CoolSculpting Vs SmartLipo – To Freeze or To Melt?
Twenty years ago, the world of fat reduction was a very different place. Traditional liposuction was the only real option after diet and exercise. Liposuction requires general anesthesia but is very effective. While sometimes still a good option, facility fees and anesthesia fees add to the final cost. Post-op pain is very manageable but there is swelling, bruising, and tenderness to contend with and return to an active lifestyle is longer than other current options. Newer options like SmartLipo and CoolSculpting have replaced the majority of traditional liposuction cases performed by Dr. de Ramon.
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is a relatively new procedure which reduces areas of fat on the body through cryolipolysis, also known as “fat freezing.” Areas of the body which are resistant to healthy eating and exercise such as the abdomen, flanks, back, bra roll, arms and thighs can be treated effectively. The fat is drawn into a specially designed hand piece and the fat is frozen during the treatment. This works because fat has a higher freezing point than skin. After treatment, 20-25% of the fat goes through a process of “apoptosis,” dies naturally and is slowly resorbed into the body and eliminated. Results can take up to 2-3 months. Because CoolSculpting is non-invasive, patients can return to normal activities immediately. CoolSculpting is best suited to smaller, more localized areas of fat and less for contouring larger areas. It is not well suited to treat large flat areas that contain extra fat.
SmartLipo
SmartLipo, a procedure Dr. de Ramon has performed for over 10 years, targets areas using a combination of laser to “melt” fat and liposuction to remove fat and sculpt the treated area. The same areas can be treated as with CoolSculpting, but Dr. de Ramon can also treat the chin, breasts of men and women and the mons (pubic area) and larger areas of the thighs, arms, and torso. Dr. de Ramon is able to have much more control over the amount of fat removed with SmartLipo. Patients are treated in our in-office surgical suite using local anesthesia and light oral sedation. Results are obvious immediately, but swelling can take 3-6 months to subside fully. SmartLipo requires small incisions in the area being treated which heal well and are virtually unnoticeable. Another advantage of SmartLipo over CoolSculpting is the ability for areas to be smoothly contoured, tapered, and sculpted for a better overall appearance. There is a longer recovery period with SmartLipo – about 5-7 days of recovery and return to normal activities in 3-4 weeks. Most patients return to work in 1-3 days.
| SmartLipo | CoolSculpting |
| Minimally-invasive | Non-invasive |
| Requires one session | May require multiple sessions |
| Permanent results with healthy eating and lifestyle | Permanent results with healthy eating and lifestyle |
| Swelling, bruising, mild pain after treatment | Swelling and minimal pain after treatment |
| Safe and effective up to 100% fat reduction | Safe and effective 23% fat reduction (on average) |
| Costs starting at $3500 | Costs starting at $1500 |
CoolSculpting Vs. Smart Lipo Which is right for me?
A consultation with Dr. de Ramon is imperative in order to select the fat reduction procedure for each individual patient. Not all patients are candidates for CoolSculpting and/or SmartLipo. Because he is a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. de Ramon can offer both options to patients (as well as surgical options like a tummy tuck) as opposed to a med-spa or other office where CoolSculpting is the only choice. A thoughtful discussion occurs with patients and a plan is developed to provide the most effective, natural and beautiful results.
