but can cost up to $10,000 depending on geographic location and if other costs and fees are not included in your quote. A CoolSculpting treatment plan can cost between $2,000 and $4,000. It’s always a good idea to get a personalized treatment plan and make sure your proposed price includes all procedure-related costs.

Smart Lipo vs. CoolSculpting: Which Is Right for You?

When deciding between liposuction and CoolSculpting, there are a few key questions to consider:

What are your treatment goals?

CoolSculpting is intended to treat specific areas of fat, so it’s ideal for reducing one or two stubborn fat bulges. The majority of people can anticipate a mild to moderate improvement in the treatment areas. However, multiple CoolSculpting sessions may be required to achieve the desired results. Changes will not be noticeable right away, and it may take 1-3 months to see results.

SmartLipo, on the other hand, allows patients to treat excess fat over large areas and remove a significant amount of fat, resulting in a more dramatic change in body contour with just one session. The procedure produces visible results within a week. Liposuction can also be combined with other procedures like natural breast enhancement, Brazilian Butt Lift, Renuvion skin tightening, and facelifts.

How does your lifestyle align with the recovery time needed?

Because CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure, there is no downtime, and you can resume your normal activities immediately. Patients will also experience minimal discomfort and a low risk of complications.

While recovery from liposuction is usually quick, it does necessitate a long weekend of rest. Following your surgical procedure, side effects may last up to a month. It’s important to note that the recovery time is also affected by the number of body areas treated and the amount of fat removed.

Schedule a Complimentary Body Contouring Consultation Today

At Smart Lipo Philadelphia | The Lumen Center, we offer liposuction exclusively for body contouring procedures. While CoolSculpting is effective, the results of fat reduction are minimal. SmartLipo, on the other hand, can produce an excellent, natural-looking result for larger and multiple areas. Furthermore, SmartLipo is appropriate for more patients, whereas CoolSculpting is appropriate for patients with only minor bulges or areas.

To learn more about SmartLipo, contact Smart Lipo Philadelphia | The Lumen Center today to schedule a free consultation. Dr. Andrew Kwak, the founder and renowned cosmetic surgeon, approaches body contouring procedures holistically and artistically. We’ll talk about your goals, questions, and concerns during your free consultation. We’ll learn about the specific areas you want to target as well as your lifestyle to create a personalized plan that will give you the best results possible.

During your consultation, you’ll also learn about our unrivaled support from pre-surgery to post-surgery. Our goal is to ensure that you are prepared for and comfortable with your cosmetic surgery procedure at all stages. You’ll have a series of follow-up appointments and will be able to communicate with your care team to ensure that you’re healing. We’ll be there for you every step of the way on your body contouring journey.