Many patients attempt to reduce excess fat on their own before seeking professional assistance.
Once they make the decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure to fight those stubborn bulges, they are often faced with a variety of treatment options.
While most individuals have heard of liposuction, others may be less familiar with some of the non-invasive body contouring devices like SculpSure.
In choosing between these two fat-reduction treatments, it’s important to understand the differences in process, risks, recovery, and results.
What’s the Process for SculpSure vs. Liposuction?
SculpSure is a non-invasive treatment that can be performed in a doctor’s office. This FDA-approved laser uses a hypothermic wavelength to heat and destroy fatty tissue without harming surrounding skin and structures.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that takes place in an operating room and requires anesthesia.
It’s performed by making incisions in the skin and then inserting instruments that suction fat from the area.
How Do the Risks for Sculpsure and Liposuction Compare?
SculpSure is virtually risk-free with some patients experiencing mild redness and a stinging sensation after treatment.
However, liposuction can result in complications related to anesthesia, fluid retention, contour irregularities, heart and kidney functioning, and numbness.
What to Expect from Recovery for Sculpsure and Liposuction?
A session of SculpSure can be performed in 25 minutes and does not require any incisions, anesthesia, or sutures. Patients recline during treatment and feel a sensation of warmth paired with a cooling effect.
Afterwards, they are able to resume all normal activities, including exercise if they are feeling up to it. Therefore, it is considered a zero-downtime procedure.
On the other hand, liposuction can require up to several weeks of recovery. Patients may experience bruising and swelling during this time, and may need to manage pain with prescription and OTC medication.
Additionally, activity is restricted and a compression garment must be worn for two-to-three weeks.
Which Treatment Will Provide Better Results?
SculpSure works best on smaller pockets of diet and exercise resistant fat, and candidates are often within 20 pounds of their ideal weight. This non-surgical treatment is also very effective at contouring the abdomen, thighs, and back.
In comparison, liposuction is able to target and decrease larger areas of fat throughout the body–with more downtime of course.
For additional information about the process, risks, recovery, and results of SculpSure in Washington DC, please call DC Derm Docs today to schedule a consultation.
