Is Surgery Necessary for a ‘Perfect’ Body?

Many of the patients we see who want a slimmer, more contoured body ask if it’s possible to get the desired results through non-surgical treatments such as CoolSculpting®, rather than a tummy tuck or liposuction. At our Louisville practice, we spend a lot of time during consultations both assessing patients’ physical condition and discussing their goals before recommending a specific procedure to meet their needs.

That being said, technological advances in recent years have made non-surgical body contouring a safe, viable, and effective option for many patients who want to avoid more invasive procedures. CoolSculpting and truSculpt™, for example, are becoming increasingly popular choices for our patients who are bothered by localized pockets of fat but want a treatment that doesn’t require the downtime associated with surgery.

CoolSculpting and truSculpt both target localized fat bulges that persist even when someone exercises regularly and eats a healthful diet. CoolSculpting kills fat cells by freezing them using a safe, carefully monitored process that doesn’t damage the skin or other tissue. While CoolSculpting focuses specifically on fat, truSculpt can reduce both fat and cellulite. By gently heating fat and the skin’s deeper layers, truSculpt uses radiofrequency energy to destroy fat and promote stronger, thicker skin to minimize cellulite.

Because non-surgical body contouring works gradually, patients won’t see results immediately. Multiple treatments also get optimal results. On the other hand, liposuction and tummy tuck surgery produce immediate results, which can also generally remove much more fat. But there is a recovery period that requires patients to take time off from their normal daily routines.

Ultimately, whether someone is a good candidate for a non-surgical body sculpting procedure or is better off undergoing surgery is a decision that’s best made after consulting with an experienced, qualified specialist. We would be pleased to find the right choice for you if you’re interested in contouring your body.