Coolsculpting, Vanquish, or Liposuction?

Say Goodbye to Stubborn Fat!

Coolsculpting, Vanquish, and liposuction are aesthetic procedures that use specialized technology to target specific deposits of fat. Despite our best efforts to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine, there are certain areas of our bodies where fat seems to cling on stubbornly. These areas, such as the stomach, thighs, or love handles, can resist diet and exercise alone, making them difficult to shift. This type of fat is stubborn, and it’s a common concern among many people. The good news is that effective non-surgical treatments are available to spot-reduce stubborn fat and contour the body, such as Coolsculpting and Vanquish. These procedures can target specific areas of the body and help to reduce fat and improve body shape.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) statistics, non-invasive cosmetic procedures have experienced a faster growth rate year-over-year compared to surgical procedures. ^[1] At Skin Perfect Medical Aesthetics, we are dedicated to enhancing our patients’ appearance and quality of life through cutting-edge non-surgical technologies. Our team specializes in sculpting and contouring the body using advanced techniques that allow us to target specific areas and improve the body’s natural contours. Ready to learn more? Read this and other posts on our blog, then call for a consultation.

Patients can call (714) 278-3507 for service in Brea, Costa Mesa, Glendora, Lancaster, Rancho Cucamonga, Whittier, or West Hollywood. Our team is dedicated to delivering results. Call now!

The Different Non-Surgical Options for Fat Reduction

While diet and exercise can effectively reduce overall body fat, certain areas of the body can resist these efforts. This is where specialized fat reduction treatments can be beneficial in helping to achieve a more contoured and shapely figure. This blog post will take a closer look at some of the most popular options, including Coolsculpting, and Vanquish. We will explore how each procedure works, the benefits and limitations, and help you decide which option may be right for you.

These treatments are not a substitute for weight loss but rather a way to contour and shape specific body areas. However, excessive fat is a cosmetic concern and poses a significant health risk. Those who exceed their ideal body weight by over 20% are at an increased risk for various conditions such as ^[2]:

It is a global issue, with over a billion overweight people worldwide.

Who is the Best Candidate for Minimally-Invasive Body Contouring?

The best candidates for these procedures have realistic expectations and are looking for a more sculpted and toned appearance. It’s important to note that these treatments are not for significantly overweight patients. A consultation is necessary to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Our team will consider factors such as your medical history, desired outcome, and overall health to determine if the treatment is safe and appropriate.

Coolsculpting: How it Works and its Benefits

Coolsculpting, also known as cryolipolysis, is a body sculpting procedure that utilizes controlled cooling to target and reduce localized fat. The procedure is based on the principle that fat cells are more sensitive to cold temperatures than other cells. Exposing the targeted area to carefully controlled cooling, the fat cells are frozen and eventually die, leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. ^[3] This procedure is non-invasive, meaning it does not require incisions or penetrating instruments. It is performed with a surface applicator, making it a safe and effective option for those looking for localized fat reduction.

After the Cryolipolysis procedure, the fat cells are metabolized by the body and permanently eliminated. This process can take several months to be completed, but the results are often visible within a month of the treatment. Furthermore, there is no evidence that the procedure causes any increase in serum lipid levels or alters liver function tests, making it a safe and effective option for fat reduction. ^[4]

What are the Benefits of Coolsculpting?

The main benefits of Coolsculpting include:

With almost a decade of existence, it has been used for millions of treatments worldwide and has proven to be a safe and effective option for fat reduction.

What are the Advantages of Vanquish?

The use of radiofrequency to reduce subcutaneous fat has been on the rise due to its proven long-term efficacy. ^[5] Vanquish is a non-invasive fat removal treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to destroy fat cells. The procedure works by heating the targeted area, causing the fat cells to break down and be eliminated by the body’s natural metabolic processes, like with Coolsculpting. 

One of the main advantages of Vanquish is that it can treat larger areas of fat in a single session compared to other non-invasive procedures like Coolsculpting. The procedure is relatively painless and requires no downtime, allowing patients to return to their normal activities immediately. The results of Vanquish are usually visible within a few weeks and continue to improve over time. However, like any other treatment, it’s important to have realistic expectations and consult Skin Perfect Medical Aesthetics to determine if it’s the right option for you.

What is Radiofrequency Energy?

Radiofrequency energy is a type of electromagnetic wave with wavelengths that falls within a specific range of the electromagnetic spectrum.  It is used for various medical and cosmetic purposes, including:

In the case of Vanquish, radiofrequency energy is used to heat the targeted area of fat, causing the adipose tissue to reach a specific temperature that triggers the apoptosis or death of adipocytes (fat cells) without causing damage to the surrounding tissues. As the adipocytes die, the body’s natural metabolic process eliminates the cells over time, reducing the treated area’s size.

The Vanquish device uses a unique contactless technology that delivers RF energy to the adipose tissue by using a special applicator that surrounds the target area. This allows for a large treatment area to be covered in a single session, providing an efficient and effective way of reducing unwanted fat. The energy penetrates deep into the skin, targeting the fat cells without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. It is considered a safe and effective way to reduce fat and improve the contours of your body.

All About Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure, so unlike non-invasive options such as Coolsculpting or Vanquish, it requires some downtime for recovery. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, and patients may experience swelling and bruising after the surgery.

Liposuction is a widely popular cosmetic surgery procedure but comes with significant risks. Despite being commonly perceived as a minor procedure, there have been reports of deaths related to routine liposuction in recent years. Researchers suggest that the majority of these fatalities are linked to the use of anesthesia during the operation. ^[6]

Comparing Coolsculpting and Vanquish

Coolsculpting and Vanquish are FDA-approved, safe and effective non-invasive fat reduction treatments, but your choice will depend on your specific needs and the area you want to treat. A consultation is necessary to determine which option may be best for you based on

Coolsculpting is ideal for smaller areas of fat, such as the stomach and love handles, while Vanquish is better suited for larger areas of fat, such as the back and thighs. Your surgeon will also consider your medical history and other considerations to determine which treatment will be the most effective and safe for you. It’s important to have realistic expectations and to understand that even though both Coolsculpting and Vanquish are non-invasive, the results may not be as dramatic as you imagine.

What are the Risks Involved?

There have been several reported cases of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) associated with Coolsculpting, with an incidence rate ranging from 0.025% to 1% and at least a few associated with Vanquish. [3] 

PAH is a rare complication where the treated area becomes larger rather than smaller. It’s important to note that this is a rare occurrence and that Coolsculpting is still considered safe for fat reduction.

Factors to Consider When Making a Decision

When deciding between Coolsculpting, Vanquish, and liposuction, it’s important to consider various factors to determine which option is right for you. Some of the main factors to consider include the following:

The Importance of Consultation

When considering any form of body contouring procedure, it is essential to schedule a consultation. A consultation allows you to have a personalized assessment of your condition, goals, and expectations and discuss the best options available. During the consultation, your doctor will examine the area of concern, discuss your medical history, and explain the procedure, the recovery process, the risks, and the benefits.

A consultation allows you to ask any questions or concerns and have a realistic idea of what to expect from the procedure. It’s important to note that not all patients are good candidates for the same procedure, and a consultation will help to determine the best course of action for your specific needs. Furthermore, a consultation allows the surgeon to tailor the procedure to you, ensuring the best possible outcome.

To schedule your consultation, fill out this form or call (844) 898-1080. We look forward to discussing your fat reduction goals with you!

References

1. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (2016). Cosmetic surgery national data bank statistics. http://www.surgery.org/sites/ default/files/ASAPS-Stats2016.pdf
2. Avram AS, Avram MM, James WD. Subcutaneous fat in normal and diseased states: 2. Anatomy and physiology of white and brown adipose tissue. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2005;53(4):671-683. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2005.05.015
3. Manstein D, Laubach H, Watanabe K, Farinelli W, Zurakowski D, Anderson RR. Selective cryolysis: A novel method of non-invasive fat removal. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2008;40(9):595-604. doi:10.1002/lsm.20719
4. Ingargiola MJ, Motakef S, Chung MT, Vasconez HC, Sasaki GH. Cryolipolysis for Fat Reduction and Body Contouring. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2015;135(6):1581-1590. doi:10.1097/prs.0000000000001236
5. Fritz K, Salavastru C. Long-term follow-up on patients treated for abdominal fat using a selective contactless radiofrequency device. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2017;16(4):471-475. doi:10.1111/jocd.12429
6. Rao RB, Ely SF, Hoffman RS. Deaths Related to Liposuction. New England Journal of Medicine. 1999;340(19):1471-1475. doi:10.1056/nejm199905133401904