Regarding fat reduction and body contouring, technology, without a doubt, has changed considerably. Many providers still utilize old fat cell removal technologies, however, with the use of innovative body contouring and fat reduction procedures such as Zerona technology, we can give clients precise, effective, and safe treatments that last.

Many of the old fat cell removal treatments are still used today. Some of the most common procedures include liposuction and CoolSculpting. Possibly you have considered receiving these popular procedures or may have already undergone this procure.

How does liposuction work?

During the liposuction procedure, the patient is cut open by an experienced doctor and fat is removed from your body through suction cannula. This procedure can involve cutting, bruising, scarring, and swelling post treatment. Not to mention the risks associated with surgically opening up the body’s most important defense mechanism – the skin, as well as the risks associated with anesthesia. Although there may be a small chance of no downtime after the procedure, this is highly unlikely. Typically, you must take a few days to weeks to recover before returning to your normal activities.

Liposuction Side Effects

There are several complications that go along with liposuction treatment, including:

• Excessive blood and fluid loss, leading to shock
• Fluid buildup
• Fat clots or blood clots, which may travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and become life-threatening.
• Organ damage due to a puncture into the cavity containing the abdominal organs or damage to an organ such as the spleen.
• Infections and toxic reactions
• Nerve damage/numbness
• Scarring
• Bagging, rippling and uneven skin around the treated areas

Less common side effects include:

• Permanent color changes in the skin.
• Damage to the nerves and skin. The heat generated during ultrasound-assisted liposuction may burn the skin or damage the tissue under the skin, often resulting in numbness.
• Buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This is most likely to occur when a large volume of fluid is injected into the body.
• Toxic reaction to the injected solution (lidocaine toxicity), especially if large areas or many areas are treated at one time.
• If you gain weight after having liposuction, your body may store the new fat in a different place than where you had fat cells removed. New fat can grow deep inside your body, around your organs, such as your heart or liver. This type of fat can be more harmful to your body than fat that is stored near the surface of your body, such as on your hips or thighs.

How does CoolSculpting work?

CoolSculpting is a popular procedure that freezes and crystallizes fat cells using a handheld suction device. The procedure typically takes a couple of hours to complete, yet can take weeks to months to see results and patients describe experiencing mild discomfort and a combination of other side effects.

CoolSculpting Side Effects

• Redness and bruising
• Swelling
• Skin damage
• Prolonged pain
• Abrupt fat layer changes
• Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (the treated area becomes larger and not smaller)
• Tenderness
• Cramping
• Itching
• Tingling
• Temporary numbness