Fat Removal and Body Contouring Smartlipo Versus Coolsculpting

By David E. Berman, MD

Berman Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Care Center

. http://www.bermancosmeticsurgery.com/

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Fat Removal and Body Contouring Smartlipo Versus Coolsculpting

Smartlipo and Coolsculpting are both effective forms of fat reduction, so let's look into the differences between the two, so you as a consumer can make the best choice for you.

Coolsculpting is a non-invasive procedure where special paddles are placed on fatty areas, cold temperatures travel through the skin, and the cold temperature damages the fat cells. At that point the fat cells begin to die off and a certain amount of fat is lost and does not return. Since the procedure is completely non-invasive, there is no down time, no pain and minimal risks.

Smartlipo is a minimally invasive procedure where a fiber optic laser fiber is inserted through a very tiny incision and direct contact is made with the fat cells. The heated laser beam instantly melts the fat cells. The area is numbed up fully so that you do not feel heat or discomfort. Since it is done in the office, you can go home immediately.

With Smartlipo, many patients take oral sedation, which means they should not drive or do any important work that day. However, some patients take no sedation and can drive themselves to and from the procedure and can work from home for the rest of the day. Patients can shower and go back to work the next day. There is very little risk or complications from having Smartlipo.

Patients should educate themselves and check out both websites to compare to see which is the best treatment for them. Coolsculpting may have some limitations for some patients because it has to pass through the skin without damaging it, and then penetrate the fat but not so deeply as to damage the muscles or organs under the fat. Then your body gradually removes the fat over time. Of course, the main advantage is that it is effective and completely non-invasive. It also is reported to cost less than Smartlipo.

With Smartlipo, the physician removes the fat through liposuction, after the laser has melted it. This allows, in some cases, more fat to be removed at one time, and the results take less time to see. Of course, the disadvantages are that it is invasive and is reported to have a higher cost.

In addition, since Coolsculpting is non-invasive, it may be an option for those patients on certain medications that they cannot stop such as aspirin and other blood thinners (you would have to check this with your doctor).

Each patient is different and has specific needs that require personalized care. You can see how each of these procedures has advantages. It is best to meet with a board certified plastic or cosmetic surgeon to discuss the differences and see which one works best for your needs.