CoolSculpting or Lipo: which one gives better results on the love handles?

Question

I made up my mind. I am doing something about my love handles! Now what I am struggling with is coolsculpting or lipo. The problem with coolsculpting is that I read for some people it has not made any improvement. On the before and after pics I see that lipo is the one that produces the best results.

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank-you for your questionOur office offers both liposuction (tumescent, ultrasonic assisted, laser assisted), which is a more invasive surgical procedure involving liposuction and the non-invasive alternative Coolsculpting. Liposuction involves more of a recovery and is prefered for larger volume of fat reduction and cases where more areas are treated.  CoolSculpting is a great, FDA-approved non-invasive alternative for fat reduction of the abdomen and flanks. Coolsculpting relies on Cryolipolysis due to the fact that fat cells are more sensitive to cold than are other tissues.  This technology can is best suited a means to produce reduction in inches when the issue is a few extra pounds. We utilize the new Cool Advantage applicators which are much more comfortable and reduce treatment time to 35 minutes.  We currently have 4 Coolsculpting machines and can offer "Dual Sculpting" which further reduces the treatment time.  It can be used safely for off-label treatment of the upper arms, inner/outer thighs, bra-strap area, chin, and above the knees. The advanced cooling technology selectively targets and eliminates fat cells gently and gradually without affecting the surrounding tissue. Patients in our office have seen an average fat reduction of 20-25% with each treatment. Depending on the patient's body composition and outcome goals, it generally takes more than one treatment to achieve optimal results. A second treatment is general scheduled 30 to 45 days after the initial treatment. It takes about 2-3 months to get a general idea of the final results. The results are long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable healthy lifestyle.  I recommend scheduling a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon well versed in all options for body contouring to determine if you an ideal candidate for Coolsculpting.

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting is a great non-invasive tool for fat loss in targeted areas. However, if you are looking to be very aggressive in treating your love handles, liposuction may be the better option. It is best to see a plastic surgeon who can offer you both treatments and give you the risks and benefits of each procedure so you can make an informed decision that's best for your body type.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Coolsculpting is a non invasive fat reduction treatment that eliminates 20-25% of fat cells per treatment. There is no downtime or anaethesia and maximum results are seen 3 months after treatment. Liposuction differs as it is invasive, there is some downtime and anaethesia but results are immediate. They are both effective. It is best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine which you are a better candidate for. Regards,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is difficult to answer without pictures. Coolsculpting is good for stubborn areas of fat, but lacks body contouring and shaping. For best results for love handles, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

CoolSculpting and liposuction can both provide improvement to love handles.  An examination of you, or at least photographs of you would be needed to see if you might be a good candidate for either procedure.  The advantage of CoolSculpting is that it is non-surgical with little to no down time.  Some people do require more than one treatment session to obtain the desired result though.  The advantage of liposuction is that it can potentially remove more fat in a single treatment session, although there is associated down time and the procedure is invasive (surgical).

Patrick L. Basile, MD · Answer

Hi Rob1701- CoolSculpting is a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. Both procedures work very well for fat reduction and body contouring, it just depends on your preference of surgical v. non-surgical and the amount of downtime.  CoolSculpting requires no anesthesia, no needles and no downtime.  Results are gradual between 30-90 days to see full results. Liposuction is surgical, requires anesthesia, has small incisions/ scaring, and recovery downtime of 1-2 weeks. Results are immediate after a full recovery.  I recommend you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to review your options and treatment plan based on your desired goals.My Best, Dr. Basile

Jennifer Cova, DO · Answer

Liposuction is an invasive procedure, requiring some form of anesthesia, incisions, possible risks of post op complications,  and most impactful- downtime.  While it can remove fat effectively, you have to weigh the benefits of how much time you are willing to be down, and if you have any other health issues.  
      As opposed to liposuction, CoolSculpting® is a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia at all. The CoolSculpting system includes a disposable gel pad that is placed over the treatment area. A cooling head is then placed over the gel pad and suction is activated. The machine has a base that cools the liquid flowing through the headpiece and pulls the fatty area into the head, therefore, freezing the fat. After an 35-45 minutes the cooling head is removed and the frozen area is massaged briefly. This can be slightly tender as the tissue begins to warm up, but most tolerate well. Like liposuction, it takes a few weeks to see the final result, and although there really isn’t much pain, like liposuction, the treated area can feel a little tender for a while. There is no downtime, and you can return to normal daily activities.  
  Choosing a certified practice and knowledgeable staff/office is of up most importance. Goodluck in your decision.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

Both can work well for "love handles", removing fat between the skin and muscle layers.  Neither remove or tighten excess skin.  Advantages of Cool Sculpting include shorter treatment, less pain afterwards and no need for anesthetic.  Liposuction can remove fat more aggressively but requires anesthesia and has more down time after the procedure.  An in person evaluation (preferably by someone who does both) would be the best way to see which is the better procedure for you.

Reps B. Sundin, MD · Answer

Liposuction will be more aggressive as far as fat reduction and it can be performed on targeted areas quite comfortably while awake.  There are incisions and a little downtime with liposuction.  Coolsculpting works great on the love handles, but best result require 2 treatments, however there is little discomfort and no downtime or surgical stigmata.

Drew Varano, MD · Answer

A non invasive treatment like coolsculpting will not produce the same results that an invasive treatment can render. In general coolsculpting removes 20-25% of subcutaneous fat, where as liposuction does 60-80%. Coolsculpting would need to be performed several times to reduce a larger percentage similar to what a single liposuction treatment can yield.

CoolSculpting or Lipo: which one gives better results on the love handles?

Answers (10)

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