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CoolSculpting in Fairfield County, CT

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Although CoolSculpting and SmartLipo™ are gaining popularity in the cosmetic surgery industry as new and improved alternatives to reshaping your body, these procedures generally require more than one treatment to gain desired results. In addition, treatment can be more painful and more costly, while only delivering mediocre outcomes. Dr. David Passaretti prefers performing traditional liposuction at our state-of-the-art Fairfield County plastic surgery facility rather than the latest fad body contouring procedures to help patients achieve dramatic results in just one procedure. During your private consultation at our Darien, CT, practice, Dr. Passaretti will take the time to meet with you and discuss body contouring procedures in depth to help you determine which one is right for you.

CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction

CoolSculpting is a non-surgical technique designed to freeze and remove fat in the abdomen, lower back, chin, and thighs. This FDA-approved procedure uses controlled Cryolipolysis® cooling technology to freeze stubborn fat cells below the skin’s surface. As the fat cells die off, they are processed and removed through the body’s natural elimination process. Although CoolSculpting requires a licensed professional to perform the procedure in a safe and sterilized environment, it is often performed by a medical professional unfamiliar with the aesthetics of the body, such as a dermatologist or internist. Having your procedure performed by someone other than a plastic surgeon increases your risks for complications and unreliable results.

Traditional liposuction is performed with local anesthesia by a trained and qualified surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring. As a board-certified and highly experienced surgeon, Dr. Passaretti performs this procedure using the tumescent technique to deliver lasting, well-defined, and reliable results. During the procedure, a solution of saline and lidocaine is injected into the treatment area to numb and firm the unwanted fat. He will then insert a small tube through tiny incisions to suction out the unwanted fat cells without damaging surrounding tissues. Traditional liposuction gives more value for the dollars spent and, in most cases, can be completed in one procedure with dependable results.

Fairfield County Coolsculpting model

Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia

Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) is a rare complication associated with cryolipolysis, a popular non-invasive fat reduction procedure. Unlike the intended outcome of fat reduction, PAH results in an abnormal increase in fat cell volume and number, leading to an enlargement of the treated area. While cryolipolysis is generally safe, PAH occurs in less than 1% of cases, emphasizing its rarity. The exact cause of PAH remains unclear, but some theories suggest it might be related to individual variations in cellular response to cold exposure. Some people might be predisposed to this paradoxical reaction due to genetic or hormonal factors. Managing PAH requires a tailored approach. In some instances, close observation may be recommended as the condition may resolve on its own over time. Surgical interventions, such as liposuction, may be considered to physically address the enlarged area. Additionally, non-surgical modalities like laser therapy or radiofrequency may offer alternatives. Patient education plays a vital role in ensuring individuals are informed about the nature of PAH and the available treatment options. For more detailed information on PAH and its treatment, refer to our blog post on PAH.

What Are the Drawbacks to Coolsculpting?

Compared to traditional liposuction, CoolSculpting has significant drawbacks, such as:

  • Requires multiple treatment sessions
  • Can be uncomfortable and painful
  • Delivers mediocre outcomes
  • More costly procedure
  • Does not provide immediate results
  • Can only be performed on a limited number of treatment areas
  • Can cause an abnormal increase in fat and irregularities on the surface of the skin

While traditional liposuction on the abdomen may cost between $8,000 and $10,000, it can be completed in just one appointment with excellent results. CoolSculpting performed on the same area may initially be less expensive (somewhere between $6,000 to $8,000), but it will require additional treatments, thus costing you more money over time. In addition, CoolSculpting is unable to deliver the same quality of results as traditional liposuction.

Traditional liposuction gives more value for the dollars spent and, in most cases, can be completed in one procedure with dependable results.

Benefits of Coolsculpting

Patients who choose to enhance the contours of their body with coolsculpting can enjoy:

  • Non-invasive: CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure, which means there's no need for incisions or anesthesia.
  • Targeted fat reduction: It targets specific areas of the body where fat tends to accumulate, such as the abdomen, love handles, thighs, and chin.
  • Minimal downtime: Unlike surgical procedures, CoolSculpting typically requires little to no downtime, so you can return to your daily activities immediately.
  • Natural-looking results: The fat cells are gradually eliminated from the body, leading to a more natural-looking reduction in fat.

Contact Us to Learn More

If you are researching all the available body contouring procedures and trying to determine which one is better suited for your unique needs, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Passaretti. Contact our practice online today or by calling our office (203) 656-9999 for more information.

If you are considering plastic surgery in Darien, CT, or anywhere around Fairfield County, contact us to schedule a one-on-one consultation with top plastic surgeon Dr. Passaretti.

722 Post Rd, Ste 201, Darien, CT 06820