About

• Laser liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a laser to melt away fat under the skin. It’s also called laser lipolysis.
• CoolSculpting is a noninvasive cosmetic procedure that uses a cooling applicator to freeze away fat beneath the skin.

Safety

• Laser lipo and CoolSculpting are safe and effective treatments for fat removal.
• Both have minimal possible side effects.

Convenience

• Laser lipo might require a few days of downtime.
• After a CoolSculpting procedure, you may return to your normal activities the same day.

Efficacy

• Both procedures are effective.
• Results are permanent when a healthy weight, diet, and lifestyle are maintained.

Lasers or freezing

Laser liposuction and CoolSculpting are both fat-reduction procedures that have minimal downtime and a quick recovery period. Both ultimately result in the removal of fat from specific areas of the body, such as the:

• stomach
• upper arms
• upper thighs
• flanks (“love handles”)
• chin

CoolSculpting is noninvasive, while laser lipo is a minor surgical procedure.

Laser lipo carries many of the same risks and side effects as traditional liposuction, but on a smaller scale. And while laser lipo results are immediate, CoolSculpting results take several weeks (and up to two months) to be noticeable.

Noninvasive treatments like CoolSculpting can sometimes be combined with laser lipo for more dramatic results. However, each treatment is effective on its own.

Laser liposuction

Laser lipo can be performed in your doctor’s office under local anesthesia. No general anesthesia is required.

It’s a safe option for people with different skin types and causes few side effects.

You’ll be awake during the procedure. Your clinician will numb the area with a needle and local anesthetic so you don’t feel discomfort.

They’ll make a small incision and insert a tiny laser under the skin that liquefies the fat. Then your clinician will insert a tiny tube, called a cannula, that sucks the melted fat out from beneath the skin.

Many people who opt for laser lipo don’t experience a long period of downtime after the procedure, particularly when the site is small.

Most clinicians recommend a few days of downtime before returning to work and around three weeks before participating in strenuous activities.

Swelling, bruising, and pain is minimal after laser lipo. For many people, the skin might also be firmer or tighter after the procedure. This is because the laser treatments can promote the production of collagen.

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a noninvasive fat-reduction procedure that works to freeze fat cells.

Your clinician will place the CoolSculpting applicator on the area they’re going to treat. It’ll likely feel very cold for the first several minutes, and you may feel a sucking or pulling sensation. Then, the area will become numb while the treatment is performed.

After the procedure, the frozen fat cells die and are processed away and absorbed by your body over a period of several weeks to two months. The procedure isn’t meant for individuals who have excessive weight. Instead, it’s meant for individuals of a healthy weight who have stubborn pockets of fat on their bodies that aren’t affected by diet and exercise.

How long does each procedure take?

Duration of laser liposuction procedure

On average, laser lipo sessions take about one hour per area. They may last a little longer depending on the area receiving the procedure.

You may see results within about a week after your session, but results will gradually appear over two to six months. You should only need one treatment to experience full results.

Duration of CoolSculpting procedure

CoolSculpting sessions take about 35 to 60 minutes per area. It’s possible to see results in as few as three weeks after your session. But most often, the best results come two months afterward.

Your body may continue to process out dead fat cells for three to four months after your procedure.

Depending on the area of your body receiving treatment and your individual needs, you may require more than one treatment. It’s difficult to determine how many sessions you’ll need before your initial consultation, but your clinician can help you decide.

Comparing results

Laser liposuction results

If you choose laser lipo, you’ll start to see fat-reduction results almost immediately. Results will be more visible once any bruising or swelling has gone down. While you’ll see changes to the site within the first week, it could take up to six months to see the full benefits of the procedure.

CoolSculpting results

If you opt for CoolSculpting, be prepared to wait a little longer to start seeing changes at first. Initial results could be visible three weeks after the procedure, with best results visible two to four months after the procedure.

CoolSculpting reduces fat by approximately 23 percent with each treatment. Research shows it’s safe and effective. Some people may need more than one treatment to see best results.