CoolSculpting Vs Laser Lipolysis

Hi.  You will be able to treat a larger area in one setting with laser lipolysis (potential for burns, anesthesia, postop garments, numbness, bruising are to be taken into consideration) and may be more economical and appropriate.  Coolsculpting treats pockets of excess fat, 20% of the thickness per area per session (no frostbite type burn, no anesthesia or garments, some numbness/bruising has been reported). During your examination, the areas you want treated will dictate which procedure is recommended.  Best wishes,

Thank you for the question, and the photos. They are different modalities.  CoolSculpting can get a 25% reduction.  We have found it to be very effective for the love handles, abdomen, bra area, arms, thighs, neck, and other areas. We have found that treating the area twice usually improves the fat cell kill significantly.  Other physicians I have spoken to have found similar findings.  The fat cells die and are taken up by the normal cell disposal mechanisms of the body.  Liposuction is a surgical modality that is usually more dramatic, with a greater reduction. The fat cells are physically removed with liposuction.  Laser lipolysis is where a laser will cook the cells before extraction.  It is usually accompanied by liposuction.  It is controversial if it makes a significant long term difference.   Again, the CoolSculpting is non invasive, no surgery, no downtime.  As always, the modality should be appropriate to the individual patient.  Best to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, who can evaluate for all modalities.

Coolsculpting is an excellent form of non-invasive  fat reduction for
the right patient. Some applicators take 1 or 2 hours but the new advantage
applicators take only 35 minutes and have significantly less risk for delayed
onset pain (especially in the abdomen). Results are seen at 2 months and
typically 1-3 treatments will be necessary on each area to achieve ideal
results. The number of treatments depends on the amount of fat there and the
patient's goals.  There is not downtime and the results can be impressive
in the right patient.  We also use the Zimmer Z-wave for improved patient
comfort and added results. The best candidates are those who are in pretty
good shape with areas of stubborn fat that won't go away no matter what.

My best,

Sheila Nazarian, MD, MMM

Beverly Hills, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon