Diet and exercise are key factors in helping people attain their ideal body image, but many encounter certain areas of their body where fat deposits just won’t budge. From stubborn post-pregnancy belly fat to thick thighs and larger-than-desired derrieres, these localized deposits lead many to seek out help in the form of cosmetic surgery.
Liposuction has long been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, but recent advances in body contouring treatments have brought about a new line of nonsurgical alternatives like CoolSculpting and Body FX. With so many options out there, it can sometimes be difficult to choose between fat reduction approaches. Take a look at the information below to help you decide whether liposuction or noninvasive fat reduction is right for you.
The basics
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves inserting a small, hollow tube into the area of concern and suctioning out excess fat cells.
Nonsurgical fat reduction procedures eliminate unwanted fat through topical methods. There are many nonsurgical treatments out there that use a variety of modalities, including radiofrequency technology, and special devices that cool fat cells to the point of death without harming the surrounding tissues.
The head-to-head match up
Both liposuction and nonsurgical fat reduction are effective body contouring procedures that eliminate diet- and exercise-resistant fat cells, but there are several things to consider before deciding on a certain treatment method:
Comfort
If you are looking for a gentle treatment that causes minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, then nonsurgical fat reduction is the way to go. Since liposuction is surgical, it can cause soreness, bruising, and swelling in the treatment area.
Recovery time
As with many surgical procedures, you will have restrictions on your normal activities for up to 10 days after liposuction, and the full recovery period can last up to six weeks. There is no extended healing period with nonsurgical fat reduction, so you can get back to your busy schedule almost immediately.
Results
Liposuction results can be dramatic once the swelling goes down. The majority of swelling is typically gone within 6 weeks, although final results are not apparent until 6 months after the procedure. Noninvasive fat reduction treatments may not be as noticeable right after treatment, but results gradually become visible in the following weeks.
Making the final decision
Liposuction may be right for you if:
- You have larger deposits of excess fat or multiple areas that you would like reduced at the same time.
- You want to see more immediate dramatic results in problem areas
Noninvasive fat reduction may be right for you if:
- You are already at your ideal weight
- You have good skin elasticity
- You want to target smaller trouble spots
- You prefer less downtime
When it comes to achieving your ideal body shape, you can count on the expert services of the certified cosmetic surgeons at Island Plastic Surgery. Our professional team will walk you through each of our body contouring procedures until you find the method that suits you best.