Soon Bello vs CoolSculpting?

SonoBello is a trademarked brand of minimally-invasive (meaning local anesthesia with sedation rather than general anesthesia) surgical procedures, including various forms of liposuction. This is usually provided by a plastic surgeon operating at a SonoBello facility. Typically, surgeons work for SonoBello to obtain the benefits of their national marketing/advertising, and this in turn helps the doctor "fill" a schedule that s/he is otherwise unable to fill via their own skill, experience, or personal marketing. Meaning . . . you usually get less skill and experience. (Why work at a SonoBello center if you're busy in your own practice?)Cool sculpting is a non-surgical procedure that removes fat by freezing tissues, and taking advantage of the fact that fat cells die more easily than nerves, blood vessels, and skin, since these structures get frozen as well. And that is why there is pain, paradoxical swelling or scar formation in some patients, and inability to treat some areas or provide artistic sculpting. Sort of funny it's called "Cool Sculpting" when the procedure is more gross removal than true sculpting. Still, it works, has lots of national marketing clout, and is offered by Spas, Dermatologist who call themselves "cosmetic surgeons," and some plastic surgeons' offices as well.(I have looked at potentially adding Coolsculpting to my practice for many years. It's getting better, and does fill a niche for those who want non-surgical fat removal, but has some substantial downsides, chief among them the difficulties noted above, plus the significant cost of the machinery. Yet I have been performing Vaser liposuction/hi-def liposculpture--yes, I know, more marketing names--for over 20 years, and although this is real surgery requiring anesthesia, our TIVA outpatient procedures still offer substantially better results than either of these two options. There's a reason my partner and I don't want (or "need") to offer these options, and it's not because we can't. See first paragraph above!)I agree with seeing an expert. That would be an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon who can offer "real" plastic surgery, not minimally-invasive operations learned in weekend courses taught by other non-plastic surgeons and performed by "cosmetic surgeons" whose surgical training has little or nothing to do with plastic surgery. Dermatalogic physicians are experts in many of the non-surgical options if that is the way you want to go. Many of the results are pretty good as well, if performed by someone truly experienced in the technology chosen. Too often, its simply a non-surgeon offering the "latest and greatest" box with fancy names and national marketing campaigns. Be careful before you spend your money. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Thank you for your question! Both of these procedures involve the destruction of fat cells permanently, however Coolsculpting is a non invasive procedure with minimal downtime that destroys the fats cells through Cryolipolysis or freezing of the fat cells. Liposuction is an invasive procedure where the fat cells are removed by inserting a cannula into the treatment area and suctioned out. Both procedure are an effective way to achieve your desired results and should be performed by a trained and certified professional. 

CoolSculpting is a technology that uses controlled application of cold temperatures to selectively kill fat cells beneath the skin.  It is a very useful and controllable technology which can provide excellent results with no down time and minimal risk.  In my practice CoolSculpting is only performed by providers with advanced training in the technique as there is an artistic aspect to its performance.  Sono Bello is a franchised cosmetic surgery brand which primarily performs laser assisted liposuction.  It does not refer to a specific technique.