Is laser liposuction or CoolSculpting right for me? How many sessions will I need for each? (Photos)

Hello @UBurch, thank you for your question. Your surgical plan could include laser liposuction and modified tummy tuck to tighten the abdominal muscles. Cool sculpting is an innovative, non-invasive way to reduce fat with subtle results. Although it may not be the most effective choice for every situation. Best wishes. Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Hello UBurch,

Thank you for your question regarding whether laser liposuction or Cool Sculpting is suitable for you and the number of sessions you might need for each.

I appreciate the details and pictures you shared. From your images, I would not recommend Cool Sculpting. A complication that can arise with Cool Sculpting is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, which results in excess scarring post-procedure. Addressing this may necessitate a tummy tuck to eliminate the internal scars. This complication might be what Linda Evangelista experienced.

For you, Laser or VASER liposuction seems to be the preferable choice. This method will efficiently remove surplus fat while optimizing skin contractility. Likely, you will require just a single VASER liposuction session, with a recovery period spanning 2 to 3 weeks. Depending on the areas of focus, there will be between 3 to 5 incisions, each under 1 cm in size. Typically, these scars can be conveniently concealed beneath clothing. While you mentioned seeking the "best noninvasive procedure," it's essential to understand that all liposuction types are indeed invasive. Liposuction is not categorized as "non-invasive."

I hope this helps. I wish you the best of luck.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thank you for sharing your photos. From your photos it looks like you are a good candidate for Laser Assisted Liposuction. Laser Lipo to your abdomen and flanks can give you a nice improvement to your waistline and more definition. The cost is comparable to CoolSculpting but the results are more reliable. Coolsculpting often does not work and can occasionally cause paradoxical adipose hyperplasia PAH. The Coolsculpting company would like people to believe that PAH is a rare occurrence but it is not rare.

Hi, when you say "laser liposuction" are you referring to laser assisted liposuction such as Smartlipo or a non-invasive laser lipolysis such as Sculpture? In my experience, Coolsculpting removes more fat than laser lipolysis. Of the non-invasive laser lipolysis devices, the Sculpture seems to work the best. Coolsculpting does have the risk of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia PAH. This is rare but, the fat can actually get bigger with Coolsculpting. For these reasons, I prefer minimally invasive out patient liposuction. Power assisted liposuction can give excellent, predictable results with minimal down time when performed by an experienced doctor. You do not necessarily need laser assisted unless you remove a lot of fat and need skin tightening to avoid loose hanging skin. I prefer Renuvion for the skin tightening. If you have a good doctor performing out patient liposuction, this will give you the best results and possibly save you money by not having non-invasive procedures then going for the liposuction anyway.

Dear UBurch,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Coolsculpting does not always work and does not actually remove fat. Liposuction will actually remove fat and is done with very small incision.

Nice posted photos. But non surgical or very minimal surgery options like CoolSculpting and or Smart Lipo are a waste of time and $$$s. You need aggressive under anesthesia liposuction to achieve the appearances you want.Plus you would recover in 10 days! Fee $5,000. Vs multiple sessions over 6 months for CoolSculpting. And Smart Lipo under local anesthesia a real joke. Best to be seen in person or virtual with...

There are four variables that determine what someone’s abdomen looks like. Choosing the correct procedure should be based on having a clear understanding of what the problem is. Before variables to determine what the abdomen looks like our abdominal skin, laxity, access, subcutaneous, fat, muscle separation from previous pregnancies and exes, visceral or intra-abdominal fat.
Muscle, separation and skin laxity are usually due to previous pregnancies and the correct treatment for those is usually a full tummy tuck. If someone does not have muscle separation and has a bulging abdominal wall, and there’s generally indicates the presence of excess visceral fat. Visceral fat can only be reduced with weight loss and will not be improved with either Liposuction or cool sculpting. Cool sculpting is generally an ineffective way to reduce subcutaneous fat. Based on your picture, it does not appear that you have thick layers of subcutaneous fat, but I have a bulging abdominal wall. If you don’t have previous pregnancies, then most likely, visceral fat is the culprit and weight loss is the only option to get a flat abdomen.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD