Liposuction, also known as lipolysis, is a light invasive operation where doctors make use of a laser to melt fat underneath the skin. 

CoolSculpting (also known as cryolipolysis), on the other hand, is a noninvasive procedure wherein an applicator vacuums the skin and cools the adipose tissue underneath it. 

Pros and Cons of Liposuction

Laser liposuction is safe for removing fat in target areas of the body. In this procedure, the doctors make a small incision on the area and insert a laser into it to melt the fat away. It would take the medical professionals up to an hour to finish the procedure. Usually, it would only take one session for each section. You can observe immediate results after the operation. However, you can only observe the ultimate results after the bruising and swelling have subsided, which usually takes six months. 

Some patients who have undergone the procedure mentioned that their skin felt tighter after the procedure. This is perfectly normal since the laser stimulates the production of collagen, giving rise to firmer skin.

As appealing as liposuction may sound, it comes with some risks. Since it is an operation, the patient is prone to possible complications, such as the following:

• • Irregular protrusion of the skin. Poor surgery practices by an inexperienced surgeon can lead to uneven absorption of fats by the cannula (tube). Patient-related factors may also take part just as likely.

• Lidocaine toxicity. Lidocaine is an anaesthetic administered during the procedure. Although quite rare, there are individuals who are hypersensitive to the substance. When such people take lidocaine into their system, it may lead to serious complications on the cardiovascular and nervous system.
• Skin necrosis. In some cases, while the surgeon is inserting the laser, the skin above it dies, leaving a permanent spotted mark on the surface.

Liposuction is not for everyone. You have to be healthy to proceed with this medical operation. It’s not ideal for people who are obese or have excessive fats. People who have stubborn fat deposits are more suitable for this procedure.

What about ColdSculpting?

ColdSculpting, unlike liposuction, is a noninvasive procedure. It vacuums the skin and cools the fat underneath it. The adipose tissue dies, which the body metabolizes for two months. 

Generally, after the procedure, the patient can continue with his usual routine. This method has fewer side effects compared to liposuction. The most common side effect is the feeling of soreness, similar to a muscular strain after a strenuous exercise. 

Like liposuction, however, ColdSculpting also has some cons. Take a look at the following:

• You can only see its actual results only after a certain period. 
• The individual must include proper exercise and a balanced diet in his regimen to be successful with this fat-loss program. 
• If the fatty tissue deposits have stretched the skin before the procedure, it may result in loose skin when the procedure is over. ColdSculpting has no mechanism to tighten the skin around it.

Physically active individuals are the best candidates for this procedure. Some patients that went through ColdSculpting but did not change their sedentary lifestyle and bad diet gained even more weight than they previously had.