After having children, you may be left with a midsection that doesn’t look at all like it used to. You might even have pockets of fat in other areas of your body, and none of it responds to diet and exercise.
The most important thing to know is you aren’t alone. Even the most super fit mommies struggle with post-baby fat that won’t go away.
When diet and exercise aren’t enough, you do have options. Four treatments, Liposuction, SmartLipo, BodyTite, and CoolSculpting can help! So, how do you know which one is right for you? In this article, we look at these treatments to help you make an informed decision.
What is Liposuction?
Plastic surgeons use liposuction to remove fat. They refine a person’s shape and proportion by removing fat deposits under the skin.
You’ll find that liposuction immediately slims and reshapes areas of your body while permanently removing fat cells from the directed area.
Liposuction is the second most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States. It can treat the abdomen and waist, thighs, hips and buttocks, upper arms, back, inner knees, chest, and cheeks, chin and neck.
The Advantages of Liposuction
- Complete fat reduction – you typically only need one treatment.
- Results are usually immediate.
- You can treat more areas in one procedure for better contouring.
- Local, sedation, or general anesthesia are available for your comfort/preference.
- More consistent and predictable result than non-invasive treatments.
- Can combine with other surgical procedures for greater results.
Liposuction – Things to Think About
- Possible surgical risks.
- Downtime of a few days with some activity restrictions for three-six weeks.
- No skin tightening.
- Bruising and swelling can take weeks to resolve.
What is SmartLipo TriPlex?
SmartLipo uses laser energy to permanently remove unwanted fat.
This body-sculpting system melts away your fat while stimulating collagen to tighten and tone your skin. The laser technology literally dissolves the fat without as much downtime of traditional liposuction.
With SmartLipo, your physician can target areas of your body including your tummy, arms, neck, face back, buttocks, knees, and thighs.
You can expect to see some results right away, but the full effect is visible once the swelling subsides and the collagen has had time to grow.
The Advantages of SmartLipo
- Patients experience minimal downtime that is often less than four days.
- Minimally invasive.
- Less pain and discomfort than traditional liposuction.
- Local, sedation, or general anesthesia are available for your comfort/preference.
- Up to 8-12% skin contraction per area.
SmartLipo – Things to Think About
- Best results are seen in smaller treatment areas when compared with traditional liposuction.
What is BodyTite?
BodyTite is a terrific new solution for individuals who are looking to reduce fat without the saggy, wrinkly skin. It also helps improve saggy skin after weight loss or due to aging.
This minimally invasive procedure shapes, tightens and lifts without a scalpel or a scar.
Using radio-frequency assisted lipoplasty, BodyTite treats the stomach, arms, chest, knees and inner/outer thighs. Multiple areas can be treated in one visit. Each zone takes approximately 15 minutes.
Results can be seen immediately, with best results noticeable after three-six months.
The Advantages of BodyTite
- Superior body contouring and skin contraction. Up to a 38% skin contraction per area.
- There is less swelling, pain and bruising.
- Patients experience little downtime. Depending on the treatment area, downtime can be from one-two days up to 10 days.
- No general anesthesia needed.
What is CoolSculpting?
This noninvasive procedure contours your body by freezing your unwanted fat away with no surgery or downtime.
It uses controlled cooling to eliminate the fat cells under your skin. The fat cells are frozen, and then they die. Over time, your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates these dead cells, leaving a more sculpted you.
CoolSculpting treats the abdomen, flanks/sides, double chin, inner and outer thighs and upper arms.
The Advantages of CoolSculpting
- It’s non-invasive.
- You have no or minimal down time.
- No anesthesia – you can read, talk on your phone or watch a movie during your treatment.
- There are fewer risks, although it’s not risk-free.
- The treatment often comes at a lower price, depending on the amount done.
- It’s a good option for those who can’t have or don’t want to have surgery.
CoolSculpting – Things to Think About
- Less dramatic results compared with SmartLipo and liposuction.
- Multiple treatments may be needed.
- It takes a while to see the results.
- Skin deflation (or loose skin) not addressed.
Final Thoughts
While none of these are treatments for obesity or a substitute for proper diet and exercise, they can help reshape your contours when diet and exercise aren’t quite enough.
So, which procedure is right for you: Liposuction, SmartLipo, BodyTite, or CoolSculpting? Ultimately, the answer is, “It depends.” One procedure might be perfect for you, while another might suit your friend.
When it comes time to decide, your best option is to discuss these treatments with your physician. He or she can help you sort through the pros and cons while explaining what kind of outcomes you can expect.
Ready to explore your options? Schedule your consultation at the Plastic Surgery Center by calling 316-688-7500 or visiting pscwichita.com to request your appointment.
You Deserve Expert Guidance and Exceptional Results.
Plastic surgery involves many choices. The most important is selecting a surgeon you can trust. Expect exceptional results when you have your procedures performed by plastic surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons like Bruce Ferris, MD, and Amy Sprole, MD, or surgeons who are board-eligible, like Nataliya Biskup, MD. The specially trained doctors have at least six years of surgical training and experience, with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery.
The Plastic Surgery Center in Wichita, Kansas, is a product of a plastic surgery practice started in 1968. Celebrating 50 years in 2018, this makes it the longest-standing private plastic surgery practice in the state of Kansas. Drs. Bruce Ferris, Amy Sprole and Nataliya Biskup bring years of experience and excellence to the field of plastic surgery. Each of the surgeons is highly trained and specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery including the face, breast and body. With more than 60 years of combined training and experience, all three are uniquely qualified and exceedingly credentialed to perform your cosmetic or reconstructive procedure. In addition, the skin care department at the Plastic Surgery Center offers two highly skilled and experienced registered nurses and a medical aesthetician to take care all your skin care needs.
