Boxing enthusiasts are gearing up for the “Fight of the Century,” when Floyd Mayweather, Jr. joins Manny Pacquiao in the ring on May 2 in Las Vegas. In the lead up to the big fight, the two boxers are being closely compared, and predictions are being made about who will come out on top.
Here at Physician’s Center for Beauty, we have our own match-up going: CoolSculpting Elite vs. traditional liposuction. In this blog post, Dr. Sean Maguire provides background information on each contender to help you decide which is right for your body sculpting needs.
Round One: Treatment Areas
CoolSculpting Elite is FDA-approved to treat surplus fat on the flanks, abdomen and thighs. It will reduce or eliminate bothersome “love handles” and “muffin tops” for a sleeker and slimmer physique.
Liposuction can also treat the flanks, abdomen and thighs, as well as the buttocks, lower legs, back and upper arms, and smaller areas like the chin and neck.
Round Two: The Procedure
Liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis at an accredited surgical center. Either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation is administered, depending on the size of the treatment area(s). Dr. Maguire begins by injecting a tumescent solution into the treatment area. This liquid causes the fat to firm and the blood vessels to swell, minimizing blood loss and other post-operative side effects. He makes several incisions, and uses a thin, hollow tube to break up the fat and remove it from the body.
CoolSculpting Elite can be performed in Dr. Maguire’s Louisville plastic surgery office, and does not require anesthesia, injections or incisions. During CoolSculpting Elite, patients are completely awake and can read, use their smartphone or tablet, nap or relax. Dr. Maguire places the CoolSculpting Elite handpiece over the area of excess fat. The device draws up the fat between two cooling panels, and the fat cells crystallize. The frozen fat cells are then naturally eliminated from the body over the next few weeks.
Round Three: Recovery
Liposuction requires a short recovery period, during which physical activity should be limited as much as possible while the body heals. The treated area will be swollen, bruised and sore. Compression garments should be worn to help control certain side effects.
Since CoolSculpting Elite is a non-surgical treatment, it does not require downtime. Patients can return to work and their regular lifestyle almost immediately after treatment. Minor redness, bruising, tingling, numbness or mild discomfort are normal and will subside within a few days.
Naming the Champion
It’s impossible to determine the best procedure for your needs prior to a personal evaluation and consultation with Dr. Maguire. The right treatment option depends on your unique needs and goals. What works best for someone else won’t necessarily be the right choice for you.
To schedule an appointment and discuss the areas of fat you would like to KO, please contact Physician’s Center for Beauty today by calling (502) 897-7546 today.
