It used to be that there was just one method of fat cell removal: a good, old-fashioned liposuction surgery. Now, as technology and medical science continue to advance, there are many different approaches to permanent fat removal. Both the CoolSculpting and SmartLipo procedures are among this new class of liposuction treatments. How do they compare? Is there really a difference? And which procedure is the best choice for you?
All About CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting technology is a new addition to the liposuction treatment team, but it is also one of the most unique. It is a noninvasive technique designed to target and eliminate areas of fatty tissue from the body in one hour and without a long recovery period. This unique approach can be used to eliminate fatty tissue from the abdomen, upper back, lower back, flanks, arms, thighs, and even male breasts.
The procedure is conducted using Cryolipolysis, a technique that employs cold temperatures to freeze the deep layers of fat cells. These cells will slowly die and the body will metabolize them, flushing them away permanently. The beauty of CoolSculpting’s technique is that the surrounding healthy skin and tissue will remain unharmed, so it is safe to use this procedure almost anywhere.
A CoolSculpting body contouring treatment begins with the patient relaxed on a chair or table, positioned so that the machine can access the target area. The Coolsculpting applicator is placed with a paddle on either side of the fatty tissue. These paddles will deliver extreme cold to the deep fatty layer, but will not cause any pain for the patient. No anesthesia or sedation is used for the treatment and most patients are comfortable enough to read a book, take a nap, or work on a laptop while the CoolSculpting machine is working.
All About SmartLipo Triplex
SmartLipo Triplex is another newer technique in the world of liposuction, but it is surgical in nature. Using laser energy to permanently remove unwanted fat, SmartLipo provides many great benefits to patients who don’t want the recovery time and risks associated with traditional liposuction. It is an ideal choice for prospective patients who have good skin tone overall but are troubled by specific pockets of fat on the body, such as the love handles, saddle bags, bat wings, and muffin tops. SmartLipo is safe to use on many areas, including the abdomen, back, breasts, buttocks, hips, knees, thighs, upper arms, cheeks, chin, and neck.
A SmartLipo procedure is a surgery, so it is performed using local anesthesia and sometimes sedation, as needed. The surgery begins with small incisions at the treatment site, through which a very small tube is inserted. A laser fiber attached to this tube is then used to emit laser energy that will liquefy nearby fat cells. Through the tube, your surgeon will suction out this melted fat, removing it permanently from the body. While the laser is working, it will also trigger the production of collagen growth in the skin cells, encouraging them to tighten. You may see some of your results right away, but the full effect is visible once the swelling subsides and the collagen has had time to grow.
Comparing the Procedures
It’s hard to compare two procedures that are so different in their tactics and approach. Yet, both CoolSculpting and SmartLipo Triplex are designed to achieve the same end result: fat cell removal. In doing so, they do have their similarities and differences.
CoolSculpting offers many benefits to patients, including permanent removal of fatty tissue. There is no recovery time, no anesthesia, no pain or discomfort, and almost no risks to the CoolSculpting procedure. One downside is that your CoolSculpting results will take up to 16 weeks to fully appear, as the body will gradually remove the dying fat cells over time. Still, there are no incisions involved in this unique approach to permanent body transformation.
While a SmartLipo Triplex procedure is surgical in nature, it still offers much less pain and discomfort, faster results, and a shorter recovery time than a traditional liposuction. Most patients are able to return to work and normal activities within just two to four days following their procedure. SmartLipo also adds the benefit of tightened skin, eliminating the loose and saggy skin that sometimes results from liposuction.
Discover Which Treatment Is Right for You
Choosing between CoolSculpting and SmartLipo to remove your unwanted fatty deposits is ultimately up to you. When making your decision, consult with a plastic surgeon specializing in body contouring who has experience with body techniques. At Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, your consultation will include a VECTRA 3D Imaging demonstration, which allows your surgeon to project your results using real photos of your body. This is a valuable tool that might help you decide if the nonsurgical CoolSculpting will be enough to achieve your desired results or if SmartLipo Triplex will be worth the recovery time. Remember that it’s up to you which procedure best suits your needs, so get as much information as you can about both treatment options.
Learn More About Your Treatment Options
To learn more about the different types of liposuction, contact Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, where Dr. Ran Rubinstein can help you to achieve the surgical results you desire.
Renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Ran Rubinstein at Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Newburgh, New York. Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists is the only specialty plastic surgery practice in the Hudson Valley area with an on-site joint commission certified surgical suite.
Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein has been in practice in the Hudson Valley for more than 14 years. He combines his medical and surgical expertise for a holistic approach to patient care. Dr. Rubinstein holds dual board-certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. He is an Assistant Professor at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.
To contact Dr. Rubinstein, please call 845-863-1772. Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists is located at 200 Stony Brook Court #2 in Newburgh, New York.
