Are you fighting stubborn pockets of fat with frequent dieting and exercise without results? Don’t give up just yet. It may be time to consider other methods to achieve the slimmer, more contoured body you want. Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery is a premier facility that offers cosmetic procedures such as CoolSculpting and liposuction as effective fat reduction options in Tucson, AZ. Our plastic surgery experts believe that each procedure offers certain benefits in aesthetic treatment.
While a liposuction procedure is still the gold standard for surgical fat removal, nonsurgical options such as CoolSculpting continue to gain popularity among those seeking less invasive measures. To learn more about these proven solutions, contact our office to schedule your initial consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao. We welcome men and women with a range of cosmetic goals to our facility.
What to expect with liposuction
Surgical liposuction is a body contouring treatment to reduce and remove fat from areas of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, and buttocks for a trimmer appearance. Dr. Rao performs liposuction at an accredited surgery center while the patient is under general anesthesia. A fluid known as tumescent anesthetic is used during the procedure to help facilitate the removal of the fat cells, diminish pain, and reduce bleeding. To complete the surgery, Dr. Rao inserts a tube called a cannula through small incisions to loosen and remove fat through suction before closing the incisions and applying dressings to the site.
The staff at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery offer patients information about recovering at home, including how to care for your incisions. Usually patients return to work within a week after liposuction surgery. In the meantime, you may notice some swelling and bruising for 1 – 2 weeks. To give your body time to heal, try to avoid strenuous activities or exercise. Dr. Rao will recommend light workouts to build up your strength and encourage healthy circulation. Keep in mind that while you will see some improvements in the first six weeks, it may take 6 – 10 months before your ideal body contour is achieved from liposuction.
Learn how CoolSculpting is performed
CoolSculpting uses an advanced, noninvasive technology known as cryolipolysis to freeze and eliminate fat cells. Since fat cells are especially vulnerable to cold temperatures, the muscle and skin are unharmed in the process. During the CoolSculpting session, Dr. Rao applies the applicator to the skin to begin the controlled cooling. The state-of-the-art device uses suction to keep the treatment area steady, which takes about an hour to perform. Since CoolSculpting is noninvasive, patients are free to sit and relax during their sessions.
Most patients can return to their day as normal following CoolSculpting in Tucson, AZ. Side effects usually include bruising, swelling, and some redness at the treated site. You can speak with our team at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery to learn how to feel more comfortable as you heal. Any side effects are temporary and should subside over the next several days after your appointment. Patients can see their new and improved body contouring results in just a few short weeks, but the most obvious outcomes appear in about 1 – 3 months.
Which body contouring option is right for me?
For patients looking to treat excess belly fat in the body, liposuction and CoolSculpting are both suitable choices. During your consultation with Dr. Rao, we will ask a series of questions to understand your medical background as well as aesthetic needs and preferences. The procedure may also be chosen based on how dramatic you want your outcome to be. A liposuction procedure allows for more fat to be removed in a single session while CoolSculpting offers mild to moderate improvements without surgery over multiple sessions. Here are some pros and cons of each treatment:
- Since CoolSculpting is noninvasive, side effects are usually minor. However, you may require several sessions spread out over a few weeks.
- Liposuction is a more permanent procedure that doesn’t require additional sessions. Of course, you will need to take into account recovery time after surgery due to it’s invasive technique.
The consultation process for body contouring candidates
The ideal candidate for both CoolSculpting and liposuction procedures should be in good physical health, with localized fat deposits, and realistic expectations about their outcome. Whether you choose a surgical or nonsurgical method, patients should consider a long-term plan for maintaining their results, such as a diet and exercise regimen. Consulting with a knowledgeable plastic surgeon to discuss your body contouring objectives is, of course, the best way to know which is right for you.
Body contouring with Dr. Rao
When traditional weight loss methods are unsuccessful, a surgical or nonsurgical fat reduction treatment may be the answer. At the Tucson, AZ offic of Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery, we place your comfort and satisfaction first. Whether you desire liposuction or CoolSculpting belly fat eliminating procedures, we hope to rejuvenate your appearance and give you an unforgettable experience. When you are ready, set up a personalized consultation with Dr. Arun Rao. We proudly employ bilingual staff members to accommodate our Spanish-speaking patients. Call us to set up your appointment now.
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* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.
