Fat Freezing And Liposuction: Which Fat Reduction Method Is Right for You?

Have you ever grappled with stubborn fat that seems resistant to exercise and diet? If so, you’re not alone. One of the most effective solutions to this is liposuction. This fat reduction and body sculpting treatment has been proven to help individuals achieve their desired physique when traditional methods fall short.

However, in recent years, non-surgical fat reduction alternatives such as fat freezing have emerged. Fat freezing, exemplified by technologies like CoolShaping, has gained popularity for its reduced downtime and targeted fat reduction.

In this blog, we discuss the difference between these two treatments, including how they work and their limitations. Read on and learn more about fat freezing and liposuction benefits.

Fat freezing vs. liposuction

What is liposuction and how does it work?

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that eliminates unwanted fat deposits and contours areas of the body that require tightening.

There are different types of liposuction:

• Suction-assisted liposuction — A common method that employs a vacuum to remove fat.
• Power-assisted liposuction — The surgeon inserts a hollow, stainless steel tool called a cannula through minor incisions in the skin. The cannula is used to suction away excess fat from targeted areas of the body.
• Tumescent liposuction — A saline solution is injected into the fatty areas, containing medications like epinephrine to constrict blood vessels. This aids the surgeon in efficient fat removal and minimises blood loss.
• Laser-assisted liposuction — This technique uses laser lights on a small, flexible tube to break down and liquefy fat.

Liposuction benefits

• Removes stubborn body fat — Liposuction is an effective method for removing fat from specific areas that resist conventional diet and exercise efforts.
• Improves body contours — By eliminating excess fat from targeted areas, you can achieve a more sculpted and proportionate physique.
• Increases confidence — Gaining a more sculpted look not only improves how you look but also boosts your self-esteem and confidence. This positive change goes beyond just physical appearance, contributing to an overall sense of well-being.
• Targeted fat removal — You and your surgeon collaborate to analyse your body, identifying specific areas for precise intervention. This collaborative approach aligns the treatment with your unique aesthetic objectives.

Recovery

The length of recovery varies based on the amount of fat and the area where it was removed. On average, complete healing may take up to six months. The first six weeks post-treatment is crucial. During this time, your surgeon may advise you to focus on resting and limit activities to facilitate the recovery process.

Expect temporary swelling and fluid retention for several months. After this, your enhanced body shape will gradually become evident. 

Keep in mind that liposuction alone does not prevent weight gain, and the procedure is not a remedy for obesity. It is a cosmetic intervention aimed at sculpting specific areas by removing localised fat deposits. To maintain long-term results, a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and regular exercise is essential.

Limitations and side effects

Similar to any surgical procedure, liposuction entails certain risks. These include potential bleeding and reactions to anaesthesia. Liposuction-specific risks encompass:

• Contour deformation — Uneven fat removal, poor skin elasticity and scarring.
• Fluid buildup — Temporary fluid pockets, known as seromas, can form beneath the skin, requiring drainage with a needle.
• Infection — Skin infections are rare but possible. A severe skin infection may be life-threatening.

What is fat freezing, and how does it work?

Fat freezing, or cryolipolysis (where ‘Cryo’ means cold, ‘Lipo’ means fat, and ‘Lysis’ means to dissolve or loosen), utilises extreme cold to freeze fat cells in targeted areas.

This non-surgical fat reduction method relies on the concept that adipocytes are more responsive to cooling compared to other skin cells. Adipocytes are specialised fat-storing cells and serve as major energy storage sites in the body. Applying precise cold temperatures triggers the death of adipocytes.

Over time, the body will naturally eliminate the deceased fat cells through the liver and lymphatic system, either through sweat or urination.

Fat Freezing employs a specialised applicator to suction and freeze fat cells in specific areas at -10 degrees Celsius. Common treatment sites encompass the abdomen, thighs, upper and lower back, buttocks and chin.

Fat freezing benefits

• Non-invasive & no scarring

Unlike liposuction, fat freezing does not require needles, anaesthesia and surgery. At Elite Body Contouring, we use a brand of Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing called CoolShaping™.

This medical-grade technology employs controlled cooling to target and freeze fat cells without harming the surrounding skin or tissue. The treatment typically lasts around 45 minutes, and there is no downtime associated with it.

CoolShaping™ is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and is deemed a safe procedure.

• Multiple treatment zones

Fat freezing is versatile and effective for various areas of the body, both on the front and back. On the front, it’s ideal for toning arms, chest, chin, stomach, thighs, knees and hips. On the back, it’s suitable for addressing bra rolls and love handles.

• Natural-looking results

CoolShaping™ delivers natural-looking results without the risk of lumpy or uneven skin texture common in other body sculpting treatments. By targeting and freezing only fat cells, CoolSculpting ensures smooth and natural outcomes. Plus, with no downtime, you can resume your regular activities immediately after the procedure.

Fat freezing vs. liposuction: Which is better?

Unlike liposuction, fat freezing requires no surgery, incisions or anaesthesia, minimising potential side effects and downtime. The procedure selectively targets and crystallises fat cells, allowing the body to eliminate them naturally over time. This approach yields smoother, more gradual results, avoiding the potential for uneven contours. 

Experience fat freezing benefits at Elite Body Contouring. Beyond our non-surgical fat reduction treatments, we also specialise in LIPOcel body sculpting treatments. 

Book a free consultation now and achieve your body goals!