Nonsurgical fat reduction treatments are gaining popularity for their ability to slim down pockets of fat without surgery. But while these approaches can be helpful for some, we encourage you to consider the powerful transformation [link pid=”489″]liposuction[/link] at our Washington, DC, area practice can create for the right candidate.
In this blog post, we’ll explain the differences between both options and discuss why liposuction may be worth a second look.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical fat reduction procedure that suctions fat out of the body through a small tube called a cannula. This tube is inserted through a short incision that leaves a small, very inconspicuous scar. Patients can typically return to daily activities after 5 to 7 days and resume vigorous exercise after 3 weeks.
While it’s not a weight loss procedure, liposuction can sculpt away notable amounts of fat and improve contouring in various areas of the body, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, and upper arms. It also offers the ability to address multiple areas in one treatment, with results you can enjoy immediately after recovery.
Nonsurgical Alternatives
Men and women who are interested in fat reduction but not ready to go the surgical route may consider nonsurgical procedures, the most popular being CoolSculpting®. This treatment uses safe, controlled cooling to destroy fat cells without harming surrounding tissues. These cells are then naturally eliminated by the body over the course of 2 to 3 months.
It’s most effective in smaller, more targeted areas and typically leads to a lesser amount of fat reduction. However, it requires just an hour-long appointment with no associated downtime.
What’s the Difference?
Liposuction involves surgery and downtime, but provides a more direct, customizable approach to body contouring for those struggling to address large, persistent fat deposits.
CoolSculpting is less invasive, but the reduction it creates is more modest. It’s designed to spot treat specific areas, such as the bra bulge or love handles. Specialized applicators including the CoolMini® and CoolSmooth® allow for the treatment of areas such as the outer thighs and double chin.
When to Choose Liposuction
While nonsurgical approaches are certainly appealing, it’s worth taking note of the dramatic, immediate results liposuction can provide. It offers a personalized approach to fat reduction that is ideal for those looking for a greater transformation. When you opt for this surgical route, we can specifically tailor our approach to make sure we optimize your individual body contours. Learn more about what we can do to customize your liposuction procedure in [link pid=”21820″]this blog post[/link].
To see actual patient examples of what liposuction can achieve, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.
A personal consultation with a plastic surgeon is the best way to determine which treatment plan is best for each patient. Request yours by contacting us online or calling (703) 560-2850 (Annandale) or (301) 652-7700 (Chevy Chase).