What’s the Difference between CoolSculpting and Kybella?
Nonsurgical fat removal methods seem to be taking the cosmetic world by storm, and for good reason. Both CoolSculpting and Kybella are becoming popular alternatives to a surgical liposuction procedure and can produce amazing results. But that said, there are a few key differences between the two procedures, and each one comes with a distinct set of benefits. So how do you know which treatment option might be the right one for you? For starters, doing your research about CoolSculpting and Kybella can be a good first step before seeking the right medical spa for nonsurgical fat removal.
What Is CoolSculpting?
If you’ve ever dreamed of being able to freeze your fat away, CoolSculpting may finally give you that opportunity. Through a process called cryolipolysis, CoolSculpting targets the fat cells in the specified area and then freezes only those cells, essentially destroying them. Your body will then naturally expel those cells, thus permanently removing them from your body. Because this process is performed externally, there’s no surgery and minimal downtime required with CoolSculpting techniques. (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology)
While CoolSculpting can yield excellent body contouring results, it is important to keep in mind that, like liposuction, cryolipolysis isn’t a weight loss method. It is a contouring tool that targets small pockets of stubborn excess fat. Thus, it can be used on nearly any area of the body, but you should ideally reach your target weight before scheduling a CoolSculpting treatment.
What Is Kybella?
Kybella is also a nonsurgical fat removal process, but this technique has been approved exclusively as a double chin treatment method. The excess fat in this area, called submental fat, can be particularly frustrating to deal with. It’s very often hereditary and therefore doesn’t always respond to diet and exercise. When this is the case, Kybella can be an effective solution for slimming and defining the contours of your face without a surgical procedure.
Kybella works by injecting a special solution into the submental area. This solution mimics your body’s natural deoxycholic acid, which works to metabolize fat cells. Thus, Kybella injections destroy the fat cells that cause the appearance of a double chin, effectively smoothing and slimming your jawline. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Which Procedure Is Right for Me?
If you’re considering nonsurgical body contouring, first define for yourself where on the body you consider problem spots. If you’re primarily concerned with a double chin, Kybella could very likely be the right option for you. If excess exercise-resistant fat on the arms, thighs, hips, or belly are your main cosmetic concerns, then CoolSculpting might be more appropriate. The best way to determine which procedure is the right one for you is to consult an experienced plastic surgeon or dermatologist, who will be able to assess your body type and unique situation and then provide professional treatment advice.
Taking the Next Step
Choosing the right clinician for either CoolSculpting or Kybella procedures can have a huge impact on the quality of your results, not to mention your safety. Even though these are both nonsurgical procedures, they still need to be taken seriously and performed with skill and care to maximize your results and overall experience. At Acqua Blu Medical Spa in Pittsburgh and Wexford, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Heil and our certified CoolSculpting providers will take great care to provide thorough consultations and high-quality results in our state-of-the-art facilities.
If you’re considering CoolSculpting or Kybella treatments but aren’t quite sure which is best for you, or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced clinician, please feel free to contact us at (724) 933-1800 to take the first step towards loving your new look. And this Summer, Acqua Blu Medical Spa will be offering up to 30% off your CoolSculpting treatment and special offers on Kybella.