Body Contouring Options

Jul 15, 2015

With so many techniques for reducing body fat, which is the ‘best’ is often a question that we get from our patients. The short answer is that no one option is ‘best’, but all options have pros and cons and can meet your needs depending on several factors. An overview and comparison of liposuction and tummy tuck surgery vs Coolsculpting® (all of which are offered at Gayoso Plastic Surgery) seems warranted in order to best educate our patients.

Surgical vs Non-Surgical

Liposuction and tummy tuck are body contouring options that require a trip to the operating room and the resultant recovery period. Some patients want to avoid surgery at all costs. Others don’t mind the outpatient procedure and hope to achieve their goals in a single surgical setting. For those patients wanting to avoid surgery, a great alternative is Coolsculpting®. With Coolsculpting®, we can freeze fat from many areas of the body, including abdomen, hips, back/ bra-line, arms, inner or outer thighs. Whereas surgery with tummy tuck or liposuction can address multiple areas in a single setting, Coolsculpting® treats a single area at a time and may require more than one treatment per area. Different areas can be treated on the same day however.

Comparing Procedures

Recovery period

Liposuction and tummy tuck surgery have a recovery period of 1-4 weeks, and an additional limited recovery for up to 3 months (tummy tuck). Coolsculpting® has no recovery and a person can resume normal activities the day of the procedure. It is common to hear the words ‘no downtime’ when we are discussing Coolsculpting®.

Pain

Traditionally, patients undergoing liposuction or tummy tuck surgery have moderate pain (or more) in the postoperative period that requires treatment with prescription pain medications. Coolsculpting®, though not entirely pain-free, does not require post treatment medications. On rare occasions, a topical pain reliever might be utilized for a day or so, for the comfort of the patient.

Cost

Finally, comparing the cost of surgical body contouring (liposuction and/or tummy tuck) with non-surgical body contouring (Coolsculpting®), many factors must be considered. Surgery body contouring has surgeon’s fee, operating room fees and anesthesia provider fees. Additionally, surgical garments and post-operative medications add some additional, though minor, costs. Non-surgical body contouring with Coolsculpting® pricing varies by the size of the applicator used and the number of treatments required. In some instances, the cost of Coolsculpting® can exceed the cost of surgery, especially when multiple areas and multiple treatments are indicated. The lack of recovery for Coolsculpting® can make-up for the higher costs, especially when considering that patients will not need to miss work after their Coolsculpting® treatment.

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With your body contouring consultation at Gayoso Plastic Surgery, we will review all of the pros and cons of these methods and help you select which option is BEST for you! Informed Decisions. Inspired Results…..always at Gayoso Plastic Surgery.

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If you’re curious about a cosmetic procedure or are ready to take the next step and invest in yourself, we’re here to help make it happen. Don’t hesitate to schedule your first consultation with us to get started.

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