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Should you melt or freeze your fat away? Let’s compare and contrast laser lipo (fat melting) and CoolSculpting (fat freezing) as liposuction alternatives.

But first, why do you want to avoid liposuction?

The answer to this question is very important. If you want to avoid any incisions or injections of any kind, then laser lipo is not recommended.

While laser lipo is not the same as traditional liposuction, it is still considered a minor surgical procedure. On the contrary, CoolSculpting is non-surgical and non-invasive, requiring no incisions or injections of any kind.

What to Expect During a Laser Lipo Procedure

Laser lipo is performed under local anesthesia, meaning you’ll be awake with your treatment area numbed. Your surgeon will make a small incision in the skin to allow penetration of the laser in order to melt the fat from the inside. A cannula is then inserted to suction out the fat.

Downtime is not as significant with laser lipo compared to traditional liposuction. This is because the fat removal is performed using aggressive thrusting of the liposuction device to loosen and suction fat cells, while the laser does the hard work with a laser procedure.

You will likely need a few days to recover from laser lipo. Minor pain, swelling, and bruising is common following this procedure. Most doctors recommend avoiding exercise and other more strenuous activities for at least three weeks following your procedure.

Why People Choose CoolSculping, the #1 Fat Reduction Procedure in the US

Unlike laser lipo, CoolSculpting is 100% non-invasive and non-surgical, requiring no incisions or injections and no downtime.

The procedure works through topical application, which cools to a precise temperature which freezes fat cells without affecting any surrounding tissue. Your skin will not freeze, though it will feel cold and become red from the treatment.

Once the fat cells are frozen, they will die off and leave your body through your normal waste removal (lymphatic system). You don’t have to take any time off or avoid exercise and strenuous activities following a CoolSculpting procedure. In fact, the only real requirement we have is that you drink plenty of water to help flush the fat cells out more easily.

Duration, Expectations, and Results

If a minor surgery and downtime don’t put you off of laser lipo, then it’s important to examine the other benefits and drawbacks of CoolSculpting vs laser lipo. These include:

Procedure time: Laser lipo takes about one hour (or more) per treatment area, while CoolSculpting takes 35 minutes to an hour per treatment area each session.

Number of treatments: Each treatment area only need be treated once with laser lipo, while CoolSculpting requires an average of 3 applications per treatment area, spaced out over several weeks.

Treatment areas: Both procedures are able to reduce fat virtually anywhere, including the abdomen, upper arms, inner and outer thighs, love handles, and double chin.

Results: Expected results will vary, but laser lipo does provide for immediate results within one week following your procedure. Results improve over 2-6 months after a single treatment. CoolSculpting offers more gradual results over several weeks, with full results coming about 2-4 months following your full treatment series.

Other Considerations When Choosing Between CoolSculping and Laser Lipo

Your lifestyle and comfort with each procedure are major factors in choosing between them. However, your overall health and medical history also contribute to the final decision on which body contouring procedure is right for you. These include:

  • skin and vascular conditions
  • menstruation
  • poor circulation
  • scar tissue in the treatment area
  • chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease

It’s important to discuss your full health history with your providers to determine if you can safely receive these treatments and achieve the best results.

CoolSculpting in Scottsdale and Chandler, AZ

At Ultra Smooth Skin, we offer only proven non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and CoolSculpting is by far one of our most popular. If you’re at a healthy weight and have diet- and exercise-resistant fat, CoolSculpting is likely a good solution to eliminate unwanted fat without surgery or downtime.

We have three convenient locations in Scottsdale and Chandler, AZ, offering CoolSculpting for fat reduction and CoolTone for muscle toning on the abs, buttocks, and thighs.

As our practice is 100% non-surgical, we do not offer laser lipo as an option for our patience. However, we encourage you to take advantage of our consultations for CoolSculpting to determine if this treatment is a good option for you.

Contact us for a consultation
Contact Us (480) 991-3038