Localized fat can be difficult to get rid of for good. Problem areas like a persistent stomach pooch, fat around the thighs that doesn’t seem to budge, or stubborn love-handle and back bulges are a common concern. To make matters worse, these areas can seem to be diet- and exercise-resistant, leading those concerned about them to seek cosmetic surgery.
For years, liposuction has been one of the most popular and frequently performed procedures for cosmetic surgery patients, and with good reason. The process is safe, effective, and refines the contours of the body while providing permanent fat reduction.
In recent years, new technology has allowed for the development of new alternatives to the procedure, such as truSculpt. These are nonsurgical or minimally invasive, don’t require anesthesia or an incision, and have less downtime for recovery. But which is right for you?
How does Liposuction work?
First popularized in the 1980s, liposuction is the most well-known cosmetic procedure. The process entails a board-certified cosmetic surgeon removing excess fat from the patient’s body through a cannula, a small hollow tube.
As the surgeon moves the cannula through the fat deposit, suction is applied, removing excess fat cells and slimming the contours of the body. The procedure is effective at removing fat in the most common problem areas – legs and thighs, abdomen, back, arms, face and neck.
The results are dramatic and striking. But liposuction definitely has a few downsides. It has a long recovery period (often up to six weeks) and costs quite a bit more than its nonsurgical counterparts.
How is truSculpt different from liposuction?
On the other hand, truSculpt is a nonsurgical treatment, meaning it doesn’t require incisions. It uses a topical procedure rather than a potentially complicated surgical procedure.
The truSculpt system uses controlled radio-frequency technology to break down fat cells in the body so your system can flush them out naturally. It works best in the same areas as liposuction does (lower body, hips, thighs, love-handles, belly, etc). To be most effective, it’s application is best applied to small, localized trouble spots, rather than the larger areas liposuction is best at. TruSculpt treatments usually last an hour, and several sessions are needed to see noticeable results.
The Pros and Cons of truSculpt and Liposuction
Both liposuction and truSculpt, like anything else in this world, have some advantages and disadvantages.
truSculpt vs Liposuction on Invasiveness
Of the two methods, liposuction is the more aggressive fat treatment method. While it gets results quicker over a larger area, the incision required to insert the cannula into the body creates a trauma in the treatment areas. Side effects after liposuction include swelling, bruising, and soreness. These symptoms can last for up to ten days.
TruSculpt is much more gentle owing to the noninvasive nature of the procedure, and has a quicker post-treatment recovery time. The pain associated with liposuction is due to the incision and a metal rod moving around inside your body. TruSculpt can be uncomfortable, but to a much lesser degree since the radio frequency isn’t tearing any skin tissue or muscle. Most patients equate truSculpt’s discomfort to a warm, tingly sensation under the skin.
truSculpt vs Liposuction on Results
After a liposuction treatment, the swelling will go down and the treated area will heal, but the final result won’t be fully visible for about six months. TruSculpt and other noninvasive fat reduction treatments take longer for full results, but it gradually becomes more noticeable in the time following the procedure.
While neither procedure is a replacement for weight loss from proper diet and exercise, liposuction offers noticeable, reliable results. By comparison, truSculpt provides a concentrated, area-specific effect for problem areas. TruSculpt’s results are also long lasting, reliable, and noticeable.
truSculpt vs Liposuction on Post-Procedure Downtime
There is a long healing process after liposuction treatments. In order for the treatment area to heal properly, patients must restrict everyday activities for several days after, and use extreme caution when restarting exercise regimens.
TruSculpt doesn’t require an extensive healing period. Though patients will experience some expected soreness and swelling in the treated area, they can return to normal activities immediately. Getting back to your life’s normal routine much sooner is often a welcomed aspect of truSculpt, according to our patients.
Which is Right For Me?
The answer depends on what you need. If you need to reduce large fat deposits and improve your figure in many places at once, and are willing to incur a larger cost and greater risk for health complications, liposuction may be the option for you. However, if you are at (or close to) your ideal weight through diet and exercise and want to target trouble spots for fat build up, truSculpt is the right choice. It’s noninvasive, precise, and will allow you to get your life back on track sooner.
Contact Premier Vein & Vascular to discuss non-surgical fat reduction treatment options today. You can contact us online or by calling 1-888-VEINCARE.
