You’ve decided that enough is enough. That dream body is yours, and you won’t let inefficient diet pills or fad diets stand in the way. You want results now. Many people struggle with stubborn fat that just won’t go away. You eat right. You exercise. But some areas of fat simply don’t respond. It’s frustrating and can make you feel stuck.
Thanks to advances in medicine, we now have options beyond just a healthy diet and exercise. CoolSculpting and liposuction are two popular choices for fat reduction. Each works differently and suits different needs.
At SpaMedica, we no longer offer liposuction. We’ve found CoolSculpting to be so effective that it’s our preferred method. However, liposuction might still be worth considering if you need dramatic results right away.
This article will help you understand both procedures so you can make the best choice for your body.
What is CoolSculpting?
To compare both methods, you need to know what each one involves. Let’s start with our personal favorite: CoolSculpting.
Those trouble spots that bother you are caused by fat deposits. These are pockets of fat that are hard to target with just diet and exercise. They stick around even when you’re doing everything right.
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that uses cryolipolysis, aka freezing fat cells. It doesn’t require surgery or cutting your skin.
During the procedure, a special machine applies controlled cooling to target fat cells without harming surrounding tissues. The fat cells freeze and die, and then your body naturally removes them over time through your lymphatic system. This process takes a few weeks to months as your body flushes out the dead fat cells.
CoolSculpting permanently removes 17-27% of fat cells in the treated area per session. Many people see visible results after just one treatment.
The Benefits of CoolSculpting
The main benefit of CoolSculpting is that it requires absolutely no downtime. It is non-invasive and has minimal side effects, so you can go back to work or your daily activities right away.
The procedure itself is a lot less scary, too, as no anesthesia is needed. In fact, many of our customers catch up on emails or answer texts while the machine works its magic.
This procedure is patented and was FDA-approved in 2012. Since then, it has been used millions of times with great results. A collection of 19 different research papers found that CoolSculpting reduced fat thickness by 14.7% to 28.5% when measured with calipers. When measured with ultrasound, the reduction was between 10.3% and 25.5%. Most patients were pleased with their results, and any side effects were usually mild and went away quickly.
Since your body naturally eliminates fat cells, it gives you natural-looking results over time. Compared to liposuction, which sometimes looks unnatural because of the sudden fat loss, no one will know you had work done unless you want to share your secret.
Who is it for?
CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss procedure. It is for people who are struggling with stubborn areas of fat that won’t go away with diet and exercise. Ideally, you are already at or very close to your target weight and just need a little extra help to achieve your desired body shape.
This cosmetic procedure is suitable for both men and women of all ages. The main areas typically targeted are the abdomen, thighs, love handles, upper arms, and even under the chin.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is at the other extreme of the spectrum from the CoolSculpting procedure. During liposuction, a surgeon makes small cuts in your skin and inserts a thin tube called a cannula. This tube is connected to a vacuum that suctions out the fat. The surgeon moves the cannula around to target specific body fat deposits.
Liposuction is an invasive surgical procedure that removes up to 90% of fat cells in treated areas. It requires anesthesia, which means you’ll be put to sleep during the procedure. This adds risks to your health and is much harsher on your body.
The procedure leaves incisions that will turn into scars over time. These marks can be permanent reminders of your surgery. Recovery from liposuction typically takes several days to weeks. During this time, you may need to wear compression garments and take time off work.
The one major positive of liposuction is that it provides immediate results. After the swelling goes down, you’ll see your new shape right away.
Who is it for?
Because of its dramatic and invasive nature, liposuction procedures are best suited for those who need significant excess fat removal. It’s ideal for those requiring large-volume fat removal or body contouring procedures.
Liposuction vs. CoolSculpting – Key Differences
| Factor | CoolSculpting | Liposuction |
| Type | Non-invasive (fat-freezing) | Surgical (fat suctioning) |
| Fat Removal % | 17% to 27% per session | Up to 90% |
| Ideal for | Mild to moderate fat reduction | Large fat removal |
| Recovery Time | No downtime | 1-2 weeks, up to 6 weeks for full recovery |
| Number of Sessions | 3-8 sessions for best results | Typically one procedure |
| Cost | $799-$1,199 | $4,000-$10,000 |
| Anesthesia | None needed | Local or general required |
| Pain Level | Mild discomfort | Moderate to severe, requires pain medication |
| Risks | Temporary numbness, mild swelling | Anesthesia complications, infection, contour irregularities |
| Results Timeline | 4-8 months to see final results | Immediate, but with swelling for weeks |
| Time Off Work | None required | Usually 3-7 days minimum |
What to Expect During and After CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction
The difference between these procedures is night and day. One is like getting a nice massage, while the other is literally undergoing surgery.
CoolSculpting is a quick office procedure, typically lasting half an hour maximum. During the process, you might feel a numbing sensation and a cold feeling. There is no anesthesia, and you might experience mild swelling afterward.
Liposuction is a full surgical procedure. You’ll need anesthesia, which means you’ll be asleep. After the surgery, you’ll have stitches, bruising, and swelling. You’ll need to wear compression garments and follow up with your doctor for care.
We’re telling you this to be completely transparent and help you set realistic expectations for each procedure.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Every medical procedure, invasive or not, comes with risks and potential side effects.
For CoolSculpting, the most common side effect is temporary numbness in the treated area. Swelling is also common. In rare cases, there have been instances of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH). It can leave you with an enlarged or bulging area under your skin, the opposite of what you want.
Liposuction carries significantly more risk. There’s the obvious bruising and swelling from cutting your body open. But that also carries a risk of infection. From an aesthetic standpoint, you might experience contour irregularities because of how fat is removed. The skin may look bumpy, wavy, or withered. The worst-case scenario involves complications from anesthesia. Putting you to sleep always poses a risk because you could have an adverse reaction to the drugs.
CoolSculpting is a less invasive procedure with fewer risks and a shorter recovery period overall.
Which One is Right for You?
Only you can make the decision that is right for your body and lifestyle. It’s essential to do thorough research on both procedures. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon, and consider your personal goals and expectations.
That said, you should choose CoolSculpting if:
- You want a non-surgical, low-risk procedure that doesn’t leave loose skin
- You are close to your goal weight but have stubborn fat bulges
- You prefer minimal downtime
You can consider having one liposuction procedure if:
- You need a dramatic fat reduction in one session
- You are willing to undergo liposuction surgery and recovery
- You want to treat excess fat deposits that non-invasive methods won’t address
Ready to learn more? Book a consultation with our experts for personalized advice.
Laser Lipo vs. CoolSculpting
The laser liposuction procedure is another alternative that combines laser technology with fat removal. It’s somewhere between traditional liposuction and non-invasive methods. Laser Lipo removes subcutaneous fat with heat-based technology, whereas CoolSculpting freezes the targeted fat cells for a non-invasive approach. To learn more, check out SpaMedica’s detailed blog: Laser Lipo vs CoolSculpting.
The Benefits of Choosing CoolSculpting at SpaMedica
The good news is that there are solutions out there to remove unwanted fat. The only challenge is choosing what’s right for you.
Another important decision is where you’ll be having these procedures. In Toronto, only one name has the expertise and safety you can trust. That’s SpaMedica. Our trained professionals have over 20 years of experience.
SpaMedica has been named the #1 medical spa in Toronto for five consecutive years (2015-2020). We are also the first and only Diamond Crystal provider of CoolSculpting in Canada. We don’t offer liposuction because CoolSculpting has no downtime and gives natural-looking results.
We’ll also work with you on personalized CoolSculpting treatment plans tailored to your body and goals, striving for long-term perfection. Contact us today for a free consultation to determine if CoolSculpting is the right choice for you!
FAQ Section
How long does CoolSculpting take to see results?
Most patients notice changes within 1-3 months after their sessions.
Does CoolSculpting permanently remove fat?
Yes! Once fat cells are frozen and eliminated, they don’t regenerate. However, maintaining results requires a healthy lifestyle.
How many CoolSculpting sessions do I need?
The number of sessions depends on the treatment area and desired results. Multiple treatment sessions may be necessary for optimal fat reduction.
Is CoolSculpting safer than liposuction?
Yes, because it’s non-invasive, requires no general anesthesia, and has fewer risks. Side effects are minimal compared to surgical procedures.
How painful is CoolSculpting compared to liposuction?
CoolSculpting involves a cold, numbing sensation but is not painful. Liposuction, being surgical, requires anesthesia and has a recovery period with soreness.
Can CoolSculpting help with weight loss?
No, CoolSculpting is a fat reduction treatment, not a weight loss solution. It’s ideal for shaping specific areas, not reducing overall body weight.
